Historic Adabangnath pashila Temple Bhamathan (Bhamanagar), Shrirampur, Ahilyanagar

Adabangnath is one of the revered Naths from the Nath tradition. The village of Bhamathan, situated on the banks of the sacred Godavari River in Shrirampur Taluka, is renowned as the holy land of penance (Tapobhumi) of Adabangnath. It is said that Adabangnath performed rigorous penance here for 12 years at the behest of Guru Gorakshanath. It is believed that the sacred stone (Tapsila) upon which he sat for his penance was formed from the tears of Shriram and Lakshmana, which fell upon the sand as they wept, embracing each other, after the abduction of Sita. This sacred site is mentioned in the holy text ‘Shri Navnath Bhaktisar’.

At Bhamathan, where the temple stands today, there was previously an idol of Adabangnath beneath a neem tree for many years, on what was once barren land. Devotees from the surrounding region used to come here for Darshan (sacred viewing). Swami Arunathagiri Maharaj, a disciple of Narayanagiri Maharaj, the Head of Sarala Bet Monastery, performed penance here for some time. During this period, he experienced many divine realizations (Sakshatkar) at this very spot. When he shared these profound experiences with his Guru, Narayanagiri Maharaj, the Guru, through his divine vision (Divyadrishti), recognized this as the Tapobhumi of Adabangnath. Following this, a search was conducted, and an unbroken stone (Akhand Shila), believed to be formed by the tears of Shriram and Lakshmana, was discovered here. Until then, not many people knew about this sacred place. Under the divine guidance of Narayanagiri Maharaj, Swami Arunathagiri constructed a grand and beautiful temple here. While the temple construction was underway, Adabangnath appeared in a dream vision (Swapnadrishtant) to one of his devotees, revealing the presence of a well at this location. Accordingly, a search was conducted, and a well with an unending supply of water was found near the Tapsila. Even today, this well can be seen below the sanctum sanctorum of the temple.

The legend of the temple states that during their period of exile (Vanavaskal), Shriram, Lakshmana, and Sita resided in a hermitage of leaves (Parnakuti) in the Panchavati area near Nashik. At that time, the demon Marich assumed the form of a golden deer (Kanchan Mruga) and appeared before the hermitage. Entranced by the fragrant aura, golden glow, and sparkling eyes of the golden deer, Sita was captivated by it and insisted that Shriram capture it for her. Even though Shriram knew the deer was illusory, he took up his bow and pursued it due to his beloved wife’s insistence. The illusory deer (Mayavi Mruga) continued to evade Shriram along the banks of the Godavari. When the deer came within range, Shriram released an arrow. The arrow struck the demon Marich, who had assumed the deer’s form. The wounded demon Marich cried out in Shriram’s voice, “Lakshmana, save me!” Hearing this, Sita sent Lakshmana to protect Shriram. As Shriram returned to the hermitage after slaying the demon Marich, he met Lakshmana on the banks of the Godavari. At that moment, Shriram told Lakshmana that since he had left Sita alone, she would no longer be there. Both of them then embraced each other and began to weep profusely. It is said that their divine tears formed a stone (Shila) at this very spot. It is believed that this sacred place is today’s Bhamathan. This revered stone is located in the Adabangnath Temple at Bhamathan. Attempts were made to measure the depth of this stone, but it was not possible.

According to the mention in the Shri Navnath Bhaktisar text, once, while a farmer named Manik was working in his field, Gorakshanath, distressed by hunger, arrived there. He humbly asked Manik for something to eat. Manik immediately offered him his packed meal (Shidori) and water. Pleased with Manik for selflessly sharing his own provisions, Gorakshanath said, “Ask for any boon (Var) you desire.” To this, Manik replied, “I gave you my provisions; what boon can you give me? If your hunger is satisfied, then you may graciously leave now.” Gorakshanath then said to Manik, “If you do not wish for a boon from me, then you grant me a boon.” Manik agreed. Thereupon, Gorakshanath instructed, “Do not act upon whatever your desires prompt you to do.” Manik thought this was not difficult at all, and so he assented to Gorakshanath.

