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The Pataleshwar Cave Temple in Pune is one of the most and amazing tourist attractions of the city. This marvelous structure is a true example of ancient Indian architecture. The Pataleshwar Cave Temple in Pune is located in Shivajinagar, the business district of the city. It is situated on the Jangli Maharaj Road and can be easily accessed by rickshaw or any other public transport. The temple is open on all days of the week from 8:00 in the morning till 5:30 in the evening. Pataleshwar Cave Temple was built sometime during the 8 th century. As per its name, one would think that it is a cave, which has a temple inside it. It is. I fact, a temple carved out of a single rock and thus a fine example of rock cut architecture. The entire structure has been carved out of basalt or black rock. The entire structure consists of numerous pillars, a seating area and rooms where the idols of the Gods are kept. Pataleshwar Cave Temple in Pune is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Lord is worshipped in the form of a “lingam�. The idol is placed inside a small cub-shaped room. The carvings found on the walls of the temple, though ornate, are not as grand as one may find in the Ellora Caves. They are comparatively simple. This holy place dates back as early as 700-800 A.D. Apart from the idol of Lord Shiva, the temple also houses the idols of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, Nandi Bull, Lord Rama, his wife Sita and his brother Lakshman. A huge brass bell adorns the gateway of this rock structure. Apart from the temple, there is also a museum over here that you can check out. The most famous exhibit of this museum is a single grain of rice inscribed with around 5000 characters. The Pataleshwar Cave Temple in Pune with its architectural beauty and religious significance has indeed become of the major places to go for sightseeing in Pune .
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