Songaon, situated at the meeting point of the Nira and Karha rivers, boasts a rich history that dates back to the prehistoric period. The nearby Soneśvara temple adds to the locale's scenic allure. Researchers S. B. Dev and G. G. Mujumdar from Deccan College, Pune, conducted excavations on the banks of these rivers in 1965. They unearthed various types of potsherds and evidence of ancient human settlements, categorizing these findings as the Malva phase. These remains are contemporaneous with the chalcolithic Jorwe culture, indicating that the area has been a hub of human activity for over 3500 years.

Even today, one can find pottery, precious stones, and other historical artifacts near the temple mound, attesting to the area's enduring historical significance. Songaon joins a list of archaeologically significant sites in the Pune district, which includes places like Chandoli, Inamgaon, Valki, Pimpalsuti, Khed, Sashthewadi, Theur, Koregaon-Bhima, Talegaon Dhamdhere, and Sherivadi.

Soneśvara temple: The Soneśvara temple occupies a unique geographical position, flanked by rivers on three sides. Because of this natural boundary, access to the temple is possible only from one terrestrial direction. The riverbed area is entirely enveloped by ghāṭs, sections of which appear to originate from the Yādava period. Given the temple's vulnerable location near the confluence of the Nira and Karha rivers, it's likely that the structure has undergone multiple restorations over the years to mitigate flood damage.

The temple of Soneśvara.

Architecture: The Soneśvara temple is composed of four principal architectural elements: nandīmaṇḍapa, sabhāmaṇḍapa, antarāḷa, and garbhagṛha. The nandīmaṇḍapa measures 236 cm in length and 253 cm in width, housing a modern image of Nandī. The sabhāmaṇḍapa spans 470 cm by 515 cm and its architectural style indicates restoration during the Marāṭhā era. Notably, this section lacks columns but features a facade with three arches. The antarāḷa is comparatively smaller, with dimensions of 142 cm by 193 cm, leading to the garbhagṛha, which is square-shaped, each side measuring 227 cm. The doorway into the garbhagṛha is unadorned, focusing attention on the śivaliṅga of Soneśvara at its center.

While the temple's exterior maintains a simple aesthetic, certain elements near the garbhagṛha suggest a 14th-century origin. Both the nandīmaṇḍapa and the śikhara appear to be more recent additions to the temple complex. The presence of columns from the 13th-14th century CE within the temple premises adds another layer of historical richness to the temple. Evidence suggests that there may have been an adjoining structure, possibly a monastery or another distinctive building, in ancient times. This is indicated by incomplete parts of pillar-base stones and stone floors, outlining what appears to be a long structure next to the temple.

The ghāṭs adjacent to the temple are well-constructed, offering a functional and aesthetic pathway for devotees and visitors to reach the river. Steps have been thoughtfully integrated into the design, allowing for an easy descent from the temple grounds to the water's edge.

A general view of the temple.

A beautiful śivaliṅga of Soneśvara.

The ghāṭs of the temple.

A beautiful picturesque River Nira.

Concluding Remarks: Overall, the management of the temple is neat. Roads and waterways are available to reach Soneśvara temple. Presently Mr. Dattatraya Ganpat Bhandwalkar (Gurav) takes care of the temple. Since Soneśvara temple is only 15 km from Baramati city, the number of tourists is increasing daily. A boat ride on the confluence of the river is memorable. After boarding the boat, one is mesmerized by the captivating view of the temples and ghāṭs. All these myriad beautiful sights make this temple and the general area worth visiting.