Religious site
Pataleshwar Caves, Pune
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The Pataleshwar Caves are an 8th-century rock-cut Hindu temple from the Rashtrakuta period, located in Pune, Maharashtra. Dedicated to Shiva, the site features a monolithic circular Nandi mandapa and a large pillared mandapa, all carved from a single rocky hillock. The complex includes three rock-cut sanctums, originally likely dedicated to Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu, but now housing Parvati, Shiva, and Ganesha. A garden surrounds the site, and it is a protected monument managed by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Don't miss
- Monolithic circular Nandi mandapa with sixteen pillars, twelve along the circumference and four inside, all cut from the original rock.
- Three rock-cut sanctums with a pradakshinapatha (circumambulation passage) carved around them, set at a lower level to evoke an 'underworld' feel.
- A set of steps flanked by two couchant stone tigers carved in-situ, leading into the covered mandapa.
- Remains of reliefs including Saptamatrikas, Gajalakshmi, Tripurantaka, Anantasayin, and Lingodbhava.
- A small side shrine for Durga within the complex.
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Pataleshwar Caves, Pune
You can visit Pataleshwar Caves, Pune on your own. A guide is worth it for the history and detail that is easy to walk past, and a tour can combine it with nearby sights.
Cheapest way inWhy Pune? : Heritage and Food Walks through Old Pune5★ · 36 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$19 per personSee dates →
Most bookedGuided Highlights of Pune Car Tour with a local (4 Hrs Sightseeing in AC Car)4.6★ · 95 travelers~4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$75 per personSee dates →
Private & flexibleImmersive culture tour of Pune by private car with guide and local lunch5★ · 40 travelers~8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$117 per personSee dates →Getting there
Know before you go
- The caves are located in Shivajinagar, Pune, about 150 km from Mumbai.
- The site is a protected monument managed by the Archaeological Survey of India.
- A garden surrounds the complex, with some recovered architectural ruins stored in it.
A bit of history
The caves date to the 8th century, from the Rashtrakuta period. The name 'Pataleshwar' comes from the deep-in-the-ground sanctums, symbolizing the underworld. The site has suffered damage from vandalism and natural elements over the centuries.
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