Divine Agasti Rishi Mandir Akole, Akole, Ahilyanagar

“It is said that Agasti Rishi, the foremost among the Saptarishis (Seven Sages) of the Ramayana era, resided and performed penance in many places across India.” Consequently, there are numerous temples dedicated to him throughout the country. In Maharashtra, his temples are found in Nashik, Ahilyanagar, and Nagpur. Among these, the Agasti Devasthan situated on the banks of the Pravara River in Akole, Ahilyanagar district, is renowned. It is believed that Agasti Rishi established the first human settlement in this part of Dandakaranya. After the victory over Lanka, as Shri Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita were returning to Ayodhya in the Pushpak Vimana, their celestial aircraft descended here for a darshan (sacred viewing) of Agasti Rishi.

According to the Skanda Purana, Agasti Rishi, honoring the request of the deities, came to Dandakaranya from Kashi. During his time in Dandakaranya, he resided in Nashik and Ahilyanagar. In the Treta Yuga, during their period of exile (Vanavasa), Shri Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita visited Agasti Rishi. At that time, Agasti Rishi resided at the present-day Ankai Fort in Yeola, Nashik district. Shri Rama stayed there for one day. It was then that Agasti Rishi imparted special initiation to Shri Rama and advised him to put an end to the atrocities committed by Ravana, the lord of Lanka, on this land. For this purpose, he bestowed upon Shri Rama divine weapons and a quiver of inexhaustible arrows. It is also said that after Sita’s abduction, Lord Mahadeva himself, along with Sati, resided here for four months to listen to the Ramayana from Agasti Rishi.

After his stay in Nashik, Agasti Rishi came to reside on the banks of the Pravara River, on the outskirts of the present-day Akole town. Here, he built an ashram and established the first settlement in Dandakaranya in this region. From ancient times, this area has been known as the Tapobhoomi (land of penance) of Agasti Rishi. This temple is very ancient, and it is believed that its construction might have taken place in the Treta Yuga. After periodic renovations, this sacred shrine has attained its present form.

This temple, located on the outskirts of Akole town, is situated on a slight elevation. The temple is surrounded by a fortified wall, and after ascending approximately 25 to 30 steps, one enters the Darshan Mandap (viewing hall) of the temple. Beyond this is a spacious Sabhamandap (assembly hall), on the walls of which descriptions of Agasti Rishi from the Skanda Purana are displayed in the form of pictures and information. The Darshan Mandap and Sabhamandap were constructed in later periods. The original temple is situated about five feet higher than this Sabhamandap. Another five feet above this is the Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum), which houses a marble idol of Agasti Rishi within a distinctive makhar (ornate frame). Daily, this idol is adorned with specific types of garments, rudraksha malas around its neck, and a turban on its head, making the idol appear serene and radiant. In front of the idol are the sacred Padukas (footprints) of Agasti Rishi. As devotees are not permitted to approach the idol, they take darshan of these Padukas.

The temple courtyard is paved throughout, and the lush greenery of the trees makes the area appear picturesque and natural. Near the temple entrance, the trunk of a tree has naturally taken the shape of a Ganesha idol. Adjacent to the temple are other shrines dedicated to Vitthal-Rukmini, Gorobakaka, and Amriteshwar. There are two sacred ponds (kunds) in this vicinity. It is a popular legend that the northern pond was created by Shri Rama with an arrow. This pond is renowned as Iravati Teerth. (In Sanskrit, ‘Ira’ means water, and ‘Iravati’ signifies a place with abundant water.) Devotees believe that bathing in this pond bestows spiritual merit (punya). A spring that joins the Pravara River near the temple is known as Karpurnirjhar. The water from this spring has a faint camphor-like fragrance. It is said that Devi Sita bathed in this spring.

A grand Yatra (pilgrimage fair) is held here on the day of Mahashivaratri, attracting thousands of devotees from the surrounding areas for darshan. Additionally, festivals such as Shri Rama Janmotsav, Hanuman Jayanti, Tukaram Beej, Ashadhi Ekadashi, and Guru Purnima are celebrated here with great fervor. Hundreds of devotees undertake foot pilgrimages (palkhi yatras) from Agasti Devasthan, accompanying the palanquins bound for Pandharpur, Alandi, and Trimbakeshwar.

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