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| Front view of Temple |
The Shiv Temple of Ambarnath is a historic Hindu temple from the 11th century, located in Ambarnath near Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. It is also referred to as the Ambreshwar Shiva Temple and is locally known as Puratana Shivalaya. According to UNESCO, it is one of the world's 218 cultural heritage sites. Out of those 218, India has 25 and Maharashtra has 4.
The temple is located 2 km from Ambarnath railway station (East). The temple, beautifully carved in stone, was constructed in 1060 AD. It was likely built by the Shilahara king Chhittaraja and may have been rebuilt by his son Mummuni.
It is believed that the Pandavas built the temple in just one night from a single massive stone during their vanvaas (exile). This temple, considered one of the oldest from the mid-eleventh century, is unique in the world. The incomplete structure, visible today in the missing roof above the main sanctum (Garbha Griha), is attributed to the Pandavas being unable to finish it. It is also said that there is a kilometer-long passageway, now sealed, that the Pandavas supposedly used to escape.
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| The stone curving's on the temple are simply amazing. |
The temple's architecture is primarily in the Hemadpanti style, with the outer walls intricately and elegantly carved from black stone. At the entrance, you'll find two Nandi statues—a rare sight, as this was the first time I had ever seen two Nandis at the entrance of a Shiva temple. The temple features 20 steps leading down to the main chamber, known as the Garbha Griha, where a swayambhu Shivling is located at the center of the room.
How to Reach:
- Ambernath is well-connected by the Central Railway line. The temple is 2 km from the railway station, and you can take a sharing auto from Ambernath Station East for ₹15.
- The nearest airport is Mumbai, located 50 km from the temple.
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