The Temple of Confluences: Sangameshwar Shiva Temple, Saswad, Pune

Just a few minutes walk from the Bhairavnath Temple lies one of the most ancient temples of Saswad in Pune: Sangameshwar Temple. The temple dates back to the Yadav ruled era around the 10th century and you cross a small bridge to reach the place.

When we reach the place, the sun is high above the mountains hushing the temple in its mid-noon siesta.

The temple is a stony affair, built entirely in massive and serene stones adding to its rustic charisma. In contrast to the boulder-ed temple, it's surroundings are exquisite, scenic and full of greenery. Huge trees provide shady canopies overlooking the enormous confluence (sangam) stream of Karha and Chameli Rivers flowing through the seismic town.

A view of the Sangameshwar Temple, Saswad, Pune

A flight of steep stairs bring you to the temple’s pavilion area where you can rest and enjoy the scenery. A scenery, which transports you back in time – some ten centuries back.

Steep flight of stairs at the Sangameshwar Shiva Temple, Saswad, Pune

The ancient Sangameshwar Shiva Temple, Saswad, Pune

The sight of small spires ejecting heavenwards from the mini temples around, a coiling stream merging with the olive vegetation far in the distance, and grayish mountains standing guard in the backdrop is a very calming experience – a blissful sight indeed!

Adjoining Temple of the Sangameshwar Shiva Temple, Saswad, Pune

As you walk into the temple, you are immediately bought face to face with a grand life-size Nandi, in black stone, His eyes fixed on His Master Shiva.

Life like Nandi Bull at the Sangameshwar Shiva Temple, Saswad entrance, Pune

The pavilion opens up into a sabhamandap (temple hall) where you come across one more Nandi, this time ornately painted in colors and right across the main temple hall, the garbhagriha.

The colorful ornate Nandi Bull at the Sangameshwar Shiva Temple, Saswad, Pune

Just outside the sanctum sanctorum sits Lord Ganesh and other guardian deities carved in the niches of the rugged walls.


Lord Ganesha at the Sangameshwar Shiva Temple, Saswad, Pune
Carvings at the Sangameshwar Shiva Temple, Saswad, Pune

The garbhagriha is a dark roomed cellar, with a lone diya over the Shivling spreading its radiance around. You can see Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha in the background; a picture of Saint Sopandev painted on the sidewall looks on. The sanctum room breathes in pin-drop silence wrapping the air in a mystical enigma.

The ancient Shivling at the Sangameshwar Shiva Temple, Saswad, Pune

The temple is a very ancient one alright but what I personally find most impressive about the temple is its name - Sangameshwar - one look around and the name rings true in every direction my eyes can see...

Be it in the confluence of the Karha and the Chameli Rivers...

The canal at the Sangameshwar Shiva Temple, Saswad, Pune

Be it the integrating contrast of the lifeless stones and the colorful foliage that formed a wonderful panorama...

The beautiful views from the Sangameshwar Shiva Temple, Saswad, Pune

Be it the imposing intricately carved shikhara beneath the deep blue sky… 

The ancient stony Sangameshwar Shiva Temple, Saswad, Pune

Be it the mini black colored Shivling wrapped in the fragrance of a bright red rose offered by a devout…

A Shivling at the Sangameshwar Shiva Temple, Saswad, Pune

Don't they seem to remind of the myriad contrasts?

... like black and white,
like dark and light,
like joys and sorrows,
like hope and despair,

The green foliage at the Sangameshwar Shiva Temple, Saswad, Pune

... a different kind of a sangam perhaps ...
of those, that make up this thing called life.

Previous Posts from Pune:

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39 Comments

  1. Υπέροχες φωτογραφίες Arti!!!
    Σπουδαίος Ναός!
    Να έχεις ένα όμορφο Σαββατοκύριακο!

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  2. A beautiful temple with surrounding serenity and charm.Your lovely images supported by incredible imagery in your descriptions adds a sense of awe and has a mesmerizing effect on the reader.

