Kunda or Temple Tank in Krishnabai Temple of Lord Shiva in Old Mahabaleshwar
India, Mahabaleshwar, Travel

Krishnabai Temple, Mahabaleshwar – A hidden gem!

Our urge to visit unconventional places takes us to some off-beat locations like Gondeshwar Temple, Devikund Sagar Royal Cenotaphs. One such destination is the Krishnabai Temple in Old Mahabaleshwar which is just 3 hours (127 KMs) scenic drive from Pune. While Mahabaleshwar Temple and Panchganga Temple are quite popular in Mahabaleshwar, Krishna Temple is a hidden gem!

  • Exterior of Krishnabai Temple of Lord Shiva in Old Mahabaleshwar
  • Entrance at Krishnabai Temple of Lord Shiva in Old Mahabaleshwar

Located just a few meters away from the Panchganga temple (Convergence of five rivers – Koyna, Krishna, Venna, Savitri, and Gayatri) the Krishna Temple, is a Shiva temple and is built in the Hemadpanti Style of Architecture. It is known to be the origin of Krishna River hence the name of the temple. The year of construction is unknown but some say it is 1000 years old while some opine it to be 5000 years old!

December 2018:: Started from Pune early in the morning and took a pit stop for a quick breakfast of Dhokla and Poha. The weather was perfect for the drive. The enchanting views, green landscapes, ghats (winding mountain roads) were worth a trip.

  • Khambatki Ghat at Pune-Kolhapur Highway
  • Roads in Mahabaleshwar
  • Poha enroute Mahabaleshwar
  • Dhokla enroute Mahabaleshwar

Reached within 3 hours and parked our vehicle in the parking behind the Panchganga temple and moved in the direction of the trail leading to the ancient temple overlooking the most beautiful landscape of Krishna Valley. As you walk through the small trail, you won’t realise there will be a magnificent black stone structure at the end of the trail.

  • Sign board for Krishnabai Temple of Lord Shiva in Old Mahabaleshwar
  • Pathway for Krishnabai Temple of Lord Shiva in Old Mahabaleshwar
  • Outside of Krishnabai Temple of Lord Shiva in Old Mahabaleshwar
  • Pathway towards Krishnabai Temple of Lord Shiva in Old Mahabaleshwar

I have put the location on the map for your ease. The mark is of Panchganga Temple as the map is unable to find the Krishna Temple. So, when you reach Panchganga, you can see well-marked path which you can follow.

The first thing you notice is the moss-covered exterior and the water flowing from the gomukh (cow mouth). The rivulet is collected in the tank and then joins other sources to form full-fledged river. When the water level is low, you can sit on the stairs leading to the tank and take some candid shots. Although, the temple is open round the year, the best time to visit is the post-monsoon (September-February) where the whole area becomes lush green and photogenically inviting.

Carvings on the pillars, the intricately well planned design, view of the valley and the feel of the Krishna Temple is captivating.

View from Krishnabai Temple of Lord Shiva in Old Mahabaleshwar
View from Krishnabai Temple of Lord Shiva in Old Mahabaleshwar
  • Kunda or Temple Tank in Krishnabai Temple of Lord Shiva in Old Mahabaleshwar
  • Corridor of Krishnabai Temple of Lord Shiva in Old Mahabaleshwar
  • Statue outside Krishnabai Temple of Lord Shiva in Old Mahabaleshwar

The architecture and carvings of the Krishnabai Temple are worth capturing. It is serene and peaceful. Glad this temple has not tasted the wrath of urbanisation. The charming view from the temple is mesmerizing. You can sit there for hours and watch the sky canvas change!

Have a look at couple of more photographs….

  • Tank outside Krishnabai Temple of Lord Shiva in Old Mahabaleshwar
  • Premises of Krishnabai Temple of Lord Shiva in Old Mahabaleshwar
  • Architecture of Krishnabai Temple of Lord Shiva in Old Mahabaleshwar
  • Nanchi at Krishnabai Temple of Lord Shiva in Old Mahabaleshwar
  • Close-up of Krishnabai Temple of Lord Shiva in Old Mahabaleshwar
  • Road towards Krishnabai Temple of Lord Shiva in Old Mahabaleshwar
  • Pathway towards Krishnabai Temple of Lord Shiva in Old Mahabaleshwar

41 thoughts on “Krishnabai Temple, Mahabaleshwar – A hidden gem!”

