Panchaling Mahadev Temple, Junnar

The historical place of Junnar is 94 km away from Pune. It was a major trading centre during the Sātavāhana period. Many Buddhist caves were excavated in the area around Junnar during the early historic period. This area was an active commercial and religious place even post the Buddhist period. Antiquities like pillars of temples, images of gods and goddesses, vīragaḷas etc. are seen everywhere in the area. Some relics of medieval temples are still visible in Junnar. During the Marāṭhā period, Chatrapatī Śivājī Mahārāj was born here in Junnar at Śivnerī fort.

Statues of Jijāmātā and Chatrapatī Śivājī Mahārāj

Pañcaliṅga Mahādeva: The temple (19.206395, 73.864016) belongs to the Marāṭhā period and is located at the base of Śivnerī fort. There is also a water tank and a samādhī with an inscription nearby. The temple premises presents an attractive view of the hilly surrounding of Junnar. The Pañcaliṅga Mahādeva temple is surrounded by a fencing wall on all sides. The temple includes a nandīmaṇḍapa, sabhāmaṇḍapa and garbhagṛha. The entire temple is founded on a 1 m high plinth. There is a śivaliṅga in the centre of the garbhagṛha which is said to have five liṅgas. Some niches have been created in the walls of sabhāmaṇḍapa and garbhagṛha to keep the ritual-equipments. The vitānas of the sabhāmaṇḍapa and garbhagṛha are dome-shaped.

Superstructure (śikhara) of the temple.

Samādhī and Kuṇḍa.

Additional Information: The temple’s Marāṭhā style śikhara is still in its original state. Stucco-style sculptures are placed on all sides of it. They include images of Śeṣaśāyī Viṣṇu, Gaṇeśa and other deities. The growth of trees, bushes and grass in the temple śikhara is creating a threat to it, and it needs to be conserved immediately. A group of laghuśikharas is at the top of the temple. Generally, such structures can be seen on the temples śikharas constructed before 1750 CE.