Mhaskoba Temple, Hindu temple in Purandar taluka, Pune district, India
The Mhaskoba Temple is a Hindu temple in the Purandar taluka of Pune district, India, situated near the Purnaganga River. The main shrine is dedicated to Mhaskoba, a local form of Kaal Bhairava, a deity associated with the Shiva tradition.
The temple has been venerated by local tribal communities for generations and is considered one of the oldest places of worship in the Pune region. Over time it drew devotees from farther areas and grew into a pilgrimage site of regional standing.
During the Magh Pournima night in February, devotees from surrounding villages gather and bring offerings to the shrine. The worship of Mhaskoba is deeply tied to the everyday life of local Adivasi communities and shapes their festivals and customs.
The temple is located outside Pune and is most easily reached by private vehicle, though public buses connect nearby towns to the area. Visitors should dress modestly and be aware that opening times may vary around religious festivals.
A local story tells of a cowherd named Kamlaji who saw a five-headed snake drawing milk from a cow at this spot. The community reads this event as a sign of Bhairava's presence, and the story is still passed down among local families today.
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