The village of Loni-Bhapkar is situated 76 km away from Pune and can be conveniently accessed via the Pune-Baramati Road, with Morgaon being just 10 km away. Following the Mallikārjuna temple and the Kāḷabhairavanātha temple in Loni Bhapkar, the 500 year old east-facing Mahādeva temple (coordinates 18.226947, 74.383428) stands as an important religious site from a historical perspective 

Mahādeva temple.

Ground plan of the Mahādeva temple.

Architecture: The general plan of Mahādeva temple consists of nandīmaṇḍapa, sabhāmaṇḍapa, antarāḷa and garbhagṛha.  The śikhara of the temple has been well-preserved, maintaining its original state to this day. The Nandīmaṇḍapa, measuring 382 x 382 cm, houses the Nandī at its center. This maṇḍapa is supported by four pillars and remains in good condition. The sabhāmaṇḍapa measures 590 cm in length and 605 cm in width. It features four flat pillars with a height of 206 cm each. To facilitate natural lighting, a window-like door is situated on the west side of the sabhāmaṇḍapa. Above the raṅgaśiḷā, a beam displays faint inscriptions in the Devanāgarī script. Additionally, a vīragaḷa is mounted on the side wall of the sabhāmaṇḍapa.

The antarāḷa, sized 202 x 202 cm, has empty devakoṣṭhas on either side. The garbhagṛha is 210 cm long and 200 cm wide. Its entrance is unadorned but features a clear stambhaśākhā. While the lalāṭapaṭṭa is carved, it lacks a Gaṇeśa sculpture. In each of the four corners of the garbhagṛha, an ardhastambha is placed. Inside, a śivaliṅga has been installed.

śivaliṅga

Śikhara: The śikhara of the temple is of Bhūmija type. Five bhūmīs are visible on the śikhara. Āmlaka and kalaśā are seen above all. Śukanāsikā is beside the śikhara. There is a small śikhara above the sabhāmaṇḍapa. The exterior of the temple is flat. Application of the modern paint on the entire temple is not required.

Vīragaḷas:A total of 24 vīragaḷas are placed in front of the temple. Some of these are remarkable. Most of these vīragaḷas are brought from the village premises and kept here. A Sarvatobhadra type vīragaḷa is present which measures 133 cm high and 34/38 cm wide. The height of some vīragaḷas is 125 cm.

Vīragaḷas.

Concluding Remarks: Overall, the Mahādeva temple is in good condition. If the premises will be kept clean, it will add to the beauty of the temple. Based on its architecture, it seems that it was built in the 15th-16th century. There is a bārava at some distance. It needs to be cleaned. Apart from these, there is another dilapidated temple of Mahādeva in a farm out of the village. It’s sabhāmaṇḍapa and garbhagṛha have been collapsed but few vīragaḷas are visible.