15/08/2023
"Jagdishwar Temple - A monumental mirage"
Jagdishwar temple is a 16th century masterpiece which was ideated by the King of the Maratha dynasty, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The temple is dedicated to Mahadev Shiv, The Creator of the Universe.
True to the name as it indeed is, thorough justice has been done to both Maharaj & Mahadev by thoughtfully naming this temple, Jagdishwar, which means, 'Lord of the world, king of the universe'.
The massive Raigad fort which is one of the strongest fortresses on the Deccan plateau, also known as the Royal Palace of Marathas, is where this temple was built in 1674. A blend of Mughal architecture & Hindu devotion, Jagdishwar was built by Hiroji Indulkar, who was the chief architect of Maratha dynasty. This architectural magnificance was built in a way that the first rays of sun precisely fall on the Shiv Linga placed at the heart of the temple.
A domical shikhara, square enclosure & six minarets is what makes this masjid-like abode of Shivling stand out from most of the temple-like structures. The mosque-like architecture was an idea to trick the Mughals from destroying Hindu temples, which was then a morale crasher gesture of the Mughals to put down Marathas.
While building great structures on Raigad with utmost difficulties faced during construction, Hiroji had ran out of funds but not out of motivation. He mortgaged his house, sold off his belongings but ensured the construction was completed. When Raje saw his dedication, he asked Hiroji what he wanted, Hiroji could have asked for Heavens, and Maharaj would surely had delivered. But for this selfless servant, he asked Maharaj to gift him a small tile with carving of Hiroji’s name on it. Only accompanied with a condition, that the tile be placed at the entrance of Jagadishwar Temple, so that whenever Maharaj visited this temple, his foot would touch Hiroji’s name and Maharaj visited this temple daily.
The stone mentioning the words “Sevechya thayi tatpar, Hiroji Indulkar” (meaning Prompt at service, Hiroji Indulkar) is seen at the entrance of the temple even today. This temple has survived attacks from Mughals & Britishers until pre-independence Era yet this temple still stands tall, proud & strong - an epitome of a culturally rich nation.
Prianca Baram