Pataleshwar cave

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Pataleshwar cave is an example of Rock cut architecture. Located in the city of Pune in the Maharashtra state of India, Pataleshwar is not really a cave at all, but one of many modest examples of the Maharashtran temples carved from living rock.

The "cave" is a Shiva temple and out buildings carved of living basalt. The black rock has been carved into pillars, seating areas, rooms, and so on. Notable is the heart of the cave, a cube-shaped room about 3-4 meters on each side, that houses a lingam. Still in use, the lingam is anointed with ghee and yogurt. A brass temple bell hangs outside the basalt entryway.

Unlike other nearby 'caves' such as Ellora, Pataleshwar is fairly simple...there are a very few ornate carvings.

The cave is located in the central business district of Pune, on Jangali Maharaj road.