Tulapur, situated at the triveṇī confluence of the Bhima, Bhama, and Indrayani rivers, holds immense geographical and historical significance. Located around 30 km from Pune via Wagholi and 12 km via Alandi, the area is encircled by the rivers Indrayani and Bhima as well as by small hills. This geographic setting underscores the strategic importance of the region. Among the local populace, the confluence (saṇgam) at Tulapur holds a sacredness comparable to other revered pilgrimage sites such as Kashi, Prayag, and Gaya. The area has been graced by the presence of great Marāṭhā figures like Murar Jagdev, Shahaji Raje, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, Kavi Kalash, Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, and Rudranath Maharaj. Originally named Nāṅgarawāsa, or sometimes Nāgaragaon, the village underwent a name change during the Ādilaśāhī period. Sardār Murar Jagdev was weighed (Tula) in gold against an elephant in this village, prompting the renaming to Tulapur. 

This place has become famous and devoted throughout Maharashtra due to the samādhī of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It is beleived that the forces of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb tortured and brutally killed Sambhaji Maharaj at this place on March 11th, 1689 CE. His body was cut into pieces and thrown into the river. But some villagers collected those pieces and cremated Sambhaji Maharaj properly with honor. The descendents of people who put together the pieces of Sambhaji Maharaj’s body came to be known by the surname ‘Shivale’. The English meaning of the term ‘Shivale’ is ‘stitched.’

Saṅgameśvara temple

About the temple: Saṅgameśvara temple (18.669764, 73.996274), located on the confluence of the river, is the most important temple in this area. This temple is situated in a high place on Sangam. The temple is surrounded by fencing walls on all sides. The samādhī of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj is located on the left side in front of the temple complex, whereas his friend Kavi Kalash’s samādhī is on the right side. A life-size statue of Sambhaji Maharaj has recently been installed in front of it. The construction of Saṅgameśvara temple was done by Murar Jagdev in the year śake 1555 (September 12th, 1633). This temple existed even during the regime of Sambhaji Maharaj. The Nirgudkar family renovated this temple by spending 39 lakh rupees in 1993. On this occasion, Svami Svaroopananda Sarasvati from Phulgaon and Svami Vidyashankar Bharti from Shankaracharya Karveer Peeth, Karvir were present. Viewing all this, the temple's pillars and original structure should belong to 1633 CE.

The samādhī of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.

The samādhī of Kavi Kalash.

A life-size statue of Sambhaji Maharaj

Architecture: The temple complex is accessible from four directions, with the eastern entrance serving as the main gate. Upon entering, one encounters a tall dīpamāḷa situated on the premises. Next is the nandīmaṇḍapa, measuring 175 x 175 cm. The walls clearly indicate that restoration work has taken place. Further inside, one reaches the gūḍhamaṇḍapa, which spans 690 x 690 cm. This hall contains doorways in the north and south, aside from the main entrance. The gūḍhamaṇḍapa features four tall stambhas and 12 ardhastambhas, each with a height of 260 cm. These pillars appear to be designed in the Yādava architectural style. The tops of the stambhas are adorned with upright nāgas. A Gaṇeśa image from the Marāṭhā period is also housed within this space. Continuing further, one arrives at the garbhagṛha. The entrance is unembellished, save for a Gaṇeśa carving on the lalāṭabimba. The size of the garbhagṛha is 407 x 407 cm with a śivaliṅga in the center. There are four ardhastambhas in the garbhagṛha.

The roof of the temple is of traditional style. The exterior of the temple is flat. There is a praṇālaka/gāyamukha to carry out the water offered to the śivaliṅga on the north side, outside the temple. The temple has a towering brick śikhara. Probably it is modern. Outside the temple complex, there is the Rudranātha Mahāraja Sañjīvana Samādhī temple and the Rāma temple on the southern side. The ghat on saṅgam can be accessed through the northern entrance. A panoramic view of the river can be seen from the ghāṭ area. Other temples like Mahāballāḷeśvara, Koṭeśvara, Gaṇeśa temple, Viṣṇu temple, Rāma temple, Saṅgameśvara temple, etc., can be visited from this ghāṭ area.

The entrance to the garbhagṛha.

The confluence of the Rivers Bhima, Bhama, and Indrayani.

Concluding Remarks: The Saṅgameśvara temple is exceptionally well-managed, with cleanliness maintained throughout the premises. Located near Pune, it is emerging as a prominent pilgrimage center, drawing lakhs of Śiva devotees year-round. The temple's priest, Shri. Shrikant Madhukar, is a Brahmin by caste.

To enhance the experience for visitors, the local administration has introduced boat rides on the river. The growing influx of devotees and tourists has positively impacted local employment and financially benefited the Grampanchayat. A trust oversees the temple's activities, organizing various religious events. Significant crowds assemble during Mahāśivarātrī and the death anniversary of Sambhaji Maharaj, adding to the temple's importance as a pilgrimage site. Overall, it makes for an enriching half-day trip for śiva-bhaktās from Pune.