Located at about 94 km from Pune City and 18 km from Baramati, the village of Pandare has rightfully earned its moniker as the "Village of Temples." Its landscape is dotted with an array of temples – both grand and humble. These sacred edifices are dedicated to a diverse group of deities including Siddheśvara, Śiva, Reṇukā, Khaṇḍobā, Adaleśvara, Soneśvara, and Bhairava.

Reṇukā Temple: The 15th century Reṇukā Temple (at coordinates 18.137418, 74.463322), oriented towards the east and located near the southern vicinity of the Siddheśvara Temple, is especially noteworthy. It stands out not just because of its proximity to other temples but also for its unique 'Phaṁsanā' architectural style. Elevated on a platform, the Reṇukā Mātā Temple is truly an imposing sight. Yet, its aesthetic charm is overshadowed by the surrounding areas, which suffer from neglect, litter, and unchecked vegetation. A rejuvenation of these surroundings could undoubtedly amplify the temple's inherent grandeur.

Notably, in contrast to its splendour, thAe temple rarely sees a gathering of devotees. The lack of daily rituals and festivities contributes to its quietude. Presently, the area in front of the temple doubles as a training ground for wrestlers. It has become a hub where the village's youth converge to practice exercises and master wrestling manoeuvres – a tradition deeply rooted in their respect for the divine Śaktī.

Reṇukā Temple

A ground plan of the Reṇukā Temple.

An elevation of the temple (frontal).

An elevation of the temple lateral view.

Architecture: The temple's entrance is simple yet carries an air of antiquity. A plough motif is etched atop the entrance archway, a symbol that recurs four times across the temple. These plough motifs likely signify an agricultural heritage. Adjacent to the door, a wall bears the inscription "Prahlād Bua Vastād" and a plough engraving. Paleographic analysis places this inscription around a century ago, while the depiction of the plough likely predates that. The architectural layout of the temple encompasses a hall and a sanctum. Upon crossing the threshold, one steps into a dimly lit hall. The hall stretches 352 cm in length and 510 cm in width, supported by four pillars and twelve pilasters. Circular 'raṅgaśilā' embellishes the space between these pillars. The hall and the sanctum showcase uncomplicated roof designs.

A plough motif

A wall bears the inscription "Prahlād Bua Vastād" and a plough engraving.

The hall of the temple.

Temple Interior: The temple's sanctum sanctorum is non-ornate, measuring 240 cm in length and 226 cm in width. Within this space, the idol of Reṇukā Mātā is seated in 'padmāsana' upon a 'pīṭha'. Vermilion paint lends an air of mystique to the image. The four-armed deity wields a sword and a palate drum in her right hand, while her left-hand holds a 'Khaṭvāṅga' and 'Kapāla'. Below the idol rests 'Nāramuṇḍa' on the right and 'Meṣha' or 'Mahiṣha-mukha' on the left. A regal crown graces her head. Artistically reminiscent of the icon in the Yamai Temple at Malegaon Khurd, this representation could embody a form of Cāmuṇḍā. Adjacent to the idol of Reṇukā Mātā, an idol of Bhairava and a figure with folded hands stand. The temple also houses a slab engraved with four 'pādukās'.

Temple Exterior: Externally, the temple's architecture is marked by simplicity with its elegant 'Phaṁsanā ' style brick śikhara over the sanctum sanctorum. Featuring ten tiers of brick layers that taper upwards, the structure's apex slightly droops. The bhadra portion extends to the peak. The presence of similar brick layers in the assembly hall suggests the existence of a smaller brick peak in the past.

The idol of Reṇukā Mātā.

'Pādukās'

The elegant 'Phaṁsanā' style brick śikhara.

Concluding Remarks: Preserving the rare 'Phaṁsanā ' style spire on the Reṇukā Mātā Temple is paramount. Such spires in this style are scarce in the Pune district, with the only notable examples found at temples like Khireśvara near Junnar, Malad near Baramati, and Mukhai near Shikrapur. Considering the overall architectural elements of the Reṇukā Temple, encompassing the pillars, the deity's idol, the plough carvings, and the spire's structure, it is plausible to conclude that this temple was erected in the 15th century. The preservation of such a distinctive temple is of utmost importance. Efforts to promote Pandare as a "Temple Village" could contribute to an increase in religious pilgrimage and tourism. Enhancing cleanliness and publicizing the Reṇukā Temple premises could stimulate the influx of devotees.