Shiv Mandir At Ambernath, Maharashtra

In a small city within a city called Ambernath which is not so far away from Mumbai (Bombay), lies a marvel of ancient times- The Shiv Mandir. It is also known as the Ambreshwar Shiva Temple, located about 2 km from Ambernath Railway Station (East). The popular belief about this temple is that it was built by the Pandava brothers in one night during their vanvaas for sheltering themselves. It has been carved out of one single mass of rock and it is also said that they could not complete the structure and the roof was left to be made. We can see the proof of this even today as there is an open roof above the main area (Gabhara)where there is a Shiv Ling in the centre. Once you climb down about 20 steps to reach the Ghabara, you will be amazed to feel the vibrations and the peace and calm.
Although the official version suggests that this temple was constructed by Shikahara king, Chittaraja and later it was rebuilt by his son, Mummuni, the popular version of the Mahabharata is widely believed to be true by the people. This is also corroborated by the fact that there is a tunnel there which was used by the Pandavas to escape which is kilometers long and which lies shut and locked currently.
Mahashivratri and the Month Of Shravan are the times when this temple becomes extremely crowded with pilgrims coming in from various places around the country. The carvings on this temple are exquisite and are to be seen to be believed, although, lack of maintenance has somewhat damaged the structure now. But all in all, it is a pleasant experience. It is better to go by train to Ambernath and take an auto-rickshaw from there to the temple. If you are driving from Mumbai, then prepare for a long drive.

Check out the Road Maps for directions to reach the Shiv Mandir in Ambernath.

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Ganeshpuri Temple Near Vajreshwari

About 2 km from Vajreshwari is Ganeshpuri. Here there is a Nityanand Ashram that was built in the memory of this great loin clothed sage who took Samadhi here over decades ago. Near the Ashram are three hot spring tanks. This Ashram is a marble and granite structure that has a highly peaceful ambience around it, best place for Yoga and Meditation. The river that runs behind the Ashram has a point called Agni Kund.
Ganeshpuri near Vajreshwari: The Vajreshwari Temple in the night illuminated with lights.
Here are some more photographs of the Vajreshwari temple situated on the outskirts near Mumbai.
 

The road map to Vajreshwari and Ganeshpuri Temples from Mumbai:

Starting from Road No 19

1	Head northwest on Road No 19 - go 125 ft
2	Turn left toward Tilak Rd - go 0.3 mi
3	Take the 2nd right onto Tilak Rd - go 0.5 mi Go through 1 roundabout Pass by Best MLM Software Development Company in India (on the left)
4	Continue onto Tilak Bridge - go 0.2 mi Pass by Vanmali Chk (on the right in 0.2 mi)
5	At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto NC Kelkar Rd - go 0.4 mi Pass by Cambridge dadar (on the left in 0.2 mi)
6	Turn left at Gokhale Rd N - go 56 ft
7	Turn right at Petrol Pump onto Lady Jamshedjee Rd - go 0.6 mi Pass by Gadkari Chowk (on the right)
8	Continue onto A S Gaya Marg - go 0.6 mi Pass by Petrol Pump (on the left)
9	Continue onto S V Rd - go 0.6 mi Pass by Indrayani Udyog (on the left in 0.3 mi)
10	Slight left to merge onto Western Express Hwy/NH 8 - go 11.4 mi Pass by Oracle Financial Services Ltd (on the left in 8.3 mi)
11	Slight left to stay on Western Express Hwy/NH 8 - go 2.2 mi Pass by Shiv Temple (on the left in 1.1 mi)
12	Slight left toward Mahatma Gandhi Rd - go 0.2 mi
13	Take the 2nd left onto Mahatma Gandhi Rd - go 0.5 mi Pass by Bank of India (on the left)
14	Continue onto Swami Vivekanand Rd - go 1.8 mi Pass by Shishu Bharati Hospital (on the left)
15	Turn left at Western Express Hwy/NH 8 - go 18.0 mi Continue to follow NH 8 Pass by Petrol Pump (on the left in 3.4 mi)
16	Turn right at Vajreshwari Rd - go 10.0 mi

Arriving at Unknown road

Total: 76.5 km - about 1 hour 24 mins

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