Pandeshwar Temple is situated 60km SE of Pune on the north bank of the river Karha. This is another interesting temple in the region for which little information is available. The external of the main temple has clues suggesting this was originally a medieval structure, possibly from the Yadava dynasty, that has been substantially renovated during the Maratha era. The temple entrance is a highlight, with two large dwarapalas flanking the doorway, alongside an ornate facade with detailed carvings, protruding niches, and perforated jalis which were motifs borrowed by the Yadavas from Gujarat. The shikhara has all the hallmarks of being radically modified or completely rebuilt in the 18th century by the Marathas. Covered in lime plaster and depicting a multitude of deities, the brightly painted tower contains architectural elements heavily influenced from the Sultanate architecture. Aside from the main temple, a number of structures also exist in the compound that were almost certainly instigated during the Maratha era. A standalone covered arcade curves around the river bank, stairs at either end give access to the roof and views across the countryside. The arcade walls contain scenes from the epics, sadly badly damaged in more recent times. Beyond a standalone structure housing a Nandi is a plastered brick and stone pillar with three segments, tapering towards the top, with images carved on the upper segment. It’s not clear what the purpose of this tower is, providing a 360 degree view of the environs one could suggest some form of lookout tower. My other thought was whether fires were lit from the top of this tower for some purpose. If any of my readers have any suggestions I would love to hear from you ! The temple gets its name from the Pandavas, local folklore says they stayed in the region and built this temple over the course of a single night. It’s fair to say that’s not the first time I have heard this story attached to a temple in Maharashtra, the river Karha immediately east of this temple is also associated with the Pandavas. #swiggywala #localguides @googlemaps #SecretTemples #MaharashtraTourism #insta_maharashtra #maharashtraunlimited https://www.instagram.com/p/CcIuozpPfg7/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=