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  3. Saswad in another place I have to visit (and its so close to my place)

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  4. Hello Arti, I like when you take me on a tour of your ancient temples. This Sangameshwar Temple is in such a beautiful place, both the rivers and the vegetation are inviting. It looks very tranquil there. The stone work is amazing.

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  5. Wonderful post, Nice to read about Sangameshwar Shiva Temple, Awesome photos.

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  6. Sangameshwar Shiva Temple is beautiful and its surrounding makes it look more attractive. I especially like the photos including reflections. Yes, our life consists of opposite things; duality forms a whole.

    It was nice to hear from you, Arti. Excuse me for this delayed visit. Have joyful days ahead.

    Yoko

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  7. Arti: Who could have thought that we will discover so much in a small town like Saswad..the Shiva temple, the rivers everything takes you back hundreds of years. This has been a delightful journey through your eyes....a wonderful reminder how Incredible India truly is....

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  8. Beautiful temple in a an old town with peaceful surroundings...enjoying your discoveries of Saswad very much Arti :)

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  9. Another enjoyable read and makes me feel how much I missed even though I lived in Pune!

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  10. Arti the temple look amazing, it is old and quiet, the colour of ganesha and nandi is interesting, but why it's look like not many pilgrim pray inside there ?

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  11. An interesting Post.... Thanks for sharing!

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  12. Wonderful pics & words, Arti!
    Yes, life is a great Sangam!

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  13. amazing pictures, I did feel the silence in the place, thanks for sharing Arti :)

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  14. Such a great looking temple in such a lovely surrounding. I'm sure it was a pleasant trip.
    Nice pictures up here, Arti. :)

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  15. The perspective you captured through the lens were impressive!! Beautiful temple and wonderful work detail.

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  16. Loving those intricately carved deities. A wonderful post as always, thank you.

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  17. Wow! Today is Monday and I have visited Sangameshwar Temple here today. :-) This beauty and peace is unbelievable. I am reading this post after a hectic day and thanks to you, Arti and Lord Shiva - I am feeling so calm. Love this place so much.

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  18. There is so much to explore in this country of ours, You find a bit of history in every part of this colorful nation

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  19. Beautiful shots. Loved your post :)

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  20. Hundreds of such beautiful temples reside in remote corners of our country. It's like a virtual tour through your lens... you've such mastery in presenting the lesser known beauties...hats off dear... :-)

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  21. Nice post. It gives a fair idea about the place. Good that you posted images of the idols, so that we can understand better.

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  22. nice pics ! the place seems to be very calm and peaceful :)

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  23. Great clicks:). Place looks really nice:).

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  24. wow such a beautiful pleasing clicks ...some are so amazing Arti .....just wow...too good post !

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  25. That's a wonderful temple. I love exploring different temples when travelling. On my bucket list!! :)

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  26. Yet another lovely serene place with beautiful images and wonderful description! The last picture is so fab! :)

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  27. Hi Arti, very happy to step into your world and read your works. Some temples are known for their histories, the power of their deities and some for their locations. Temples in India cover all these norms exclusively and yet display the extravagance in architecture and take pride for that note as well….good compilation!

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  28. I have been to this location once two years ago but the way you have described this temple Arti is extremely elaborate and beautiful. I feel like I’ve missed out on a lot of things that you experienced in this location. Can’t wait to go back again!

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  29. Being a very old and ancient one, I request every citizen if find opportunity, kindly do visit the temple and take blessings

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  30. I am also thinking to write blog on the same temple, but when actually started to write, i found your one. I found it so perfect. I visited this temple many times, you explaind this temple very clearly with images. You are doing so good.

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  31. Indian temples, especially their architectures, are a sight to behold!

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  32. Hi Arti, Great article... thanks to write for us.

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  36. Thanks for sharing the masterpiece of India. Loved all the pictures. Keep sharing.

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