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Maharashtra Khidkaleshwar Mandir
The temple is supposed to have been a construction of the seventeenth century and this is a very peaceful and old Shiva temple. The temple has big walls around it and on the first look, can be mistaken for another fort of olden times. The temple is well maintained and hence doesn’t look as old as it really is. There are pilgrims who come to this temple from all parts of the country and the Shiv Ling in this temple continues to bless the devotees centuries after centuries.
History
As per the Hindu Mythology and the Mahabharata, this Khidkaleshwar Temple is supposed to have been built by the Pandavas. They were undergoing their Vanvaas in the forests and they wanted to perform Shiv Puja. That is when they found the Swayambu Shiv Ling in Khidkaleshwar and built the temple for Mahadev. Ever since they built it, this temple has been standing strong.
Architecture
This temple is situated on the banks of River khadkali and that gives the temple an added look of peace. This has a crimson colored wide tower, a central mandapam or hall where the pilgrims can rest after the darshan of the lord or programs can be conducted. The temple has a very simple but divine architecture and this is proof of the skill of the Pandava who had divine powers.
How to Reach
By Air
Mumbai is the nearest airport and from there one has to take the Navi Mumbai road to get to Shilphata. There are a lot of taxis that can reach you to Shilphata. The distance from the Mumbai airport is close to thirty kilometers.
By Rail
Mumbai railway station is the closest to Shilphata. From the rail station, there are taxis that can take you to Shilphata.
Local Transport
Other than local taxis there are no other forms of transport to get to Shilphata. If you are a localite, then driving down could be a good option. However Shilphata is one of the proposed stations when the Mono Rail comes up and this could prove a relief to pilgrims who want to visit Khidkaleshwar temple.
Important Shrines
The temple has a Swayambu Shiv Ling and a Nandi or bull which is the Vaahan of Mahadev. Like in all other Shiv temples, the Nandi is right in front of the Shiv Ling. On either side of the Shiv Ling which is the most important shrine of the temple, there are idols of Ganesha and Hanuman and both of these are seen to be covered in Sindoor.
Significance of the Temple
The first and foremost significance lies in the fact that this is Swayambu Shiv Ling meaning it just came up on its own and nobody had installed it at this temple site. The other significance is that the Pandavas had built this temple with their own hands and this is actually proof that the events in the great epic of Mahabharata are true. There is a mention of Yudhishtra who was the eldest of the Pandavas, performing Shiv Puja and this is the very same site.
Attractions
The Khidkali Lake on whose banks this temple is found is the major attraction of this area. The temple is very clean and neat and maintained well and this adds to the peace and quietness of this area and the temple itself.
Timings and other important information
The temple is opened in the morning and Lord Shiva is bathed first in the holy water from the lake nearby and then in milk, curd, honey and holy ash. Then the decorations happen and the arti is performed. There is another aarti in the evenings around 6 pm and then in the night before the temple closes. Grand Shiva Ratri celebrations take place in the temple.
Weather and time to Visit
Since this temple is on the old Mumbai – Pune Highway, the temple can be visited all year around. Due to the location, the temple has more visitors over the weekend rather than in the week days. So, if you visit during the weekdays, the temple may even be deserted.
Accommodation
There are good hotels and resorts in Shilphata where you can stay. Especially if you are on a long drive, then you can take a break at Shilphata, visit the Khidkaleshwar temple and then continue your trip.
Tips for Devotees
The temple is maintained well and neat and clean. So, pilgrims who visit the temple are requested to maintain the same cleanliness both in the temple and in the lake.
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