Situated in the remote village of Khireshwar, at Pune’s northern border near Thane and Ahmednagar, the Nageshwar Mahadev Temple stands as one of Maharashtra’s oldest Shiva temples—dating back over 1,100 years. It is an architectural masterpiece built by the Shilahara king Jhanj in the 10th century as part of a group of twelve identical Shiva temples established along the Godavari and Bhima rivers. Traditions and copperplate inscriptions confirm its antiquity and ritual importance, especially for ceremonies that address pitru dosha (ancestral afflictions).harishchandragad+1​youtube​

Nestled along the banks of the Kalu River near Pimpalgaon Joga Dam and the base of Harishchandragad, this temple is a rare blend of Hemadpanthi and Karnata Dravida architectural styles, featuring both stone and wooden elements. Arriving at the temple usually requires crossing a small river, which becomes waist-deep in the monsoon season but is typically shallow otherwise. The path from the road involves a 10-minute walk, immersing visitors in the pristine natural beauty of the Sahyadris.youtube​harishchandragad​

The temple’s sanctum (garbhagriha) is set deep within thick stone walls and reached via an antaral (vestibule) adorned with finely carved stone panels. A beautiful stone Nandi faces the entrance, while nearby stands a rare ancient Ganesh idol and memorial veer gal (hero stones). The vestibule ceiling is decorated with 16 square carved panels depicting Vedic gods and their mounts—Ganesh on his mouse, Shiva–Parvati on Nandi, Brahma–Saraswati on Hamsa, Skanda on peacock, Kubera on human, Kamadeva–Rati on makara. An extraordinary five-foot-long bas-relief of Sheshashayi Vishnu (Vishnu reclining on Ananta), with Brahma and Lakshmi, graces the doorway—a rarity in Shiva temples.thinkreload+1​youtube​

The sanctuary houses a black stone shivalinga encircled by a five-metal serpent idol. Kirtimukha carvings, ornate devakoshta niches, and multiple deity figures line the spire and outer walls. Behind the sanctum, a sculpted deity in a music-art pose highlights the temple’s artistic finesse. Outside, the temple’s rugged beauty is enhanced by nearby caves, ancient water tanks, and unspoiled landscape, which make this area a favorite for both pilgrims and trekkers heading toward Harishchandragad.

Despite wear from the elements, most sculptures remain marvelously preserved. The temple is treasured for pitru dosha rituals, ancient artistry, and tranquil setting by the Kalu River