Krishnabai temple near Panchganga temple – Old Mahabaleshwar
Almost everyone in Mahabaleshwar would know Panchganga temple, the temple where the waters of five rivers Koyna, Krishna, Venna, Savitri and Gayatri come together. But not many know about the Krishnabai temple, which is just a few hundred metres away. Krishnabai temple is supposed to be source of the Krishna river. The temple is quite old and surprisingly clean, in spite of being in ruins. But that is what makes it very photogenic.
Right behind the parking for the Panchganga temple, there is a small well-marked trail which takes you to the Krishnabai temple. The trail takes you through the woods, but the view from the temple would be something out of the blue. Truly, the best view has been reserved for the lord. In the photo below, you can see the other (and probably the most famous) view point, Kates Point, the one with the elephant shaped rock.
Location of the temple: The point A in the map is Old Mahabaleshwar. Switch to satellite view to see the Krishnabai temple at point B.
A visit to this temple, particularly in the monsoons will be very rewarding. The growth of moss on the temple walls and the panoramic view of the mahabalshwar range from the temple are something photographically very inviting. The water pouring from the mouth (first photo below) is supposed to be perennial (as mentioned by the priest there) and it flows into a pond which flows out as river Krishna.
Thats strange even i have dreamt of this place like playing with colors during my childhood days and i was looking for this pic for almost evrywhere and finally i got it.. tysm for uploading this pics
No one was complaining abt the photographs when i went (Poojari was also there). In summer, it would not be so attractive. Visit during the monsoons , it is awesome. it was raining when we were there. They SAY that Krishna originates there, i am not sure of the Geography part.
Good Photographs – Just wondering on how you took snaps !!!! Photograpy is not allowed there and it is being gaurded by poojari. I had been there just recently and found it to be dry. Not sure if this is the exact place where river Krishna originates or a symbolic worship place.
Thank you Rajaram…in spite of being born on the banks of river Krishna, I was unknown of this fact of Krishnabai temple. I am amazed to know about this and planning to visit the same soon…
Mahabaleshwar is beautiful hill sation in Pune. I read your post and I really enjoy. I want to see again. It is one of the pleasant place in India. It is helpful for me. India is a cultural or spiritual country. It has many historical and religious place for visiting. If you want to visit India you must watch London of India Darjeeling. This is one of the beautiful places on earth.
Thank you Rajaram. I was beginning to think I had somehow “dreamed up” this image in my memory of the waters of a river flowing out from an animal’ s mouth! I was a small child when we visited this place, and I thought it was the mouth of a bull. Is ther something similar in Wai?
My schooldays were in Panchgani, and my mother took us to visit many of the places you are covering in your very interesting articles. Thank you!!