Wagheshwar – The Submerged Temple

Nestled within the Pawna Lake, the Wagheshwar temple is a spiritual anomaly that is a peculiar example of architecture and witness to our history.

The Wagheshwar Temple is nestled in the serene surroundings of the Pawana Lake. The temple is assumed to be around 1000 years old . Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this ancient temple has stood proudly for generations, witnessing the ebb and flow of life along the banks of the Pawana River. However, its fate took a dramatic turn when the Pawana Dam was operationalized in 1971. This submerged the temple by its rising waters in the monsoon season, making it a silent sentinel beneath.

Though the original structure is damaged at most of the places, the locals have made an attempt to restore the temple to a large extend trying to keep the originality intact. The pyramidal structure on the top of the temple has collapsed but the main sanctorum is in decent state.

One can witness the stone pyramids next to the temple. These are created by devotees. These are prayer or a deep wish of an individual’s want to build or buy a house. The stack of stones is a metaphor for the home itself. The act of defending the stacked stones became imbued with the act of defending a home from attackers, of protecting oneself, one’s family and one’s place of living. But what amuses me the most is how does the stack not fall when the temple is submerged under the water 8 out of 12 months a year ; ACT OF GOD

I must say, dating back to the era unknown, this temple is undoubtedly a must-visit. (https://maps.app.goo.gl/AJuMpbAWcaYi2Gni6)