The Shiv Temple of Ambernath is one of the oldest temple situated on the banks of Waldhuni river at Ambernath in the Thane district of Maharashtra.The temple is also known as the Ambreshwar Shiva Temple and Ambernath Shivalaya Temple. The local people call this temple as the Puratana Shivalaya. This temple is constructed using coarse brownish stone which represents a typical Hemadpanthi architecture with Bhumija type Shikhara.
According to Wikipedia, The temple dates back to 1060 AD, and was built by king Mahamandaleshwar of the Shilahar dynasty, which ruled the Konkan region of Maharashtra from 800 to 1240 AD [1]. The architecture of the temple looks very compact with all pillars jointed together comprising of multiple layers of carvings of various god, goddesses and apsaras. There are other various design carvings which are seen at the top and the bottom layer of the temple.
Inside the temple, to take darshan of Shivling in garbhagriha, you have to go underground using steps from the main hall of the temple. The entrance of garbhagriha is narrow, you have to be careful while stepping down and climbing up. Priests (Pujaris) are present in the garbhagriha to assist you in performing the puja. You’ll have to take quick darshan if there is a long queue for the darshan. I would recommend you to visit this temple during weekdays or go early morning on weekends for peaceful darshan.
Devotees visits this temple during Shravan Somvars (Mondays) in the month of Shravan (as per Hindu Calendar) and Mahashivrati festival. The ancient looks and the beautiful carvings on the temple makes it attractive and a must visit one.
I had visited this temple along with my family. Here are some photos captured by me.
How to reach:
By Train – Get down at Ambernath Station on Central Railway.
You’ll get an autorickshaw from Ambernath (East) to reach the temple
By Road – Ambernath is well connected by road. You can reach Ambernath by Kalyan-Badlapur Road.
References:
1. Wikipedia – Shiv Mandir, Ambernath
2. Wikipedia – Bhumija
Mridula
The place looks majestic. Liked your tips for the peaceful darshan!
Sachin Baikar
Thanks Mridula ☺
Anagha Yatin @anagha_yatin
I love this place. One for its old world charm and other because it is at my “Mama che gaon”. Have many fond memories associated with the temple!
Thanks for making me rekindle old memories Sachin.
Sachin Baikar
Anagha, nice to know it is your ‘Mama che gaon’ ☺ Thanks for stopping by and sharing your comments ☺
Jyotirmoy Sarkar
Magnificent work of architecture. Nice clicks.
Sachin Baikar
Thanks Jyotirmoy ☺
Mohan Manohar
Wonderful architecture and nicely photographed thanks.
Sachin Baikar
Thanks Mohan ☺
GAYATHRI SHARMA
Beautiful old temple,thanks for sharing sir
Sachin Baikar
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your comments ☺ Gayathri
dee Nambiar
Wow! so much work on it.
The walls and the pedestal remind me of the Hoysala temples of Karnataka.
Sachin Baikar
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your comments ☺ Dee
PRANITA DESHPANDE
Well written post. I wondered it’s in Thane district. But no one told me about this temple.
Sachin Baikar
It’s a well known temple in Thane district.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your comments ☺ Pranita