Arjuna's Arrow & Baner's Origin: Pune's Pandava-era Baneshwar Temple History

• Pune's Baneshwar Temple in Baner is a Pandava-era site with a self-manifested Shiva lingam, holding significant religious and historical importance.
• Legend states Arjuna shot an arrow, causing the Ganges to appear, giving the area its name 'Baner' and the temple 'Baneshwar' from 'Baan' (arrow).
• The original self-manifested Shiva lingam was damaged; a new one was consecrated in 2008, maintaining the temple as a center of faith.
• Built of black stone, the temple showcases ancient Indian architecture, with renovations and expansions occurring during the Peshwa period.
• Mahashivratri is celebrated with great enthusiasm, featuring bhajans, processions, abhishek, and the Shiva-Parvati wedding ceremony, attracting many devotees.