Mumbai heritage week: Ambreshwar, a single-stone architectural marvel

Not too far away from the city lies a marvel of ancient architecture and workmanship, the Ambreshwar Shiv Mandir at Ambernath. Built on the slope of a hillock near the Waldhuni river, the Shiv temple is richly and intricately sculpted out of a single black stone. The temple is said to have given Ambernath (a township nearly 26 kms from Thane) its name.

Inspired by the Hemadpanti style of architecture, it is is believed to have been built by King Mahamandaleshwar of the Shilahar dynasty in the 11th century. A local legend also suggests that the Pandava brothers constructed the structure in one night during their 13-year exile. However, they could not complete it before dawn and even today there is a missing roof directly above the sanctum sanctorum.

The entrance hall of the temple is accessible by three porches facing north, south and west. The main entrance is through the west door where an idol of Nandi cow (the vehicle of Lord Shiva) is in place. From here, one must descend 20 steps to reach the sanctum sanctorum.

A bell-shaped roof is supported by an array of richly-carved pillars decorated by the images of Shiva, Ganesha and Nandi. Protected and maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, the temple is a must-see for devotees and tourists alike. 

To reach there, take a train to Ambernath railway station on the Central line and get off in the east. Autorickshaws from outside the station ply to the temple as do state transport buses.