Ancient Shiva Temple (Yama’s Mother-in-Law) Savner, Savner, Nagpur

The 11th-century Hemadpanti Shiva Temple, located in Saoner, a taluka in Nagpur district, is renowned as the presiding deity (Gramadaivat) of the taluka. This sacred site is also famous as the ‘Sasurwadi’ (father-in-law’s house) of Yama, the deity of death. Situated on the banks of the Kolar River, this temple houses a sandy Shivling. According to mythological references, Lord Krishna Himself, with the help of Narada, arranged Yama’s marriage to the princess of this place, thereby bestowing great significance upon this sacred site. This temple is recognized as the most ancient temple in Saoner and its surrounding region.

According to mentions in the text ‘Jaimini Ashwamedh’, the area of Saoner was formerly known as Saraswatpur. After winning the Mahabharata war, the Pandavas performed the Ashwamedh Yagya and released the Shyamkarna horse for Digvijaya (conquest of all directions). The Shyamkarna horse, having traversed North India, entered the Dandakaranya forest in the south, crossed the city of Adrika (present-day Adasa), and arrived at Lalbagh, on the eastern entrance of Saraswatpur. At that time, King Veervarma ruled here. He had 5 sons and 1 daughter. These five princes intercepted the horse and challenged the Pandavas to war. In the fierce battle that ensued, all five princes attained martyrdom.

Princess Malini, daughter of King Veervarma, was a supreme devotee of Lord Shankara. However, she continued the war with determination. Malini created a sand Shivpindi at this spot and, through the power of her penance, diverted the flow of the Kolar River. Witnessing Malini’s penance, Lord Krishna appeared there and stopped the war. With Narada’s mediation, Malini was married to Yamaraja. Even today, the flow of the Kolar River can be seen diverted towards the Shiva temple. Since then, the sand Shivling established by Malini has been worshipped here, and this place is renowned as Yamaraja’s Sasurwadi (father-in-law’s house). During this wedding, Yamaraja was accompanied by his 800 ministers. These ministers are believed to represent the various ailments that afflict us.

As the temple built around the Shivling established by Princess Malini was lost to the ravages of time, Hemadri artisans (Hemadpanti) later constructed a stone Shiva temple here in the 11th century, which stands as the present-day Shiva temple. Although parts of this temple have undergone renovation, the sandy Shivpind within is said to be ancient.

This Shiva temple, located in the Pahlepar area of Saoner, is situated on the banks of the Kolar River. The temple is built on a slight elevation, and there are 10 to 12 steps leading to the temple premises through an arched entrance in the fortification wall. Upon entering the temple complex, one can see many small and large temples. The entire area is paved, and with numerous trees and its location on the riverbank, the surroundings appear serene and beautiful.

The temple’s construction is simple and features minimal intricate artistry. The main temple faces west and is structured with a Sabhamandap (assembly hall), Antaral (vestibule), and Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). The pillars in the Sabhamandap have some carvings, and Nandi is seated majestically in the center. Distinctive carvings are visible on the doorframe of the Garbhagriha in the Antaral. A Ganesha idol is present on the Lalatbimba (central part of the lintel) of the Garbhagriha’s doorframe, and another Ganesha idol is enshrined in the Devkoshtak (niche) in front of the ancient Shivpindi within the sanctum. Typically, one finds an idol of Mother Parvati in the Devkoshtaks in front of a Shivpindi; however, here, there is a Ganesha idol. Within the temple complex, there are temples dedicated to Shri Ganesh and Maruti.

In the 16th century, Aurangzeb’s army desecrated many temples in the region. The Shami Vignesh Ganesha Temple in Adasa and the Shiva Temple on the banks of the Saraswat River in Saoner were also vandalized. This temple also suffered damage. Consequently, some old remnants of the temple can be seen in this area. This ancient Shiva temple in Saoner is a revered place of worship for devotees from the surrounding five villages (Panchkroshi), and it is believed by devotees to be a ‘Jagrut Sthan’ (a living, awakened place of divine presence). Mahapuja (grand worship) is organized here on Shravani Somwar (Mondays of the Shravan month) and Shivratri. On these days, the place takes on the appearance of a fair.

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