Patharwadi Chaturmukh Shiva Temple is located on a hill near Patharwadi village, about 25 km from Pune, Maharashtra. The temple is situated on Brahmagiri Hill, where the sacred Karha River originates.
The temple’s main deity is Lord Shiva, represented in the rare and divine form of a Chaturmukh (four-faced) Shiva Lingam. Each face symbolizes different aspects of Shiva: creation (Brahma), preservation (Vishnu), destruction (Shiva), and transcendence (the Supreme Beyond). The temple also houses a large and beautiful statue of Nandi, Lord Shiva’s divine vehicle, facing the lingam.
The temple’s architecture is simple but spiritually powerful. The highlight is the Chaturmukh Shiva Lingam, which is placed under a sacred structure where water continuously drips from a copper kalash above, symbolizing an eternal abhisheka (ritual bathing). Surrounding the main shrine are decorative sculptures and symbolic idols like Trishul (trident), Damru (drum), snakes, and an “Om” symbol. The temple has an open courtyard, and the surrounding hill provides a panoramic view of the green valleys below.
Long ago, the gods chose the hill near Patharwadi village for a special event. This hill is now known as Brahmagiri Hill. It is believed that Lord Brahma, the god of creation, came here to worship Lord Shiva. He brought holy water in his kamandalu (a sacred pot) and poured it over a Shiva Lingam as part of a ritual called abhisheka (holy bathing). As the water flowed down the hill, it became a small stream and later formed the Karha River.
Because the river began from the water used in Lord Brahma’s worship, it is considered very holy. That is why the hill was named Brahmagiri, which means “Hill of Brahma.” People believe that this place holds divine energy and blessings from both Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva.
Later, during their exile, the Pandavas passed through this area. They were tired and thirsty. When they reached this hill, they found cool, sweet water and drank from it. They felt peaceful and strong again. Realizing that it was a sacred place, they prayed to Lord Shiva and meditated here. Since then, this spot is considered powerful for meditation and prayer.
Several festivals are celebrated with devotion and enthusiasm at the Patharwadi Chaturmukh Shiva Temple. Maha Shivaratri is the most important festival here, attracting devotees from nearby villages and towns who come to offer special prayers, perform night-long vigils, and participate in abhishekam rituals. During the Shravan month (July–August), devotees visit the temple regularly, especially on Mondays, to seek blessings from Lord Shiva. Nag Panchami is also celebrated with rituals dedicated to the serpent gods, as snakes are closely associated with Lord Shiva. Apart from these, Pradosham and full moon (Purnima) days are considered auspicious, and special poojas are performed on these occasions. The serene hilltop location and festive atmosphere create a spiritually uplifting experience for all visitors.
