About Temple

The Vitthal Mahadev (Siddheśvar) Temple and Dhaneśvar Mahādev temple in Chinchvad have historical and cultural significance. They date back to the 18th century and are located on the banks of the Pavana River. The Chapekar brothers were associated with Chinchvad, and Moraya Gosavi meditated at Dhaneśvar temple. 

Time Period

1756-58 CE

Patron

Maratha

Deity

Shiva

Location

Chinchvad

The village of Chinchvad, which disappeared due to industrialization, was the native village of the revolutionary Chapekar brothers. Chinchvad is 15 km from Pune city and takes around half an hour by vehicle. Bus services are also available between Pune city and Chinchvad. Apart from the mausoleum of Moraya Gosavi, there are temples such as the Viṭṭhal Mahādev Temple and Dhaneśvar Mahādev Temple. Due to the rapid urbanization of Chinchvad village, the Viṭṭhal temple is not easily visible. Tall buildings on all four sides surround this temple. However, since this temple is close to the Morya Gosavi mausoleum, it is easy to go there. The address of this temple can be obtained by asking local people.

Viṭṭhal Mahādev Temple: The Viṭṭhal Mahādev (Siddheśvar) Temple (18°37'36.08"N, 73°46'50.70"E) is located in Chinchvad on the banks of the Pavana River. It was built in 1757-58 CE, and consists of a garbhagṛha, a maṇḍapa, and a nandī maṇḍapa.

Garbhagṛha: The garbhagṛha has a simple sanctum sanctorum with a Śivaliṅga at its centre. The upper part of the doorjamb bears the image of Gaṇeśha, and an inscription in Devanāgarī script and Marāṭhī language is skillfully carved atop it. This inscription is well-preserved and has been deciphered and read by Anil Dudhane. The temple's construction commenced in 1756 CE and was completed in 1758 CE. The reading of the inscription is as follows; 

१ ।। श्री सिध्देश्वर चरणी निरंतर राघोरुद्र मेकुल निरंतर प्रारंभ शके १६७८ धा ।।

२ ।। तृणाम सवत्सर अश्विन शुध १० दशमि समाप्त शके १६७९ ईश्वर संवत्सर

Translation: Shri. Raghorudra Mekul initiated the construction work of the Siddheśvar temple during the Āśvina Śuddha 10 of the Śaka era 1678 (Sunday, October 3, 1756 CE) of the Dhātu Samavatsara. The work was continued and completed by Śaka era 1679 (Sunday or Friday, March 20, 1757, to April 7, 1758, CE) of the Iśvara Samavatsara (Dudhane, personal communication).

Guḍhamaṇḍapa: The Guḍhamaṇḍapa, or the main hall, of the temple boasts three kīrtimukhas on the udumbara section of its doorjamb, complemented by a Uttarāṅga adorned with intricate leaf motifs. The hall's roof takes on a pyramidal shape. The maṇḍapa features an entrance gate on its right, while its left side houses a stone cupboard. Within the Maṇḍapa, two niches are set opposite each other: the left niche enshrines a statue of Gaṇeśa, while the right niche holds either a fragment of a hero stone or footprints. Externally, the temple presents a square architecture. The upper facade showcases the toraṇa motif, which is interspersed with carvings of leaves, flowers, and serpents in specific areas. The rear of the garbhagṛha (sanctum sanctorum) is also equipped with a niche.

Nandīmaṇḍapa: The Nandīmaṇḍapa, a dedicated pavilion for Nandī (the bull associated with Lord Shiva), is constructed in a square design with a statue of Nandī taking the center stage. An inscription found within this maṇḍapa dates its construction or renovation to the year 1802.  It reads as follows: 

श्री शके १७२४ दुंदुभी नाम

सवछरे अश्विन १३ ब संव ••

चेरनी ••• होनराव तत्पर

Translation: Honorav constructed the Nandī Maṇḍapa in Āśvina Vadya 13 of Śaka 1724 of Dundubhī Samavatsara, corresponding to Sunday, 24 October 1802 CE.

Śikhara: The śikhara of the temple is of the Marāṭhā period and is square-shaped with a hollow inside, which can be entered through a door. It is built of stucco and bricks.

An inscription in Devanāgarī carved on above the doorway.

An inscription in Devanāgarī carved on above the doorway.

The garbhagṛha

The garbhagṛha

A Nandī.

A Nandī.

The Dhaneśvar Mahādev temple: There is another temple in the vicinity which is also very old. Like the temple above, it has nothing to distinguish it artistically, but for completeness purpose we are documenting it. The Dhaneśvar Mahādev temple faces east and is located in Chinchvad, near the Pavana River. Inside, worshippers venerate a liṅga similar to the one at Trimbakeshvar in Nashik. Moraya Gosavi is believed to have meditated here in this temple, which dates this temple back to the 16th century. Its main structures include the Nandīmaṇḍapa, Sabhāmaṇḍapa, and the garbhagṛha. Historically, the Chaphekar brothers from Chinchvad reportedly took an oath here to assassinate the British officer Rand. Close to this temple are the Muñjobā, south-facing Mārutī, and Vighneśvar temples. There's also a Gośālā (cow shelter) in the vicinity. The temple's activities and maintenance are managed by the Sri Dhaneśvar Maṇḍal Trust. Events such as Mahāśivarātrī, Śrāvaṇī Somavār, and Guru-Caritra Pārāyaṇa are celebrated here.

About Temple

The Vitthal Mahadev (Siddheśvar) Temple and Dhaneśvar Mahādev temple in Chinchvad have historical and cultural significance. They date back to the 18th century and are located on the banks of the Pavana River. The Chapekar brothers were associated with Chinchvad, and Moraya Gosavi meditated at Dhaneśvar temple. 

Time Period

1756-58 CE

Patron

Maratha

Deity

Shiva

Location

Chinchvad

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