Malad is a small village in Baramati tehsil. A river named Karha flows from the north of the village. There are two ancient temples in the village: Vāgheśvara and Mahādeva. Due to the urbanisation of Baramati city, this village is gradually losing its village character. The old temples truly distinguish this village. While the Vāgheśvara temple is kept tidy, the same cannot be said about the temple of Mahādeva. Situated on a 2-meter-high plinth in the centre of the village, just one and a half km south of Baramati bus station, this east-facing temple of Mahādeva (18.132461, 74.575344) is still awaiting development. But we can only hope that this development will preserve its original form. Mr Rahul Deshpande had given some information about this temple in one of his presentations. Apart from this, this temple has not been properly recorded. Nor is there any published material available about this temple.

The vicinity of the Mahādeva temple has suffered neglect, overrun by trees, shrubs, and grass. The temple's regular rituals and worship appear to have ceased, and parts of its structure show signs of decay. While the affluence of Baramati tehsil means a new temple could be erected promptly, as has happened at so many places, such a move would lack historical and cultural sensitivity. Constructing with cement may offer a short-term fix. Such modern construction risks erasing our historical heritage. It's vital to prioritize preserving the temple's intact sections, making minimal modifications. This way, we can proudly showcase our ancestors' architectural legacy to future generations.

The Mahādeva temple, Malad

An exterior of the temple.

A phāṁsanā type śikhara.

Vīrgaḷa

Architecture: The architectural layout of the Mahādeva temple comprises three primary sections: the sabhāmaṇḍapa (assembly hall), the antarāḷa (intermediate chamber), and the garbhagṛha (inner sanctum). The sabhāmaṇḍapa stretches 445 cm in length and spans 460 cm in width. It houses four pillars, each standing at 172 cm, and notably, they're devoid of any carvings. Before one steps into the sabhāmaṇḍapa, the distinct kakṣāsana area is noticeable, showcasing two flat ardhastambhas. Dominating the sabhāmaṇḍapa is a sizable śivaliṅga, measuring 152 cm in length and 90 cm in width. It's believed that this might have originally been situated in the garbhagṛha. Notably, a plow, symbolizing agrarian culture, is intricately carved onto a beam in this area.

Next is the antarāḷa, measuring 160 cm by 163 cm. Its vitāna (ceiling) is flat. This leads to the garbhagṛha. Its entrance is minimalistic, adorned only with a single dvārapāla carving. The garbhagṛha itself measures 157 cm in length and 162 cm in width, housing a stone śivaliṅga. Further, the garbhagṛha of the Mahādeva temple is of the trīratha design. Observations suggest that the temple's nandīmaṇḍapa might have once stood but has since collapsed.

Another distinctive architectural trait of the Mahādeva temple is its phāṁsanā-type śikhara. At this śikhara, approximately six layers of masonry are visible tapering upwards. It's noteworthy that such śikharas are exceedingly rare in the Pune district. Outside of Malad, similar śikharas are only visible in Panadare and Khireshvar. It is imperative to safeguard these unusual architectural gems. What adds to the temple's peculiarity is the unique stone variety used in its construction. At a cursory look, the stone appears to be of a sandstone-like nature. It's a variety that we've yet to encounter in other temples across Maharashtra.

Vīrgaḷas: The Mahādeva temple boasts a unique treasure: its collection of grand and rare vīrgaḷas. Some of these vīrgaḷas reach heights of 130 cm and widths of 60 cm. Such expansive and intricately carved stones are unparalleled in the neighboring regions. These vīrgaḷas stand as poignant testaments to our ancestors. The primary responsibility to preserve these rests with the inhabitants of Malad. As these relics are cultural heritage, it is also connected with the history of all the people of Maharashtra.

Sabhāmaṇḍapa

Concluding Remarks: There are some loose images on the temple premises. Among them, some nāgaśilpas, Gaṇeśā, Nandī and other images can be mentioned. From the overall architectural style of the temple, it seems that the Mahādeva temple was built in the 14th-15th century. While the Mahādeva temple in Malad may appear unassuming, it holds significant value for architectural evolution. Conventional wisdom suggests that temple architecture stagnated post the Yādava era. However, numerous temples from subsequent periods are now gaining recognition, and the Mahādeva temple is a prime example. This temple was built during the Bahamani era, possibly through the patronage of local leaders.