“We’ll be visiting my village tomorrow, so be ready by 9 a.m sharp!” That was the call I got from a friend after a long and exhausting day at work, and I was hoping for some relief on the weekend. It had also been pending for a long time, so I agreed without hesitation.
(Shri Someshwar Temple premise at Chas, Maharashtra, India) Photo by me.
Another friend took me to his native village of Bhoj in Karnataka last time; here’s the informative article. It’s great to have nomad mates!
His village named Chas is couple of hours drive from my on the Pune-Nashik Highway, it’s about 55 kilometres (34 miles) from Pune city. You must take a left turn at Rajgurunagar (Khed) and travel approximately 10 kilometres within (6 miles).
Long ago, I had visited the famous dam of Chas Kaman, which is about 8 kilometres from his village, but I was unaware of his village’s historical significance. So I didn’t want to squander the chance this time.
We were greeted in a traditional village environment. When I visit the countryside or get away from the city, I get excited because it provides me with fresh air and a relaxing environment. His farm and house is located very next to this beautiful Lord Shiva temple, well-known as Shri Someshwar Temple, on the banks of river the Bhima. The entire premise including the temple is situated on their ancestors’ land. There is a hindu cremation center near the gate but it is not very disturbing. I also noticed few tombs in that premise; he didn’t have much of the knowledge about it though. Surrounded by lush green farms, newly decorated garden and fountain and the river on the other side, the entire scene was filled with calmness and serenity, glad I accepted his invitation.
(Age old banyan tree and river bank of Bhima near the temple)
According to legend, this temple of Lord Shiva or Shri Someshwar was founded by Kashibai, the first wife of a Maratha Empire general named Shrimant Bajirao Peshwa, sometime between 1747 and 1749. (You can find more details here) It has now been restored by the government, and its surroundings have been built with lovely gardens, trees, new levels, and colours. At the gate, there is a small Ganesha temple, and a new garden is being built beside it.
(The idol of Lord Shiva’s bull, “Nandi,” is in front of main Temple) (Renovation and restoration work is in progress)
(Internal premise of the temple)
A large lamp post, or "दिपमाळ " as we call it in Marathi, greets visitors as they approach the main temple. The idol of Lord Shiva’s bull, “Nandi,” is right next to it, and in front of it is the Lord Shiva temple. Someshwar is another name for Lord Shiva.
The last day of the festival of lights “Diwali,” Kartik Pournima (full moon), or Tripuri Purnima, also known as “Dev Diwali,” is celebrated here with many lights on the lamp post and around it. It attracts devotees from all over the world. It’s a show you shouldn’t miss. This year I was unable to attend, but it is on my wish list for next year.
Local transport bus service is also available from Pune to Rajgurunagar and then from there you can catch a Auto Rickshaw. I’m not sure why it’s not a well-known attraction, because there are so few shops nearby; I’d suggest taking your own food and, yes, please make sure you take your trash with you and keep the area clean.
However, along the main road and the highway, there are numerous restaurants and small shops serving delicious “Puneri Misal,” a well-known and popular mid-day snack in Maharashtra. That is something you would undoubtedly appreciate. Hotel Tulsi, near Bham village on the highway to Pune, is my favorite. I have also created a list of places serving delicious, tasty “Puneri Misal” around Pune, specially on highways!!
Until then, happy guiding to all!
Cheers!
thanks for sharing
