Ankaleshvar temple, Akole

The small village of Akole is just five km from the Pune-Solapur National Highway and only 12 km from Bhigvan. In Akole, a beautiful temple dedicated to Aṅkaleśvara Mahādeva (18.207802, 74.753635) stands on elevated ground. This temple, both stunning and well-maintained, boasts a śikhara in the Bhūmija style that captivates all who see it from a distance. During the Sultanate/Bahamani period, specifically in the 14th-15th century CE, a new temple could have been constructed on the site of the original Yādava temple that had deteriorated or alternatively, and most likely, an older temple might have been restored. Local residents say the village of Akole was named after this temple.

Aṅkaleśvara Mahādeva temple.

Architecture:  The temple's layout comprises the nandīmaṇḍapa, sabhāmaṇḍapa, antarāḷa, and garbhagṛha. Access to the temple courtyard is via a series of steps, leading into an area bounded by a restored perimeter wall. Fragments of the original temple are visible within these grounds, with some reincorporated into the existing walls. The original nandīmaṇḍapa is no longer standing; however, the Nandī sits atop a plinth measuring 252 cm by 252 cm. An inscription bearing the name 'Vaghoji' from the Marāṭhā era is found on a slab in the maṇḍapa.

Sabhāmaṇḍapa: Approaching the sabhāmaṇḍapa, one encounters a section of the kakṣāsana, flanked by two ardhastambhas. The sabhāmaṇḍapa itself measures 545 cm in length and 550 cm in width, while the typical raṅgamaṇḍapa is around 280 cm square. The sabhāmaṇḍapa houses four stambhas and ten ardhastambhas, each standing 200 cm tall. Two devakoṣhṭhas can be found within the maṇḍapa—one on each side. The right devakoṣhṭha showcases a splendid Lakṣmī-Nārāyaṇa image, while the left houses the remnants of a deity's face. Notably, the pillars are unadorned by any distinct carvings. An exquisite Saptamātrikāpaṭṭa is positioned on the western corner wall of the sabhāmaṇḍapa. This panel likely begins with a Bhairava figure, followed by seven mātrikās, each with their respective vehicles, and concludes with a Gaṇeśa representation. Adjacent to the Saptamātrikāpaṭṭa, a vīragaḷa has been incorporated into the wall.

Antarāḷa: The antarāḷa of the temple is simple, and it measures 200 cm long and 192 cm wide. The vitāna of antarāḷa is decorative and constructed in bricks. A recent sculpture of Gaṇeśa is seen to be kept above the entrance to the garbhagṛha.

Garbhagṛha: The garbhagṛha of the temple measures 200 cm x 200 cm in size and has the liṅga of Aṅkaleśvara inside. Vitāna of the garbhagṛha is also built with bricks. Such vitānas are not often seen elsewhere. The influence of the Islamic style of architecture is felt in the vitānas of antarāḷa and garbhagṛha.

Śikhara: The śikhara (vimāna) of the temple is of Bhūmija style, and it is Pañcabhūma. It is also Pañcaratha type. The śikhara of the temple has latās and śūrasenakas. Āmalaka and kalaśa can be seen at the top of the śikhara. The śukanāsikā is on the front part of the śikhara. The exterior of the garbhagṛha can be called a rare type. This temple is a good example of how Bhūmija style temples were built in Maharashtra even during the 14th-15th century CE.

Sabhāmaṇḍapa

Saptamātrikāpaṭṭa.

Garbhagṛha.

Vitāna of the garbhagṛha.

Loose images: A Marāṭhā period sculpture of caturbhuja (four-handed) Gaṇeśa and a fragmented śivaliṅga are placed on a platform in the temple premises. Five vīragaḷas are kept near these sculptures. An ass-curse measuring 90 cm high and 33 cm wide is close by. The moon and sun are carved on the top, and the donkey is below. However, it cannot be said whether there should be an inscription, as a black layer has been formed due to pouring a lot of oil. Nearby is a Marāṭhā period samādhī. Two Nandīs are placed in front of it.

A Marāṭhā period sculpture of caturbhuja (four-handed) Gaṇeśa.

Concluding Remarks: The Aṅkaleśwara temple, many years ago, was gifted 18 acres of land as a donation. Today, Mr. Rajaram Sherba Kumbhar serves as its priest, with his family having done so for four generations. While most Śiva temples in Maharashtra have priests from the Gurava caste, it's unusual for the Aṅkaleśwara temple to have priests from the kumbhāra (potter) caste. From an architectural perspective, the Aṅkaleśwara temple holds significant importance. Its excellent state of preservation means that there is currently no urgency for special conservation measures. Its proximity to the Pune-Solapur National Highway makes it easily accessible for devotees and pilgrims traveling from distant locations. Adjacent to this temple also stands a newer Viṭṭala-Rukmiṇī temple.