Mahabaleshwar temple is an ancient temple of Lord Shiva, located around 6 kilometers from Mahabaleshwar in the Satara district of Maharashtra. The revered Hindu temple is a landmark of the opulent Maratha heritage. Set up in hilly terrain, the temple was constructed during the rule of the Chanda Rao More dynasty in the 16th century. Built in the South Indian Hemadanta style of architecture, Mahabaleshwar temple is among the most sacred Shiva temples in the country and also referred to as Dakshina Kashi. The sanctum sanctorum houses the 1500 years old self-built 6 feet high Atma Lingam and the Para Lingam. You can also witness other belongings of Lord Shiva like his Damru, Trishul, Rudraksha, and the statue of Nandi (the sacred bull) at the premises. Locals also describe a raised platform in the temple to be the place where the Maratha King Shivaji weighed his mother Jijabai in gold which was donated for charity.