Situated 21 km west of Indapur city and 24 km south of Palasdev is the village of Shelgaon. This village is home to two ancient temples, Mallikārjuna (18.104900, 74.839988) and Kedāreśvara (18.105238, 74.840596), which are located on the banks of a small stream. Remarkably, these temples have garnered little attention to date.

Among them, the Mallikārjuna, also known as Mahādeva temple is particularly precarious, teetering on the brink of destruction. Exposed to the elements of heat, wind, and rain, the temple's ruins are nonetheless significant in various ways. Preliminary observations suggest that they likely date back to approximately the 12th or 13th century CE. This east-facing Mahādeva temple is strategically located at the confluence of five streams. At present, only its plinth, a few pillars, and some sculptures remain visible. The temple's plinth measures 550 cm in width and 503 cm in length. Thre are Viṣṇu, Gaṇeśa, an archer, nāga, śivaliṅga, and a sarvatobhadra vīragaḷa lying on the premises. Also, another excellent sarvatobhadra vīragaḷa is lying in front of the temple. Thus, a total of five vīragaḷas are seen on the premises of this temple. Given its historical and architectural importance, the temple holds significant value despite its deteriorating condition.

Mahādeva temple.

Keśava (Viṣṇu) sculpture: The Keśava (Viṣṇu) sculpture (80 cm high) on the plinth is complete and holds the attributes padma, śankha, cakra , and gadā. Garuḍa is on the right side of this image, and Śridevī is on the other side.

Keśava (Viṣṇu).

Gaṇeśa sculpture: The Gaṇeśa sculpture at this place (75 cm tall) can be said to be one of the Pune district's masterpieces. It is complete, and a broken tooth, paraśu, paśa, and a plate full of modakas are in his hands. Gaṇeśa is sitting in lalitāsana and has nāgabandha on his belly.

Gaṇeśa

Hero stone no. 1.: Out of all the sarvatobhadra vīragaḷas, the vīragaḷas on the outside of the temple are very artistically carved. But due to negligence towards its maintenance, this excellent vīragaḷa may get destroyed in the future. The biography of a hero has been engraved on the said vīragaḷa. It is shown that a vīra is dedicating his head to his adoring god. This vīragaḷa is 115 cm tall and 45.5 cm wide. Vīra’s life story is carved in three compartments on its four sides.

The sarvatobhadra vīragaḷa.

On one side, it is seen that Vīra has sacrificed himself by cutting off his head. Even with his head cut down, he sits in ardhapadmāsana and dhyānamudrā. On the right side of this hero, a person is carrying a severed head on his head. Cāmaradhāriṇīs stand on either side of this hero. Whereas above, two nymphs have entered through the sky with garlands in their hands. Five instrumentalists-singers are standing below this hero. They are playing drums, trumpets, and cymbals, and one seems to be singing the epic of a dead hero. The hero is wearing rich robes. Probably he was a highly respected person.

A severed head hero sitting in ardhapadmāsana and dhyānamudrā.

The middle compartment shows the vīra being carried by two nymphs. Along with vīra, two cāmaradhāriṇīs are standing on either side fanning.

The middle compartment shows the vīra being carried by two nymphs.

In the topmost compartment, vīra is seated in namaskāramudrā in front of śivaliṅga and Nandī. Cāmaradhāriṇīs are also present accompanying him. A Gurav or a priest stands beside the śivaliṅga.

namaskāramudrā

On the other side of vīragaḷa, the said vīra is shown fighting with four enemy armies. Again, five players (musicians) are standing below.

vīra is fighting with four enemy armies.

The scenes in the upper two compartments are carved, as mentioned earlier. They also have similar events carved on the sides of the vīragaḷa.

Another portion of the vīragaḷa (hero stone).

A hero is seating in palanquin.

Hero is seating In front of Shivalinga.

Hero stone No. 2.: Sarvatobhadra vīragaḷas on the platform and outside the temple seem similar and of the same theme. But the vīragaḷa on the platform is largely eroded. Its total height is 130 cm, and its width is 40 cm.

Śivaliṅga: There are a few śivaliṅga and other sculptures on the premises of this ruined temple.

A śivaliṅga in the ruin temple of Mahadev.

A śivaliṅga is outside of the ruined temple.

An archer (Hero).

Nāga and hero stone no. 3.

Concluding Remark: The Mahādeva temple's architectural and artistic elements, particularly its sculptures and pillars, suggest that it was likely constructed around the 12th or 13th century CE. Notably, these sculptures stand out as masterpieces among vīragaḷas, or hero stones, which are an essential part of the region's cultural heritage.

Regrettably, the care and preservation of these vīragaḷas and sculptures have been woefully inadequate. This neglect represents not just a loss for art and history but also for the cultural identity of the local community. To compound the problem, it's disheartening to note that people have been defecating right in front of this historically and culturally significant temple. Given the temple's importance, there is an urgent need for villagers to recognize and protect this part of their cultural heritage. By doing so, they would contribute not only to its preservation but also to the broader understanding and appreciation of their community's historical legacy.