Amruteshwar: the quaint Shiv temple of Ratanwadi
20 Jul 2022 17:04:20
Some places remain hidden and not known to many, which makes sure of their beauty remaining intact and making them more special to visit, and somewhere you can feel one with yourself. One such place is the Amruteshwar temple in Maharashtra, which many might not have come across before.
It is similar to Gondeshvar Temple, Sinnar & can architecturally be put under the category of Bhumija type of temples. The walls are adorned with geometrical patterns but do not have any imagery. The pillars are elegantly carved and consist of square base over which is octagonal member topped by circular part.
A tank locally called as pushkarani, was also provided near the temple which has stepped entrances from 3 directions; there are several subsidiary shrines in niche form, all over the place. The images in the niches are of Lord Ganesha and various forms of Vishnu, namely those of Sheshayi, Madhava, etc.
One might find traveling to the Amruteshwar Temple difficult by road due to the rough roads on the hills. Arthur Lake separates Ratanwadi from Bhandardara. The village of Ratanwadi can also be reached by boat from Bhandardara.
As for the timings of the Amruteshwar Temple, the temple is open pretty much for 24 hours in a day. The distance between Shirdi to the Amruteshwar temple distance would be roughly 3 hours 30 min, or 113.2 km via the MH SH 44.
Here is the main address of the Amruteshwar temple - Amruteshwar temple, @-Ratanwadi near Bhandardara, Ratanwadi, Maharashtra 422604.
The Amruteshwar Temple is a 1200-year-old intricately carved Shiv temple nestling in the quaint town of Ratanwadi in Maharashtra. The Shilahara dynasty built this beautiful Temple in the around 9th century CE. This is one of King Jhanj’s 12 Shiva temples. The temple is located in the tiny village of Ratanwadi and can also be reached from Igatpuri through Bhandardara dam.
The Amruteshwar Temple was built in the Hemadpanthi architectural style, and the main shrine shows lovely rock carvings. The construction has been done using black and red stones. The temple’s ceiling and walls are detailed with some truly impressive murals. A mandapa with 12 pillars can also be seen here. All of the pillars are beautifully carved with statues and flowers. The temple is in Ratanwadi village, which is basically the base village for the popular Ratangad Fort.
The Amruteshwar temple is carved in black stone and is an excellent starting point for all of the Shiva pilgrims and explorers. Each portion of the temple is wonderfully carved so much so that you will lose your soul to it. The various stone sculptures of gods and goddesses adorn the entrance and pillars.
The roof and the walls of the temple are embellished with some enchanting murals. There is a Mantapa with 12 pillars. All the pillars have superbly carved with figures and flowers. The Shikhara over the shrine in intact & is very ornamental. But the roof of the mandapa has disappeared. The shikhara has 4 spires with diminishing miniature Shikharas capped with an amalaka.
It is similar to Gondeshvar Temple, Sinnar & can architecturally be put under the category of Bhumija type of temples. The walls are adorned with geometrical patterns but do not have any imagery. The pillars are elegantly carved and consist of square base over which is octagonal member topped by circular part.
A tank locally called as pushkarani, was also provided near the temple which has stepped entrances from 3 directions; there are several subsidiary shrines in niche form, all over the place. The images in the niches are of Lord Ganesha and various forms of Vishnu, namely those of Sheshayi, Madhava, etc.
As for the timings of the Amruteshwar Temple, the temple is open pretty much for 24 hours in a day. The distance between Shirdi to the Amruteshwar temple distance would be roughly 3 hours 30 min, or 113.2 km via the MH SH 44.
Here is the main address of the Amruteshwar temple - Amruteshwar temple, @-Ratanwadi near Bhandardara, Ratanwadi, Maharashtra 422604.