Kshetra Mahuli Ram Mandir is located in Mahuli, a small village about 5 km east of Satara city, in Maharashtra. It is situated on the banks of the Krishna River, directly across the confluence point from Sangam Mahuli, where the Krishna and Venna rivers meet.
The main deity of this temple is Lord Shiva, worshipped as Shri Rameshwar, a form of Shiva worshipped by Lord Rama himself. However, the temple also houses a sacred shrine of Lord Rama, along with idols of Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman. This is why the temple is popularly known as the Ram Mandir of Kshetra Mahuli. Devotees believe this is a powerful spot for both Shiva and Vishnu devotees.
The Rameshwar (Ram) Mandir is built in the Nagara style of temple architecture, commonly seen in northwestern India. The structure features black stone construction with a traditional sabhamandap (assembly hall), antarala (vestibule), and garbhagriha (sanctum). Outside the temple stands a beautifully carved Nandi Mandap (pavilion for Nandi) and a tall deepastambha (lamp pillar). The temple also has a Shivalinga inside a water structure, signifying its ancient sacredness.
The temple was built in the 17th century during the Maratha period. Shripatrao Pant Pratinidhi, a noble under Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, developed the area around Kshetra Mahuli and Sangam Mahuli. The temple is believed to have existed even before this construction, as the site is mentioned in ancient texts. The region has deep connections with Maratha history, and the temple was a spiritual center visited by saints like Samarth Ramdas Swami, the guru of Shivaji Maharaj.
According to legend, when Lord Rama was on his way to Lanka during his 14-year exile, he passed through the dense forests and riverbanks of the present-day Satara region. He arrived at the sacred confluence of the Krishna and Venna rivers, now known as Sangam Mahuli and Kshetra Mahuli. Recognizing the spiritual energy of the place, Lord Rama decided to rest here and perform penance.
To seek the blessings of Lord Shiva before the great war with Ravana, Rama installed a Shiva Linga at this spot and offered prayers. This linga came to be known as Rameshwar, meaning “the Lord worshipped by Rama.” It is believed that Rama performed Rudrabhisheka here, asking for victory, courage, and divine strength.
The Shiva Linga at this temple is considered swayambhu (self-manifested), and the sanctity of the site is enhanced by its proximity to the rivers and the association with Lord Rama’s divine mission. Over time, a shrine dedicated to Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana was also built behind the Shiva sanctum, signifying the deep link between Shaivism and Vaishnavism at this site.
It is also said that Samarth Ramdas Swami, the spiritual guru of Shivaji Maharaj, visited this temple in the 17th century. Deeply moved by the energy of the place, he blessed it as a powerful spiritual center and reportedly gifted sacred river pebbles that turned into gold for the local priests.
Because of its dual dedication to Lord Shiva and Lord Rama, the temple is revered as a symbol of divine harmony. The presence of both deities in one sacred space makes Kshetra Mahuli Ram Mandir unique and spiritually significant.
Kshetra Mahuli Ram Mandir celebrates Mahashivaratri, Ram Navami, Shravan Mondays, and Kartik Deepotsav with devotion. An annual rath yatra is also held with great enthusiasm and local participation.
