History about the Temple
Shri Koupineshwar Temple is one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Maharashtra. Devoted to Lord Shiva, it is situated near the banks of Masunda Lake, in the heart of Thane City, at a walking distance from Thane Railway station and Bus Terminus.
It is believed that the temple was originally built around the 8th Century A.D. by the rulers of the Silahara Dynasty, who were known to be devotees of Lord Shiva. The Silahara Dynasty ruled the city of Thane or “Shristhanak” as it was known back then, between the 8th and the 12th Centuries. This temple is thought to have been constructed along with various other Shiva Temples that were constructed during their reign. But over time the temple went into decrepit state on account of various conflicts that the region faced, and the reconstruction and restoration thereof, was undertaken sometime around 1760, by Sarsubedar Ramaji Mahadeo Bivalkar, the chief of the Peshwa army, when the Marathas conquered Salsette. During the course of the reconstruction of the temple the original ‘Shiva Ling’ from the temple constructed in the 8th century, was retained, just the way it was, and Pranpratishtha and other necessary rituals were once again performed to restore the temple to it’s original glory. The said ‘Shiva Ling’, is about 4 feet 3 inches in height and admeasures about 12 feet in circumference, and is an absolutely mesmerising site for all the devotees who enter the Garbhagriha (Sanctum Sanctorum) of the temple. Ever since it’s restoration, the Temple has been kept open for all devotees of Lord Shiva and over time, it has achieved a position of great reverence in the hearts of all the people from the Hindu community residing in Thane. Till the year 1950 or thereabouts, the Temple almost touched the Masunda lake. But the construction of a new road, connecting the cross road known as Jambhli Naka, to Thane Railway Station, separated the temple from the banks of the lake.
Present State of the Temple
The Temple complex as it stands today, is spread over an area admeasuring 5247.50 Sq.Mtrs. or thereabouts. In addition to the main Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, the complex has many other temples dedicated to various other deities from the Hindu religion. The main Shiva Temple is located on the southern side of the complex. Right next to it, is a temple of Vitthal Rakhumai. On it’s northern side, in a separate building, are temples of Sheetaladevi, Uttareshwar and Panchamukhi Shiva, and adjacent to it, in the same building is the Shri Ram Temple. Further to it’s north, in a separate building, is the temple of Kalika Mata which is also a highly revered temple in this complex. The same building also houses the temples of Mhasoba and Vetal (perhaps the only one in this region). Adjacent to it, one can find a Shri Maruti Temple and Shri Ganpati Temple, which is considered by many to be the second energy center for the temple complex. The Dakshinabhimukhi Hanuman mandir (the ‘South Facing Hanuman Temple’), is located on the northern most end of the Temple Complex. On it’s eastern side, one can find two Deepstambhs, Kalpavriksha Vasistha Kamdhenu Temple, Shree Dutta Temple, and the Das Maruti Temple which is located exactly opposite the Shri Ram Temple. Next to the Das Maruti Temple is the Temple of Lord Garuda.
The Temple Complex has four entrances, three of them remain operational throughout the year and the fourth is opened once each year on the holy day of Mahashivaratri. The main entrance of the Temple complex, is located on it’s eastern side and devotees are greeted by a huge statue of Lord Shiva’s Nandi (Bull). As you move forward towards the Shiva Ling, there is a Tulsi Vrindavan on the left side, constructed in memory of a lady who gave her own life, as per the tradition of Sati, in the year 1746. As you ascend the steps of the main Shiva temple, you enter the main hall of the temple known as the Sabhamandap which leads to the Garbhagriha (Sanctum Sanctorum). On the left side of the entrance to the Sanctum Sanctorum, you can see the idol of Shri Mahaganapati and on it’s right, you can see the idol of Goddess Sarvamangala. The height of main entrance to the Sanctum Sanctorum is around 4 feet, and as a result, all devotees naturally bow down, as they enter to seek the blessings of Lord Shri Koupineshwar.
Being a temple, which has a historical significance, it is often referred to as the pride of the city. Shri Koupineshwar is known as the ‘Gramdevata’ of Thane or ‘Deity of Thane City’ and people staying in the city as well as in nearby villages have immense faith in the Temple. As mentioned above, the Shiva Ling itself is about 4 feet and 3 inches in height, and has a circumference of about 12 feet, making it one of the largest Shiva Lings in the state of Maharashtra. One can experience the positive energy and a sense of serenity as soon as one steps into the Sanctum Sanctorum. As per the belief of all the devotees who visit the Temple regularly, this temple is a Jagrut Devashtan (a temple where you can feel the Divine presence), where one can come with his/her problems and leave with positive energy, a sense of calm and a feeling of rejuvenation, as the problems and difficulties communicated through the form of sincere prayer, seem to fade away intuitively, almost indicating a divine intervention and Devotees thus continue to return to the Temple, with feeling of even greater faith, in the lord Shri Koupineshwar.