  3. What an amazing post once again. Lovely. The nature, you, pictures of scenery.

    I loved the facts.

    Also, I’m upset with you, it’s been an hour and this time you didn’t update me you posted it, Nanchi. Very bad haa☹️

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Thank you so much Sumit. I am glad you liked the post. This has to be my type of post – Nature, Drive, Food, Peace! :D😊

      Haha…I notified you but you were quick this time to land up on my page! 😉

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  4. The Krishnabai Temple is really beautiful. It’s a bit sad to see that the Temple now seems abandoned. This can easily find a spot as an ASI site.
    The temple also looks to be in a decent shape to allow devotees to offer prayers.
    The claim of the temple being 5,000 years old seems way far fetched.
    1. The architecture and the building style involves assembly of rocks cut and assembled later on to build a multi-storeyed building. This style looks Medieval and not ancient Indian
    2. Multi-storeyed buildings did exist in Indus Valley Civilization as well (read my post), but they were built of bricks. Buildings built with such huge cut rocks was unknown in the circa 3000 BCE or earlier.
    3. The Pyramids of Egypt are older. But then again, you cannot reconcile the Egyptian Stone buildings with Indian Temples which don’t contain hieroglyphs but idols or rock carvings of Gods and Goddesses.
    4. The cut stones are well fit in place and seem to have been joined by some cementing material. Both of these features are hard to find in Egyptian Pyramids / Buildings
    5. Even if I consider this temple to be as old as the IVC, I still cannot reconcile the oddly symmetric designs on Pillars and the sculptures of Gods. The IVC contained neither. The Gods whose images / sculptures / carvings have been recovered from IVC belong to “proto-Shiva” or Pashupathinath, who is depicted in a half-animal, half-human form. That theory too is contested.
    I believe the Temple to be less than 1,000 years old as per my knowledge of History and Architecture.
    Nevertheless, the Temple is beautiful and must be conserved seriously.
    Thank you Madam for sharing this informative article. I apologize in advance if my comments have angered you, which wasn’t the intention.

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    1. Wow, Abir! That’s a lot of information and supporting statements for justifying the age of the temple. You are too knowledgeable. 👌I too am learning so much from you especially history. Thank you for adding your inputs. I too believe this must not be older than 500 years.

      Also, It is not abandoned, there is a priest and glad not much people visit it. No No! How can your comment anger me? I am so so glad you always takes the initiative to share the knowledge. That’s how we learn and grow, right!? Please feel free to comment and add any information you have. I will be happy to learn. Thank you once again. 😊

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      1. Well, I thought such a long comment might have tested your patience and might have angered you. Glad it didn’t.. 😊
        Glad to know that the Temple is Active and people come here to pray.
        It is more than 500 years old, but less than 1000 years old. The Hemadpanti style of the temple sets the date to be in the circa. 13th Century CE to 14th Century CE.
        Well, I like History and Archaeology. So I try to observe and read about them quite often.. 😊
        Thank you Madam for allowing to post long comments.. 😊 You are very kind..!! Got to learn another aspect of India from you.. 😊

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Haha…Not at all. Rather I love reading long comments especially when it is informative. As I said, feel free to add any kind of information any time. I will be happy to read. 😊

        Liked by 1 person

  7. Your ‘off beat’ sure is more interesting than mine! What fabulous photos of your travels. I love seeing the old buildings.

    Thanks for taking part at ‘My Corner of the World’ this week! It’s good to see you.

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    1. Thank you so much Betty! Coming from you means a lot, dear. It is fascinating to see old buildings. I am glad you liked it. It is good to read you as well! 😊

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  13. Amazing clicks. The picture looks so serene was just imagining how it would be in real. One more place added to my list of travel destination post lockdown (hope this happens soon :)) The post is very informative. Have never been to Mahabaleshwar but now eagerly planning a trip and visit this place as soon as circumstances permit. Well written blog keep up the good work

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    1. I love Krishnabai Temple because of its serenity and peaceful environment. Oh that’s good to know you stay in Mumbai. Where all have you travelled? Thank you dear, I am glad you liked the photos. ❤

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