Dhom is known for the temples, especially for Laxmi Nrusinha and Siddheshwar Mahadev Temple, and for the majestic backwaters of Dhom dam.

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Distance From Mumbai: 253km
Distance From Pune: 97km
Distance From Satara: 45km

This ancient Siddheshwar Temple is a popular destination for tourists and devotees alike. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to be over 300 years old. This temple is known for its intricate carvings and sculptures that displays the excellent craftsmanship of the artisans from that period.

The village is named as “Dhom” because of samadhi of Dhaumva Rishi. While on the way to Draupadi Svavamvar ceremony, Arjun had an archery duel with Gandharva ChitraRath. After the defeat ChitraRath, the Gandharva King presented Arjun with various gifts and offered his friendship. He also suggested Arjun to have a family priest (Purohit).ChitraRath suggested Pandavas to request Sage Dhaumya to be their family Purohit. Later, Dhaumya Rishi was always on the side of Pandavas, he accompanied them in the 12 years of Vanvasa, and also guided them for Dharma, righteousness, and the duties of the Kings.

Demon Kirmeer had attacked Pandavas once, he was the brother of Bakasur and the friend of Hidimb. Kirmeer was an expert in the illusions and troubled Pandavas with his Maya. Dhaumya Rishi being a sage was capable of destroying the illusion and helped Bhim to kill that demon.

Dhaumya Rishi was the one who guided Pandavas in their secret exile (Adnyatvas).He was the one who coronated Yudhishthir as a king after the war. Based on his guidance, Yudhishthir followed the path to be a great king.

This temple on the banks of river Krishna is the place where this legendary Rishi took Samadhi.

Temples:
Both the temples, Laxmi Nrusinha and Siddheshwar Mahadev are surrounded by a strong fortification. The main entrance door has two strong bastions on each side displaying the influence of Maratha culture. Above the main entrance three windowed NagarKhana (drum chamber) is constructed.

On entering the temple premises through bastions, you will see the Nrusinha temple on immediate right. In front, you get to see the unique design of Nandi Mandapa and Shiv temple.

The Nandi Mandapa is constructed in the two feet deeper lotus-shaped pit made in the basalt pavement. You get to see a typical Maratha-styled Nandi, smoothly carved and smoothly polished out of the basalt stone. The Nandi structure is placed on the giant turtle back. It’s constructed in such a way that once the water is filled in the pond, it appears like turtle is floating in the water carrying the Nandi Mandapa and this makes it a unique structure in India. The Shikhara above Nandi Mandapa is Maratha styled 8ft high.

Siddheshwar temple is constructed on a five-foot platform made of basalt rock. Only for the Shikhara, is made of bricks. The staircase is also decorated and need to pass through the three arches which are beautifully decorated.Beneath the staircase, theres small locked gate for an entrance under the platform, this is the place where Rishi Dhaumya achieved Samadhi and left his mortal body.

As you enter Garbha Griha, you get to see the walls are not decorated but if you notice the ceiling, there’s minute detailing in the design. The ceiling has the creepers and flowers carved in basalt rock which denotes the expertise of the artist of those time. The devotees have to get down the staircase into the dark room where Shivlinga resides. The experience of spirituality is to the next level here and would suggest to turn off the camera and cell phone and try to meditate here for atleast 20 mins. This soothes your mind.

Now coming to the second temple in this fortification is the Laxmi Narsimha Temple.

Its constructed over a 6-foot circular platform made of stones, and you must climb a few narrow circular stairs to reach the idols of Laxmi and Ugra Narasimha .The wooden pillars support the ceiling above and surrounds the circular base. The sloping wooden roof and wooden pillars remind you of Wada-style architecture and Maratha culture. Both the idols are carved in black rock. Ugra Narsimha, tearing the demon Hiranyakashipu on his lap. On the other end, you get to see Laxmi Goddess.

During 1769, Narayanrao requested priest to offer prayers to the Narsimha for improving health of the of Madhavrao Peshwe during his illness.

Food: No food option is available in Dhom, but would suggest to have food in Wai city.

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