Mahadev Temple, Jamb

A village named Jamb located about 23 km from Baramati, on Baramati-Dahigaon Road and to the left bank of the Nira River. There is a dilapadated 400 years old tridal-type east-facing temple of Mahādeva in this village (18.039712, 74.704019). 

Mahādeva temple.

Architecture: The Mahādeva temple sits on a high plinth, and upon ascending six steps, visitors arrive near the temple's Nandī. The Nandīmaṇḍapa has a plinth measuring 140 cm in length and 121 cm in width. Beyond the Nandīmaṇḍapa lies the gūḍhamaṇḍapa, with dimensions of 360 cm in length and 350 cm in width. Although the original entrance to this maṇḍapa no longer exists, jālavātāyanas are situated on both sides of the doorway to provide light inside.

Inside the gūḍhamaṇḍapa, four pillars stand, each with a height of 180 cm. This area also houses various sacred images and elements. Notably, an exquisite statue of Gajalakṣamī graces the maṇḍapa. In addition to Gajalakṣamī, the space features a Gaṇeśa image, a śivaliṅga, and a vīragaḷa.

Gūḍhamaṇḍapa.

Gajalakṣamī

Antarāḷa and Garbhagṛhas: The antarāḷa of the main garbhagṛha measures 180 cm long x 190 cm wide, and is next to the gūḍhamaṇḍapa. The main garbhagṛha measuring 188 cm x 190 cm has a śivaliṅga in the center. The garbhagṛha also houses a surasundarī and a small sculpture of Viṣṇu. There is the second garbhagṛha measuring 180 cm x 180 cm located at the left side of the sabhāmaṇḍapa, there is a sculpture of Garuḍa on a pedestal. There might be an image of Viṣṇu earlier. A smṛtīśiḷā is placed in the garbhagṛha. The antarāḷa is 162 cm long and 180 cm wide. The third garbhagṛha measuring 190 x 190 cm on the right side of the gūḍhamaṇḍapa also has a pīṭhā (pedestal) with a sculpture of Garuḍa on it. Here too, a Vaiṣṇava image should have been present earlier. The size of the antarāḷa connected to this garbhagṛha is 172 cm long and 194 cm wide. The garbhagṛha, antarāḷa , and sabhamaṇḍapa in the temple are simple. The doorways to the garbhagṛhas are flat. No carving is found on them.

The śikhara of the temple collapsed long back. Probably it was made of bricks.

A śivaliṅga in the garbhagṛha.

A surasundarī and a small sculpture of Viṣṇu.

Concluding Remark: The Mahādeva temple at Jamb, constructed likely in the 15th-16th century, stands as a tridala temple characterized by its unique architectural style and sculptures. On the premises of the Mahādeva temple itself, two vīragaḷas and pādukās are also present, adding another layer to the site's historical richness. However, the temple's present condition is alarming. Grass overgrowth plagues the premises, and water leakage during monsoons threatens the structural integrity of the temple walls. Due to these issues, along with the inherent darkness within the temple, devotee visits are rare.

During an architectural survey, we were accompanied by the village sarpanch and other local residents. We enlightened them about the temple's architectural and sculptural significance, emphasizing its historical value. This education sparked interest and enthusiasm among the villagers, particularly when we highlighted the presence of a Gajalakṣamī image, of which they were previously unaware. Their reactions were visibly joyous, suggesting a newfound sense of ownership and responsibility towards their local heritage. We discussed potential avenues for future preservation and development of the temple. The villagers showed a positive inclination toward these ideas, opening up possibilities for reviving the temple's grandeur and preventing its further deterioration.