Ganapati temple, Talegaon-Dhamdhere

The east-facing Gaṇapatī temple at Talegaon-Dhamdhere (18.668045, 74.153525) is built in the main settlement of the village. Although it is small in size compared to other temples like Siddheśvara, Uttareśvara and Śrinātha temples in this village, locals show great devotion towards this temple. The temple stands beside the main road of a dense market area.

The name of the village, Talegaon Dhamdhere, carries within it layers of historical and geographical significance. The first part of the name, "Talegaon," harks back to a bygone era when the area was known for its expansive lake or pond (taḷe). According to village lore, this water body lay in close proximity to the temple, contributing to the area's unique character. The second part of the village's name, "Dhamdhere," is a homage to the Dhamdhere chieftains of the Marāṭhā period, who made this place their seat of power. It's a way for the community to remember and respect the leaders who were integral to the village's history.

Unfortunately, the broad expanse surrounding the temple that was once evident has been obscured due to increasing population and subsequent development. However, the temple has not lost its grandeur; its magnificent śikhara continues to be a landmark, making the sacred structure recognizable from a distance.

Gaṇapatī temple

śikhara of the temple.

Architecture: The general structure of this temple includes sabhāmaṇḍapa, antarāḷa and garbhagṛiha. Although it is believed to be the temple of Gaṇeśa, there is also a śivaliṅga in the garbhagṛiha. Hence, today it is difficult to state certainly to which deity it may have belonged originally. Today, a big palace can be seen in front of the temple. So, it cannot be said firmly whether the temple had a nandīmaṇḍapa or not.

Sabhāmaṇḍapa and Antarāḷa: The sabhāmaṇḍapa features three arched doors and serves as the main entryway to the temple from the east. Engravings on its outer walls depict scenes featuring Gaṇeśa and a kustī (wrestling) match. Above the entrance, two śarabhas are engraved facing in opposite directions. This sabhāmaṇḍapa measures 307 cm in length and 487 cm in width, and its domed roof exhibits influences of Indo-Islamic architectural style. The sabhāmaṇḍapa and antarāḷa are seamlessly integrated. The entrance to the antarāḷa is adorned with sculptures of Hanumāna and Garuḍa on the ardhastambhas. A total of four devakoṣṭhas exist—two on each side of the antarāḷa and on the wall of the garbhagṛiha. The antarāḷa measures 100 cm in length and 347 cm in width, featuring a beautifully carved vitāna. We then enter the garbhagṛiha.

A ground plan of the Gaṇapatī temple.

The sabhāmaṇḍapa of Gaṇapatī temple

The ornate door of the garbhagṛiha

The ornate door of the garbhagṛiha

Garbhagṛiha: The ornate entrance to the garbhagṛiha features three śākhās: stambhaśākhā, ratnaśākhā, and latāśākhā. Dvārapālas are meticulously carved beneath these divisions, and kīrtīmukhas adorn the uduṁbara on both sides, with gems occupying the central position. Adding a divine touch, a sculpture of Gaṇeśa is situated on the lalāṭabimba, and a stunning candraśiḷā is positioned in front of the door.

In the garbhagṛiha, there is a śivaliṅga in the centre and a sculpture of Gaṇeśa on a little left. There is an arch at the back. Niches have been created to keep the lamps and pūjā materials etc. The vitāna of the garbhagṛiha is dome-shaped and it is similar to the vitāna of the Siddheśvara temple. There is no special decoration on the exterior of the temple. But on the outer walls of the garbhagṛiha, there are devakoṣhṭhas and ornate closed doors on all three sides.

Śikhara: The śikhara of the temple is towering and has stucco sculptures of many gods and human figures. Āmalaka and kalaśa are visible above all. Beneath those, there is a carving resembling a pile of pots one above the other. While there are various images in the small kūṭas of the śikhara. Although the śikhara of the temple is made of bricks, it is still standing sturdy even today. The images on the temple look a little darkened. But looking at them gives an impression of their antiquity.

A beautiful candraśiḷā

Śikhara of the temple

Dating the Temple: Since there is no inscription anywhere on the Gaṇapatī temple, there are limitations to determine its date. However, on studying the inscriptions and architectural styles of other temples in Talegaon, it seems that this temple may have been built in the period between the Siddheśvara and Bhīmāśaṅkara temples. The style of architecture of Siddheśvara temple and Gaṇapatī temple is quite similar. The plans of both these temples, especially the garbhagṛiha, look alike. While the exterior of the garbhagṛiha of the Bhīmāśaṅkara temple represents the next stage of the Marāṭhā temple-architectural development. Siddheśvara temple was built in the year 1732 whereas Bhīmāśaṅkara temple was built in the year 1743. So Gaṇapatī temple might have been constructed between 1730 CE and 1740 CE.

Concluding Remarks: The current priest of the Gaṇapatī temple is Śrī. Babu Gurav, while the Dhamdhere family, who own the temple. One pressing issue confronting this sacred structure, a problem shared by many temples across India, is the encroachment of vegetation. The growth of plants, especially on the śikhara, poses a significant threat to the temple's structural integrity. The roots penetrate into the crevices and can lead to severe damage over time, necessitating timely and careful removal. As for the temple's potential to attract pilgrims and religious tourists, maintaining cleanliness in the surrounding area would make it more inviting. The historical information of this temple should be conveyed far and wide with the help of deep research and modern technology.