Krishnabai Temple

Getting there

• By air

  Pune Airport (PNQ) is the nearest airport, about 120 km away.

• By train

  Wathar Railway Station (WTR) is the nearest railway station, according to the official tourism page.

• By road

  State-run buses run to Mahabaleshwar from the nearby railway towns.

Why devotees come here

Krishnabai Temple stands on a cliff above Mahabaleshwar town in Satara district, Maharashtra. It is believed to be the point of origin of the Krishna River. The temple is built of black stone and brick.

Krishnabai Temple is believed to mark the point where the Krishna River begins. Inside is a Shiva lingam that locals revere, and an idol of Krishna. Outside, a carved stone cow has water flowing continuously from its mouth, and devotees see it as the river's source. Local legends connect the temple to stories from the time of the Pandavas.

The temple is built of black stone and brick on a cliff above Mahabaleshwar town, which stands at 4500 feet. Its black stone structure resembles a medieval castle. The architecture follows the Hemadpanti style, which adds an aesthetic element to the building. From the cliff there are wide views over the Krishna Valley. Historical records place its construction in the 19th century, while local legends suggest otherwise.

Festivals

• During Ganesh ChaturthiGanesh Chaturthi

  The whole town comes alive with devotion and festivities.

Tips for your visit

• The cliff-top location affords wide panoramic views of the Krishna Valley.
• Mahabaleshwar Temple, a Shiva shrine built in the 16th century, is in the same town.
• Panchganga Temple, built in the 13th century, stands at the confluence of five sacred rivers.

Questions people ask