Legends
and Mythology
Mahabaleshwar
derives its name from Lord Mahabali (Lord Shiva), who is enshrined
in the form of a naturally occurring (swayamboo) lingam in the
shape of a Rudraksha seed. This lingam is considered more sacred
than the 12 jyothirlingams. It is also called Trigunatmaka as it
is believed to represent Brahma, Vishnu as well as Shiva.
The
Panchganga temple is believed to be the site of origin of five
rivers. There is a legend connected to this origin.
On this site
long ago Lord Brahma along with the Vishnu and Shiva performed a
Yagna (religious ritual). Brahma’s consort, Savitri was not
present. Brahma forgot to wait for Savitri. Since the presence of
his wife was essential for performing the rites, Lord Brahma hastily
married a local maiden Gayatri. When Savitri arrived she got enraged
and in her fury transformed Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and Gayatri into
rivers. They also retaliated, turning Savitri into a watercourse
as well. Thus, Brahma became the Venna river, Gayatri and Savitri
became the rivers of their own name, Lord Vishnu became the river
Krishna and Lord Shiva got transformed into river Koyna.
