The village of Shetphal (Haveli), located 15 km from Indapur, is home to an ancient east-facing temple of Mahādeva (18.09131, 74.966040). Based on architectural cues, the temple and possibly the banyan tree are likely to date back to the 14th or 15th century. A noteworthy feature of the temple compound is a large banyan tree, which adds to the spiritual and historical atmosphere.

Temple of Mahādeva.

Nandīmaṇḍapa

Architecture: The general plan of this temple is consisting nandīmaṇḍapa, sabhāmaṇḍapa, antarāḷa and garbhagṛha. The size of the nandīmaṇḍapa is 251 x 251 cm and it may have been restored during the Marāṭhā period. There is a Nandī image in the nandīmaṇḍapa and a Devanāgarī inscription is engraved on the vitāna. But it is not visible due to the application of heavy paint.

The sabhāmaṇḍapa has unique features: its dimensions are 544 cm in length and 547 cm in width. It includes kakṣāsanas with back walls and two ardhastambhas. Also within are a śivaliṅga with a pañcaliṅga and an enigmatic horizontal stone slab laid on the entry path; its purpose remains unknown. In terms of structural components, the sabhāmaṇḍapa contains four main stambhas and 10 ardhastambhas. Notably, nāgabandhas are carved onto the stambhaśīrṣas. Additionally, the raṅgaśiḷā measures 272 x 272 cm.

The antarāḷa measures 231 cm by 206 cm and contains two devakoṣhṭhas. In one resides a Gaṇeśa sculpture; in the other, a smaller śivaliṅga has been placed. A column has been employed in the antarāḷa to support the weight of an overlying beam. The garbhagṛha has dimensions of 225 cm by 195 cm. Its entrance is straightforward and features stambhaśākhās. Elephant sculptures are also seen carved on the udumbara. At the center of the garbhagṛha is a śivaliṅga, and modern images of Viṭṭala-Rukmiṇī have been placed behind it.

A śivaliṅga with a five liṅgas.

An entrance of the temple.

Garbhagṛha.

Temple Exterior: The exterior of the Mahādeva temple is flat. Also, the śikhara of the temple has fallen off. There are two samādhīs in the temple premises. It can be guessed that earlier the temple must have had a fencing wall because its entrance is still visible. There is a large nāgaśilpa near this entrance.

An entrance of the temple complex.

Concluding Remarks: The Mahādeva temple doesn't stand in isolation; nearby are temples dedicated to Bhairavanātha and Mārutī, enriching the spiritual landscape of the village. The Bhairavanātha temple is located behind the Mahādeva temple, whereas the Mārutī temple and a well are positioned in front of it.

A significant aspect of this religious complex is a large banyan tree near the Mahādeva temple, which adds to the natural and spiritual ambiance of the location. Observations suggest that the temple is well-preserved, indicating a collective effort from the local community to maintain its historic and spiritual integrity. The architectural style points to its construction around the 14th century CE. Given the current trend where older temples are being replaced by new constructions, there is a growing concern for the preservation of such historic sites. One hopes that this particular temple will remain untouched by such developments.