Birla Mandir, Shahad
The Birla Mandir in Shahad, Maharashtra, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vithoba, also known as Lord Pandurang, and Goddess Rukmani. Renowned for its scenic beauty and intricate architecture, this stone temple has also served as a filming location for several Bollywood movies.
Key Facts
- ›Dedicated to Lord Pandurang (Vithoba) and Goddess Rukmani, popular deities in Maharashtra's Varkari tradition.
- ›Built by the industrialist Birla family, known for constructing numerous temples across India.
- ›Constructed from stone, giving it the appearance of an ancient temple with numerous carved idols.
- ›Features stone elephants at its entrances.
- ›Has been a filming location for popular Bollywood films such as 'Suhaag', 'Tere Naam', and 'Golmaal: Fun Unlimited'.
- ›Located in Shahad, Thane district, Maharashtra, near the Century Rayon Company on NH-61.
Lord Vithoba, Lord Pandurang, Goddess Rukmani
Architectural Beauty, Scenic Location, Filming Location For Bollywood Movies
Stone
Birla Family
Carved Idols On Interior and Exterior Walls, Stone Elephants At Entrances
About Birla Mandir, Shahad
Birla Mandir in Shahad, located in the Thane district of Maharashtra, India, is a significant Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vithoba, also known as Lord Pandurang, and Goddess Rukmani. These deities are particularly popular within Maharashtra's Varkari tradition, making the temple a place of religious importance.
Architecture and Construction
The temple is renowned for its distinctive architecture and scenic surroundings. Constructed entirely from stone, it possesses an aesthetic that evokes the impression of an ancient edifice. The interior and exterior walls are adorned with numerous carved idols, and imposing stone elephants stand guard at the entrances, enhancing its grandeur.
Cultural Significance
Beyond its religious and architectural merits, Birla Mandir has gained recognition in popular culture. Its picturesque setting has made it a sought-after location for filming Bollywood movies. Films such as the 1979 release 'Suhaag', 'Tere Naam', 'Prem Granth', and 'Golmaal: Fun Unlimited' have utilized the temple premises for shooting scenes, contributing to its visibility.
Location and Accessibility
The temple is situated in Shahad, within the Ulhasnagar taluka, on the NH-61 (Kalyan-Nanded Road) on the west side of Kalyan. It operates from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm. For visitors arriving by train, the nearest railway stations are Asangaon, Titwala, or Kasara, with alighting at Shahad railway station being the most convenient. Auto-rickshaws are readily available from Shahad (East) and Kalyan to transport visitors to the temple. Adjacent to the temple complex, in Shivaji Udyan, a garden area, a mini-train operates for children.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What deities are worshipped at Birla Mandir, Shahad?
The temple is primarily dedicated to Lord Pandurang, a form of Lord Vithoba, and Goddess Rukmani. These deities are highly revered within Maharashtra's Varkari tradition.
Who built the Birla Mandir in Shahad?
The temple was built by the prominent industrialist Birla family. The family is known for its philanthropy and has established many temples dedicated to various Hindu deities across India.
What is the architectural style of Birla Mandir, Shahad?
The temple is constructed entirely of stone, which contributes to its appearance resembling an ancient structure. It features extensive carvings of idols on its interior and exterior walls, and stone elephants guard the entrances.
Is Birla Mandir, Shahad, a popular filming location?
Yes, the temple's scenic beauty and architecture have made it a favored spot for filming. Several Bollywood movies, including 'Suhaag', 'Tere Naam', and 'Golmaal: Fun Unlimited', have featured scenes shot at the temple.
How can I reach Birla Mandir, Shahad?
The temple is accessible by train to Shahad railway station, which is next to Kalyan Junction. Auto-rickshaws are available from Shahad (East) and Kalyan to reach the temple. It is located on the NH-61, west of Kalyan.
Related Temples (Hindu)
Taraknath Temple
The Taraknath Temple, located in Tarakeswar, West Bengal, India, is a significant Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshiped here as Tarakanatha. Constructed in 1729, it features a distinct Bengal architectural style with an 'atchala' structure and an adjacent 'natmandir'. The temple is renowned for its belief that a dip in the nearby Dudhpukur tank fulfills prayers and is considered one of the 64 Jyotirlingas.
Tanot Mata Temple
The Tanot Mata Temple is a significant Hindu shrine located in the Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan, India, near the Pakistan border. Revered as a form of Goddess Hinglaj Mata, the temple is famously associated with the Indian victories in the Indo-Pakistani Wars of 1965 and 1971, with local folklore attributing the successful outcomes to divine intervention. The Border Security Force of India now manages the temple complex, which also includes a victory tower and a war museum.
Thriprayar Temple
The Thriprayar Temple, also known as the Shree Ramaswami Temple, is a significant Hindu temple located in Triprayar, Thrissur district, Kerala, India. It is dedicated to Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Vishnu, who is depicted with four arms holding a conch, discus, bow, and garland. The temple's origin story involves the idol being worshipped by Krishna in Dwarka, later immersed in the sea, and eventually found by fishermen.