Located on a hill, the temple was built by Sarjemama, a forest ranger and a social worker who found the linga of Lord Shiva in this area and thus named the temple Neelkantheshwar. This place also runs a de- addiction center and has treated hundreds of people and helped them start afresh.
Neelkantheshwar is a perfect place for a day’s outing. There are three routes that take you to Neelkantheshwar. The first route heads towards Sinhagad and then turns right at Panshet. From Panshet you move towards Varasgaon dam which intersects a narrow road. The sign board of the temple at the start of this road will indicate that you are on the right track. You take this broken road to pass a few small villages before finally landing at the base of Neelkantheshwar from where the climb is short and easy.
The second route that you can take is via a river. Take the Pune-Khadakwasla-Donje Phata-Khanapur-Rule route and once you are at Rule village you can take a boat to cross the river and reach the bank of the other side from where it takes around 2 hours to walk to the temple. The third route runs from behind the Khadakwasala dam before connecting to Warje, from where a small rural route takes you to the base of Neelkantheshwar.
Of the three, the route from Varasgaon dam is the best option because it not only saves time but is also an easy climb to the top. Moreover, the route is very scenic and offers a lovely view of the fields, flowers and the green landscape. Once you reach the base, there are steps which take you to the temple in about 30 minute.
Once at the top, you will see an arch with two elephant sculptures on each side. Step inside and you’ll see several sculptures spread across the wide area outside the temple. After entering the arch, you will spot the huge statue of a sleeping Hanuman. As you start exploring the place you will come across hundreds of sculptures from Hindu mythology depicting various scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana. There are also quite a few sculptures of Hindu saints on display. Climb a few steps towards the temple and you will approach the second arch inscribed with the face of Lord Shiva.
Right after the arch is a small hut, outside the temple, which offers snacks and refreshments. Enter the temple and you’ll spot the Shiva Linga along with pictures of other Gods put up on the walls of the temple. There are also some paper cuttings on the walls that give more information about the temple. Within the temple premises, there is a big hall equipped with bedding for those planning an overnight stay. This facility is available free of charge and serves as a great facility for several villagers that come down to the temple from far off places. Outside the temple there is also a bathing area equipped with a chul and a huge utensil to heat water for the morning shower.
Some of the famous sculptures at Neelkantheshwar include Vishu Avatars, Astavinayakas, Shurpanakha, Indra Darbar, Shiv-Parvati, Samudra Manthan, Krishna, Kumbhakarna, Shivaji Maharaj, the famous battle scene between Bhim and Duryodhan, Dropadi and the five Pandavas and the scene depicting the birth of Kanifnath among others.
On the whole, Neelkantheshwar is a great place to experience nature’s beauty and explore some of the finest human art.
