Ancient Somanath Temple Maroda, Mul, Chandrapur

Maroda village, located in the Mul taluka of Chandrapur district, is especially famous among devotees and tourists for its ancient Somnath temple and the Somnath waterfall. Situated in a nature-rich environment next to the waterfall that flows through hills and valleys, the Somnath temple is a spiritually awakened site and a place of deep faith for many devotees. It is the firm belief of the devotees who come here that vows made for recovery from illness and for the blessing of a son are fulfilled.

This temple is situated on a small hill in a forest-covered area at the outskirts of Maroda village. It is said that wild animals roam this region. The temple premises are surrounded by dense forest, and the area at the foothills of the hill has been paved with stone tiles. This makes the surroundings appear clean, beautiful, and picturesque. Upon arriving here, one can hear the gentle babbling of flowing water and the chirping of various birds. The Forest Department has provided several facilities here for devotees and tourists. At the base of the temple, next to the waterfall, there are two separate large platforms where magnificent idols of Lord Shankara and Nandi have been installed. The idol, standing at a height of approximately 20 to 25 feet, is the main attraction here. In this same vicinity, there are many shops selling materials for worship.

There are 30 steps to reach the temple situated on the hill from the foothills. At the very beginning of the stairway, a continuous stream of water flows from a Gomukh. This water falls from the Gomukh into a small tank measuring 2 feet by 2 feet. It is mentioned on the structure that the construction of this Gomukh and the tank was carried out in the year 1966. Water flows from the Gomukh throughout all twelve months of the year. However, the source of this water remains unknown to anyone to this day. It is said so. The Forest Department has installed benches at various places in this area for the convenience of devotees and tourists. A ghat-like structure has been constructed along the side of the waterfall.

After climbing the steps, one enters the temple courtyard. Being situated at a height, iron railings have been installed on all sides of this courtyard for safety. It is said that in ancient times, this area was renowned as a Tapobhumi (land of penance). Many sages and saints used to come here for their spiritual austerities. In front of the temple entrance, there is a small shrine dedicated to Lord Maruti. This medium-sized temple consists of a Sabhamandapa (assembly hall), Antarala (vestibule), and Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). Although the work on the Sabhamandapa was carried out in a later period, it is said that the construction of the Antarala and the Garbhagriha follows the Hemadpanti architectural style and represents the original temple.

There are four stone pillars in the space, and in front of them, before the entrance of the sanctum sanctorum There is a Nandi. On the right side of the sanctum sanctorum’s door frame, there is an idol of Ganesha about 2 feet tall, while on the left side, there are idols of Uma-Maheshwara and Nandi. The idol of Uma-Maheshwara is unique, with Mother Parvati seated on Lord Mahadeva’s left thigh in a posture of ease. In this sculpture, there is a serpent carving on Mother Parvati’s head, and her left hand rests on her own left thigh. Lord Maheshwara holds a trident in his right hand. There is an idol of Ganesha on the lintel of the sanctum sanctorum’s door frame. Inside the sanctum sanctorum, there is an ancient Shiva Linga, and there is also a Nandi in front of that Shiva Linga. In front of the Shiva Linga, there is a raised platform upon which stands a carved idol of Mother Parvati. On both sides of this idol are the idols of Shri Ganesha and Hanuman.

A waterfall flows continuously from the hill adjacent to the temple. This waterfall has created a large sacred pool here. Devotees arriving here take a holy dip in this pool before proceeding for the darshan of Somnath, while many tourists enjoy bathing and swimming under the waterfall. A small yet distinctive bridge has been constructed over this waterfall. Tourists use this bridge as a selfie point.

There are two stepped paths on the side of this temple that lead up the mountain. If you take one of these paths, there is an idol of Hanuman at a height of about 10 feet. Upon taking the second stepped path, one reaches the Samadhi of a female devotee of Shiva named Somi. She had performed penance at this place for many years. It is the belief of the devotees here that if one makes a vow to this Somi for the blessing of a son, it is fulfilled. It is said that this place of worship was named Somnath after this very Somi. Near Somi’s Samadhi, there are many clay horses and cradles offered by devotees after the fulfillment of their vows. A large fair is held here on Chaitra Purnima, which is Hanuman Jayanti. Apart from this, the area also takes on the appearance of a fair during Shivratri and Shravani Mondays.

With its lush green forests, hills, and waterfalls, the Somnath Temple premises have become a center of attraction for tourists. During the monsoon season, many tourists flock here to get drenched in the cascading waterfalls. Tourists from Chandrapur and other districts also visit this place to enjoy the waterfalls. Furthermore, in the same village of Marda, at a short distance from the Somnath Temple, there is a tall Garuda pillar situated by a lake, with unique sculptures carved on all four sides. These include depictions of Shiva-Parvati, Shriram, Shrikrishna, Arjuna, Narasimha, Shravan Bal, and a lion pouncing on an elephant.

Sacred History & Spiritual Significance

This sacred temple stands as a testament to deep spiritual devotion, ancient architectural grandeur, and rich local cultural traditions.

Temple Sanctum & Architecture

The sanctum sanctorum houses the divine idol consecrated according to ancient Vedic traditions, surrounded by serene courtyards and traditional temple architecture.

Sacred Darshan Gallery