Divine Gangamadhyameshwar Mandir Nandur Madhyameshwar, , Neefad, Naasik

The village of ‘Nandur Madhyameshwar’, famous for its bird sanctuary, is situated on the banks of the Godavari River in the Niphad taluka of Nashik district. It is here, at the confluence of the Godavari and Kadva rivers, that the Gangamadhyameshwar Shiva Temple stands, where Chakradhar Swami once resided. This temple, the presiding deity of Nandur Madhyameshwar village, is located on a small hillock in the middle of the Godavari riverbed. Because the temple is situated in the middle of the river, the name ‘Madhyameshwar’ became popular.

One can reach Khangaonthadi in Niphad taluka via Saikheda. From there, one proceeds to the village of ‘Nandur Madhyameshwar’. Archaeological excavations have revealed that this area was once home to ancient settlements from the Stone Age. From Khangaonthadi, one can reach Nandur Madhyameshwar village via the road along the Nandur Madhyameshwar dam. Sangameshwar is located in the backwater area of the dam, while the Gangamadhyameshwar Shiva Temple is situated on the banks of the Godavari River below the dam. To reach this temple from Nandur Madhyameshwar village, one must walk through the riverbed. During the monsoon season, the water level in this riverbed reaches 3 to 4 feet. However, at other times of the year, one can easily walk across the riverbed. Alternatively, one can reach the Shri Gangamadhyameshwar Temple by coming to Khangaon and taking the path in the riverbed to the right, below the dam, instead of going over the embankment.

The temple is surrounded by a sturdy 15-foot-high stone fortification, likely built to protect the temple from the river’s flow. The entrance to the temple’s fortification resembles that of a fort. Upon entering, one can see a 25-foot-high Deepmal (lamp pillar). A Marathi inscription is carved onto this pillar, which solves the mystery of how the name ‘Nandur Madhyameshwar’ came to be. The inscription mentions ‘Mauje Nandur’, implying that the village was originally known only as ‘Nandur’. It was because of the Madhyameshwar temple that the village came to be called ‘Nandur Madhyameshwar’. However, this inscription has now become faint. In front of the Madhyameshwar temple, there is a Nandi carved in stone. The temple entrance features exquisite carvings.

After entering the temple, one encounters a Sabha Mandap (assembly hall) with an ornate arch. Beyond the assembly hall is the Ardha Mandap, followed by the Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). One must descend steps to enter the Garbhagriha. Inside, there is a stone Shiva Linga covered in brass. A face is carved on all four sides of this cylindrical Shiva Linga. The seat of Chakradhar Swami is located in the Sabha Mandap; it is said that Chakradhar Swami resided in this temple for some time. The temple has a spacious courtyard with a Tulsi Vrindavan and a small shrine. Like the interior, the exterior of the temple is also adorned with floral carvings. There are many ancient temples on both banks of the Godavari River, but this temple stands out due to its unique location in the middle of the riverbed.

From the temple premises, one can see the vast expanse of the Godavari River. There are several smaller temples around the Gangamadhyameshwar temple. It is said that Lord Shriram came to the Madhyameshwar Shiva Temple while pursuing the demon Maricha, who had taken the form of a golden deer. Festivals are held at the temple every Shravani Monday and on Mahashivratri, during which many devotees gather here. One can visit the temple and have darshan of Madhyameshwar, i.e., Mahadeva, between 5:00 AM and 6:00 PM.

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