Harishchandreshwar Temple, Harishchandragad, Ahilyanagar

Whenever the word 'trekking' is uttered, the image that comes to the mind of every Maharashtrian is Harishchandragad. Traces of the Stone Age are found on Harishchandragad, which divides the districts of Nagar, Thane, and Pune. The massive mountain visible from the valley side in Malshej Ghat is Harishchandragad. Its appearance changes in every season. Countless waterfalls and dense fog during the monsoon make this fort a major attraction for tourists. There is a lot to see and study on Harishchandragad.
Upon reaching Harishchandragad, the first thing that catches our attention is the Harishchandreshwar Temple. Carved in stone, this temple is built in the Hemadpanthi style. In the 10th century, Shilahara King Jhanjha established a total of 12 Shiva temples in the basins of the two major rivers, Godavari and Bhima; this is one of those temples.
There are two main types of temple architecture: Nagara and Dravidian. The Nagara style defines North Indian architecture, while the Dravidian style defines South Indian architecture. Furthermore, experts have classified temples built between the 10th and 13th centuries into three types. These three types are Bhumija, Vesara, and Phamsana. Bhumija is of the Nagara style, while Vesara developed from a blend of the Nagara and Dravidian styles. The third style is Phamsana. The spires (shikharas) of these temples look like progressively smaller steps on a square building. The kalasha is situated at the highest point of the temple's spire. The Hemadpanthi temple of Harishchandreshwar represents the Phamsana style.
There is a protective stone wall next to the temple. This stone wall has an east-facing entrance. Right in front of it is a stone bridge. A stream flows from the Taramati peak under this bridge, which is considered the origin of the Mangalganga. This very Mangalganga is later known as the Mula River.
There are many caves inside the protective wall of the temple. Some of these caves are habitable. Many water tanks carved out of rock can be seen here. The clean, cold, and pure water in them lasts throughout the year. This serves as evidence that human settlements existed here in the past.
The main temple has two entrances, east and west. At both entrances, Nandi is seen sitting, gazing at Mahadev. Over time, due to heavy rain, wind, and foreign invasions, the temple appears to have suffered wear and tear. Yet, the original beauty of the temple mesmerizes us. There are many Shivlingas around the temple. A sculpture of a closed door is carved on the northern wall of the main temple. A very beautiful sculpture of Shri Ganesha is carved on the southern wall. A small platform is built in front of this Ganesha idol.
On the northern side of the temple, a gorge has been formed by the flow of the Mangalganga. The Kedareshwar cave is located in this very gorge. In this cave, we see a massive Shivling surrounded by water. This Shivling, which is approximately 1 meter high and 2 meters wide, is installed on a platform. In the Kedareshwar cave, we can see four pillars around the Mahadev Pindi. Previously, these pillars extended entirely from the ceiling to the floor. Currently, three out of the four pillars are broken, and only one pillar remains intact. According to legend, it is said that these four pillars represent the four Yugas. Out of Satya Yuga, Treta Yuga, Dvapara Yuga, and Kali Yuga, only the pillar representing Kali Yuga remains. At the end of each Yuga, one pillar disappeared. This means that when the last pillar is completely broken, the Kali Yuga will come to an end, or so it is said.
Right in front of the main Harishchandreshwar temple, we see a large water tank. This is called a Pushkarini. Next to this Pushkarini, we see many small temples. In the past, there must have been idols of deities in these temples. The water of the Pushkarini is pure. A few years ago, this tank was buried in debris; some responsible trekkers revived it through voluntary labor (shramadaan).
To the south of the temple, in the belly of the Taramati peak, there are many habitable caves. Carved tanks for drinking water are also seen here. In one spacious cave, we see a carved sculpture nearly 2 meters high. Sindoor (vermilion) is applied to this Ganesha sculpture. Local people worship here and keep the place clean.
There is a grand festival on Harishchandragad on the day of Mahashivratri. Even during the month of Shravan, the Kedareshwar cave and the main temple are decorated with flowers. Due to growing tourism, the crowds on the fort are increasing day by day. Everyone visiting here should keep the fort premises clean. The Harishchandreshwar Temple, Kedareshwar Cave, and Ganesh Caves on Harishchandragad bear witness to our rich history. Preserving this 'Dharohar' (heritage), this legacy, is our own responsibility.

Author- Vishal Lahoti, Founder Trekkamp