Ghoradeshwar Temple:
Ghoradeshwar temple is a holy shrine of Lord Shiva on a hill
top. The Shivling (Shivalinga) is
inside a cave. So you need to climb around 350 odd steps to reach at the
hilltop. If you are in a good shape, then it shouldn’t take more than 20-25
mins. There are few caves on the hilltop, so walk around in both the direction
and check out all of them. The caves are carved from big rocks, the
architecture is similar to the other Buddhist caves in this area. I wonder if
these caves were initially carved by Buddhist Monks and later turned into a
Shiva temple or it was always a Shiva temple! I couldn’t find much authentic information
around it, so my question remains unanswered.
Being a hilltop, you could get a nice view around. This
place is generally not much crowded, except special days like Savan month,
Shivaratri, etc… You could feel the tranquility at this place. At the same
time, you could see the glimpse of the modern world as well. From one end of
the hill, you can see the express highway and the cricket stadium.
This place is situated on the old Pune-Mumbai highway at
Ghoarwadi village. That is how the name Ghoradeshwar has come, I guess!! If you
approaching from Pune, then it comes on your left side, just before the
Somatane toll plaza and Talegaon. It is very easy to miss this place, so if you
reach toll plaza then you have missed it. :) The vehicles can be comfortably parked
at the foothill, off the highway. There is enough space for parking.
My Verdict:
A perfect family outing place, good option for a half day trip
from Pune.
Best time to visit:
Any time of the year. Roaming around Sahyadri ranges is a
real treat to eyes in monsoon (Jul-Sep) and it applies to this place as well.
Places around:
Lonavala, Caves - Bhaja, Karla, Bedse, Forts - Tung, Tikona,
Lohgad, Visapur
Tips:
- Carry some snacks and a chatai (mat) with you and this could turn out to be memorable picnic for you and your family
- Being a Shivling many devotees carry milk with them for Abhishek. A humble request to all - please don’t throw milk packets, plastic bags or any other garbage around.
This place on map:
Ghorwadeshwar
Tags:
Weekend short trek, Half day picnic, Pune Outskirts,
Pune Getaways
