PHEDE - PARASURAM TEMPLE  

In the year 1779, one by name Parachhura from Guheswar installed the images which are being now worshipped. Historical records bear ample evidence through sanads and inscriptions that many peshwas endowed it lavishly. Chatrapthi Shivaji visited it and made grants for regular worship.

Of all the persons responsible for its growth and glory, Brahmendra Swamy deserves first mention, and his role is memorable. Having visited this area by chance, he found the temple in dilapidated condition. He was a sanyasi, but wielded great powers as he had large following. His influence on the rulers of Maharashtra was so great that he commanded their soldiers and coffers too.

Utilising the goodwill of the public and power of the rulers, he started renovation work on a gigantic scale. Besides renovating the fallen structures, he caused the building of Sabha mandap, aisles and mini-shrines. The entire campus was given a face lift. Chatrapathi Sahu, Chimraji Appa, helped him in the renovation activity. Later, the Siddis of Janjiru were averse to the growth of Hindu temples. When the aggressive ventures directed against him very often, he left and settled down elsewhere. So, the temple remained closed for a decade.

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