Historic Manashila / Shilai Temple Mansar, T. Ramtek, Nagpur

In the twelfth century, Chakradhar Swami of the Mahanubhava sect resided in Ramtek and its surrounding areas. During this period, he would sit on a large rock in Mansar to preach to devotees and engage in meditation. Devotees refer to this rock as ‘Aai’ (Mother). A temple has been built around this rock, which was sanctified by his touch and presence, and it is known today as the Manshila or Shilai (Shila-Aai) Temple. The site where Chakradhar Swami stayed is recognized as a ‘Mahasthan’ (Great Place).

The legend of the temple states that Chakradhar Swami stayed on the Ramtek fort for ten months. He would sit on a platform near the Ram temple on the Ramtek fort to meditate. The priest there would perform the Swami’s Aarti every day before proceeding to perform worship at the Ram temple. Even after the Swami left the place some days later, the priest continued his routine of performing the Aarti. He would first perform the Aarti of the platform where the Swami used to sit. Once, a Brahmin saw the priest performing the Aarti of the platform and asked him, “There is no deity or saint here, so why do you worship this platform?” To this, the priest replied, “Chakradhar Swami used to meditate at this spot. He is a divine being, and his presence remains here forever.”

The Brahmin was skeptical of the priest’s words. He could not believe that a divine being could have a permanent presence even in his absence. Determined to find out who this Swami was and to meet him, he inquired about the Swami from the priest. Upon learning that Chakradhar Swami was at Manshila, the Brahmin, filled with a whirlwind of thoughts, traveled along the mountain path to reach Manshila (modern-day Mansar). At that moment, the Swami was standing on a large rock, observing the surroundings. Their eyes met, and the Swami descended from the rock and approached the Brahmin. In that instant, the Brahmin experienced the divinity of the Swami. The turmoil in his mind ceased, and he realized that Chakradhar Swami was indeed a divine being. After accepting the Brahmin’s respects, Chakradhar Swami departed for his onward journey. Since then, this place has been famous, and it is the faith of the devotees that those who come here experience the divinity of the Swami.

Near a large lake in Mansar, there is a massive rock on a high hill, and there are about 150 steps to reach it from the base. Devotees call the rock, upon which Chakradhar Swami sat to preach and meditate, ‘Aai’. This is why the temple built around this rock is known as the Shilai or Manshila Temple. A panoramic view of the town-like village of Mansar can be seen from the premises of this rock temple. At the base of the rock temple lies the site of Chakradhar Swami, which is famous among devotees as the ‘Mahasthan’. This temple houses an altar with an idol of Chakradhar Swami. There are also temples dedicated to Shri Krishna and Shri Dattatreya in this area.

Festivals are celebrated here on Chaitra Purnima and every full moon of the month. Records indicate that on average 10,000 devotees visit on every full moon, while lakhs of devotees come for darshan on Chaitra Purnima. The yatra begins one day before Chaitra Purnima and concludes the day after the full moon. During the festival, after the daily Aarti and Mahapuja, a betel leaf (vida) is offered to Chakradhar Swami. At the base of the temple is the Math of Mahant Bandekar Baba, where the Mahaprasad distribution program takes place. Mahanubhava sect followers from all parts of the country participate in this yatra. During this time, the Mahants and Sannyasis of the Mahanubhava sect wear pink-colored attire, while the female Mahants wear black-colored attire.

Since followers of the Mahanubhava sect come from many castes within Hinduism, thousands of devotees visit this rock temple for darshan. The Math adjacent to the temple has accommodation facilities for 150 to 200 devotees. Devotees can visit the rock temple for darshan between 5 AM and 9 PM. Due to the number of devotees visiting this temple and the tourists arriving here, the state government has granted this temple ‘B’ grade pilgrimage status.

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