Prasanna Shree Nirjhaneshwar Temple, Kokangaon, Sangamner, t. Ahilyanagar

Kokangaon in Sangamner Taluka holds great religious and historical significance, having been sanctified by the presence of saints and holy figures such as Saint Kaikadi Maharaj, Saibaba, Saint Janardan Swami (Maungiri), Ramrao Maharaj Desai, and Kondaji Kaka. The temple of Lord Nirjhaneshwar Mahadev is situated in a region rich in natural beauty, surrounded by hills and dense forests. This temple is mentioned in a copper plate dating back one thousand years, which is currently preserved in the museum at Sangamner.

According to legend, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati once stopped at the local Sanakadi mountain to rest, and their footprints are imprinted upon it. The Pandavas also stayed here during their period of exile; they performed a Yajna and established a Shiva Linga. As the site is located along the bank of a stream (Nirjhar), it came to be known as ‘Nirjhaneshwar’. Another legend suggests that the Pandavas slew Jarasandha near the village of Jorve, which was formerly known as Jarasandha Nagari. Following this, they performed penance here to please Lord Mahadev, and He has resided here ever since.

Historical records indicate that the Nirjhaneshwar temple was constructed during the era of Ahilyabai Holkar by Sardar Trimbakji Dengale of Nimgaon Jali. At that time, he also built a stepwell (Barav) within the temple premises. The temple is surrounded by fortified walls with entrance gates on all four sides. An equestrian statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj stands at the main eastern entrance. The temple complex is spacious, featuring a lamp pillar (Deepmal) and a Tulsi Vrindavan in front of the main shrine. Several memorial stones (Virgals) and ancient sculptures are also found in this area. Temples dedicated to Lord Ganpati and Shri Dattatreya are also located here.

The architecture of the main temple consists of a Nandi Mandap, a main hall (Sabhamandap), and the sanctum sanctorum (Gabhara). An inscription on the lintel above the entrance to the Sabhamandap mentions that the first renovation took place in 1932. A queue system has been arranged for the convenience of devotees visiting during festivals. The sanctum houses the Shiva Linga, and in 2012, a new Linga was consecrated to replace the old one. Behind it are the idols of Lord Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita.

It is said that when Sadguru Gangagiri Maharaj visited this temple in 1891, he expressed his desire to the villagers to hold a ‘Saptah’ (seven-day religious discourse) during the Adhik Maas. Under the guidance of the Maharaj, the villagers prepared for the event. Due to a water shortage in the area, the Maharaj’s followers brought water from the Godavari river in palanquins and poured it into the temple’s stepwell, overcoming the scarcity. During the Saptah, a shortage of ghee occurred, and Gangagiri Maharaj miraculously transformed the water in the stepwell into ghee, resolving the issue. The Saptah, initiated at that time, continues to be celebrated here to this day.

Saint Janardan Swami performed rituals in this temple along with many of his followers. Shantigiri Maharaj also performed rituals here. Villagers recount that Mahant Narayangiri Maharaj, the head of Sarla Bet Math, Kisanagiri Maharaj from Shri Kshetra Devgad, Taluka Nevasa, and Shri Uddhav Maharaj have frequently visited to seek the blessings of Nirjhaneshwar.

In 2017, idols of Ganpati, Hanuman, Savitri, Lakshmi, Vitthal, and Rukmini were consecrated in the temple by Mahant Ramgiri Maharaj, the head of Sarla Bet. A fair is held here on Mahashivratri and every Monday during the holy month of Shravan, when thousands of devotees arrive to seek the darshan of Nirjhaneshwar. The temple trust provides accommodation facilities for devotees within the premises. The morning Aarti takes place at 5 o’clock. Devotees can have darshan of Lord Nirjhaneshwar Mahadev from 5 o’clock in the morning until 7 o’clock in the evening.

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