The village of Late is located on the left bank of River Nira, on the borders of Pune-Satara. It’s well-known for the Āīsāheba temple, which was established in modern times. Āīsāheba, a local woman who achieved sainthood in recent years, attained the sanjīvana samādhī (meditative consciousness) here in Śaka 1832. Additionally, Late is home to two other notable temples: Bhairavanātha and Mahādeva. Late is located 100 km from Pune, 30 km from Baramati, and 11 km from Phaltan.

The Legend of Āīsāheba: The Āīsāheba temple, located in proximity to the Bhairavanātha temple, houses a revered statue of Āīsāheba herself. This enigmatic figure is the subject of many local legends, including tales of miraculous deeds. According to local priests, offerings of meals and water left in Āīsāheba's room mysteriously disappear by evening, and her bed is found in disarray. Moreover, despite the frequent flooding of the River Nira, the water never encroaches upon the village. The villagers attribute this phenomenon to Āīsāheba's divine warning that the river must not cross her predetermined flood line, thus eliminating the local fear of floods.

Intriguingly, Āīsāheba is also said to have crossed the flooded river to visit her Gurū, Haribābā, in Phaltan. Some villagers even claim to have spotted her in distant locations such as Tuljapur or Shingnapur. The priests attest that those who devote themselves to her wholeheartedly find their prayers answered. Jitobā Mahārāja is credited with constructing the temple dedicated to Āīsāheba.

The temple has earned a 'C' status from the government, indicating that it attracts more than 100,000 pilgrims annually. As a result, it receives some level of funding. The current priest serving the temple is Chaya Balwant Shiralkar. Additionally, a text titled 'Śrī Āīsāheba Mahārāja Mahātmya Granth,' detailing the life and miracles of Āīsāheba has been published. Along the banks of the River Neera, one can find a series of tombs, among which are those belonging to Āīsāheba’s husband and sister. There is a rich tapestry of legends and the palpable spiritual energy surrounding this temple. 

An image of Āīsāheba

Bhairavanātha temple (18.072963, 74.406978): Situated adjacent to the Āīsāheba temple, the east-facing Bhairavanātha temple is dedicated to the Grāmadevatā Bhairava. Architecturally, the temple comprises a sabhāmaṇḍapa and an antarāḷa, and a garbhagṛha in a state of disrepair. The sabhāmaṇḍapa measures 575 x 575 cm and features a kakṣasana flanked by two ardhastambhas, which are devoid of carvings. Four central stambhas in the maṇḍapa have a height of 210 cm. Additionally, the maṇḍapa houses four devakoṣṭhas; one contains an image of Bhairava, while another hosts an indistinct image of Śiva-Pārvatī, whose features have been obscured due to anointing with oil.

The antarāḷa has dimensions of 170 cm in length and 143 cm in width. It serves as the sanctum for the main deities, which include images of Viṭṭhala-Rukmiṇī and Rāhī (also known as Rahīmāī, a regional form of the goddess Rādhā). These statues appear to date back around 200 years. Viṭṭhala is depicted in the form of Viṣṇu, with his front hands resting on his waist, holding a śaṅkha (conch) in the right hand and a chakra (disc) in the left. Notably, Viṭṭhala is portrayed with a moustache and is adorned with a kaṇṭhamaṇi, mukuṭa, and valaya. Rukmiṇī is portrayed standing in the namaskāramudrā.

Directly in front of the Bhairavanātha temple is the tomb of a sage named Nāgeśvara. A large pedestal situated before the temple likely once held the Bhairava image. The temple is the site of an annual ritual known as Bagāḍa Yātrā, conducted on Vaiśākha Śuddha Aṣṭamī. During this event, a possessed individual is tied to a bagāḍa (procession pole). Originating on Holī Pūrṇimā, the Bagāḍa Yātrā fulfils promises made to the deity and traverses multiple villages in Maharashtra. Recent restorations have rejuvenated the exterior of the temple, preserving its spiritual and cultural significance.

Bhairavanātha temple

Images of Viṭhṭhla-Rukmiṇī and Rāhī

Mahādeva Temple: The Mahādeva temple, situated to the south of the Bhairavanātha temple, also faces east. Presently, only its antarāḷa and garbhagṛiha remain intact, as the rest of the structure has succumbed to destruction. The antarāḷa measures 210 x 210 cm, whereas the dimensions of the garbhagṛiha are 190 x 190 cm. Interestingly, the lalāṭa (forehead part) of the garbhagṛiha is devoid of any sculptural or decorative elements. Inside the garbhagṛiha, there exists an ekamukhī śivaliṅga. It appears that the mukha (face) of this śivaliṅga may have been affixed at a later date, according to local villagers. These villagers also mentioned that the garbhagṛiha used to be deeper than it is now, suggesting some changes over time. The remaining area of the temple is believed to be part of the original construction, although the śikhara (spire) seems to have been added more recently.

A modern maṇḍapa has been constructed in the temple premises, where a new Nandī statue is placed. Additionally, four vīragaḷas (hero stones) are displayed within the maṇḍapa. One such vīragaḷa stands at a height of 125 cm; unfortunately, its upper portion has been marred due to the application of red lead. This calls attention to the need for proper preservation methods to maintain the historical and cultural integrity of these valuable artefacts.

Mahādeva temple

Vīrgaḷas

Concluding Remarks: Overall, based on the temple architecture, Bhairavanātha temple, and Śiva temple seem to belong to the 15th century CE. The structure of the Bhairavanātha temple resembles the temples at Malegaon Budruk and Pandare.