Krishna Devi Temple...An Old Dilapidated But Beautiful Temple In Mahabaleshwar!

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We went on a road trip two weeks back from Chennai to Mahabaleshwar! Came back home via Goa... We visited 3 ancient forts (my son's favourites!).  And we visited this temple also!

It was drizzling and the whole area was covered by fog.  The passage to the temple was narrow and slippery.

This temple (in Mahabaleshwar) was built in 1888...Wiki says:

Behind Panchganga temple, there is a small trail that leads to Krishnabai temple where the Krishna river is worshipped. It is built on the hilltop overlooking the Krishna valley and was built in 1888 by a ruler of Ratnagiri on the Konkan coast. The temple has a Shiva lingam and a beautiful statue of Krishna. A small stream of the river flowing from a cow-face (gomukh) falls on a ‘Kunda’ or water tank. Stone carved columns and ceilings are the special characteristics of this temple. This old temple has gathered moss and is in ruins. It is not visited much by tourists and is isolated. But it provides a most exquisite view of the river Krishna.

Since it was a bit dark because of the rains and fog and the time was nearly 6 pm, I could not see the gods properly/clearly.  I noticed the whole garbha gruha was wet (no water stagnation though).  Only few lamps were there. The flowers looked beautiful on the dark stones.  We were just soaking in the drizzling rain and walking around! The pond where the water flows from the 'gomukh' looks as if it is not used or cleaned.  A priest came there after sometime and closed the door of the sannidhi...wooden door which looks new.  A few people came when we were there.  Otherwise, the whole area looked very quiet and pleasant.  You can notice from the pictures below.

Krishna Devi/Krishna Bai temple, Mahabaleshwar.  Notice the plants which are growing on the walls of the temple, this will destroy it in a few years

The narrow way to the Krishna Devi Temple...

The first view of the temple...

The garbha gruha and the Gomukh...Looks serene without any other distractions!

The legend says that River Krishna starts from this Gomukh statue (Cow's mouth)...The water comes like this throughout the year, it seems. 

The garbha gruha...sanctum sanctorum ...The frame, the door, the silver thrishool and Nagaraja looks as if they were added in the recent years.  A small Shiva linga was visible.

Nandi (Lord Shiva's vaahana/transport, bull!) statue in front of the temple.  You can notice the fog behind it.  We could not view the river properly from the railings but saw the scene which is given below.  We could have seen the beautiful panoramic view of the Krishna valley if the weather was clear!

The waterfall which flows into the Krishna river below! Notice the plastic bags and bottles thrown by the 'tourists'...dirty people.  This was visible from the railings near the temple.  This scene diffused the happy feeling we had, while roaming around the temple. 

Many people mention this temple as Krishnabai temple.  I don't know which name is right.  I liked the way the surroundings near the temple being maintained by somebody...it is spotless, no dead leaves or any other debris.  Very nice. Well...this visit is going to stay in my memory. 

The famous Krishna valley view is here...got it from the net.  We saw glimpses of this when the fog moved a bit but it vanished again! Here is the picture, thanks to Tushar_driving's link

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