As evening fell, Manik unyoked his plough (aut) and placed it on his head. The moment the desire to go home arose in his mind, he remembered the sacred words he had given to Gorakshanath. He remained standing there, steadfast and immobile (tatastha), with the plough on his head, for a period of penance (tapas). After staying in the same spot for 12 years, Manik’s body had lost all its strength. One day, Gorakshanath arrived there with Guru Machhindranath and Chauranginath. Gorakshanath told Machhindranath about Manik. Manik had truly kept his word. Machhindranath said, “Indeed, you are a great ascetic. It is my humble wish to take initiation (Anugraha) from someone as profound as you and make you my Guru.” Manik, true to his nature, retorted, “Why should I be your Guru? Instead, you should be my Guru.” Thereafter, Gorakshanath placed his mouth near Manik’s ear and, by whispering the mantra (Kaan Funkane), enlightened him. As the divine mantra entered Manik’s ear, he became as wise as Brihaspati (the Guru of the gods). Gorakshanath presented Manik before Machhindranath and declared, “He is Adabang; he shall henceforth be known as ‘Adabangnath’.” After initiating Adabangnath into the Nath tradition (Diksha), Gorakshanath took him along on the prescribed pilgrimage. Later, during his sacred pilgrimages, Adabangnath acquired all forms of knowledge (Vidya). He performed penance at many places, and among them, Bhamathan is considered a particularly significant holy site.

Regarding the sacred place Bhamathan (Bhāmanagar), the following is mentioned in Chapter 33 of the Shri Navnath Bhaktisar text: 
“Thus, Gorakshanath, wandering the earth, came upon a sacred ford.

He unexpectedly arrived and reached the banks of the Godavari.

On the banks of the Godavari, in Bhāmanagar, in that forest, the fair-complexioned youth (Gorakshanath)

was greatly afflicted by hunger, his stomach burning.”
In 2005, the Bhumipujan (groundbreaking ceremony) for this temple was performed by Narayanagiri Maharaj, the revered Head of Sarala Math. The entire temple complex is beautifully paved. To the right of the temple entrance are shrines dedicated to Shri Datta, and to the left, to Ganapati. The assembly hall (Sabhamandap) of the temple is spacious, and all its walls are adorned with numerous sculptural depictions (Murtichitre) illustrating the glorious life stories of the Navnaths, complete with explanatory information. In the sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha), there is a divine idol of Adabangnath, approximately five feet tall, reverently placed on a platform. From the right side of the sanctum sanctorum, one can descend via a staircase to Adabangnath’s Samadhi place. There, one can find his sacred place of penance, beautiful idols of Vitthal-Rukmini, a small well, and the revered Tear Stone (Ashru Shila). The entire temple displays excellent craftsmanship, and the intricate carving on the spire (Kalasa) is particularly distinctive. Within the temple premises, there is a Gurukul building where some students receive education in the traditional Gurukul system.

This sacred site, being the land of penance of Shri Adabangnath, is held in especially high regard within the Nath Sampradaya. On the auspicious day of Magh Shuddha Dwitiya, the Dharmabij Utsav is celebrated here. (It is on this very day that Gorakshanath bestowed his grace and initiated Dharmnath, hence this tithi holds great significance in the Nath Panth.) During this nine-day festival, Kirtans by many renowned Kirtankars from the state are performed. Thousands of Nath Panthis and devotees visit here for Darshan during the festival period. Adabangnath (also known as Manik Shetkari, the farmer) had offered food to Gorakshanath. Therefore, even today, food is offered to the devotees who visit this temple. It is the belief of the devotees that Adabangnath is Chiranjeevi (immortal), and any devotee who offers food here after praying to Adabangnath has their heartfelt wishes fulfilled.

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