Shri Nageshwar Mahadev Temple Savargaon Mhske, Jaffrabad, Jalna

The Nageshwar Mahadev Temple located in Savargaon Mhaske of Jafrabad taluka is a revered spiritual centre for thousands of devotees in the region. This temple was established in year 2003 through the inspiration of Swami Yogiraj Madhavgiri Ji Maharaj, belonging to the lineage of Rashtra Sant Janardan Swami Maungiriji Maharaj. According to temple history, Lord Nageshwar manifested here on Tuesday, the 13th of July 1993, and took Samadhi on the 11th day. Devotees have deep faith that whenever anyone in the village is bitten by a snake, the Shiva Linga here turns black, and once the poison is neutralised, it returns to its original state.

The Jafrabad region has held an important place in the history of Marathwada. The Savargaon area bears the historical background of conflicts under Mughal and Nizam rule. Furthermore, during the Hyderabad Liberation Struggle, Jalna and its surrounding villages put up a major fight. In the post-independence era, the task of establishing peace in this drought-prone region was primarily undertaken by spiritual traditions. The people of the region were profoundly influenced by the silent meditation and teachings of Rashtra Sant Janardan Swami Maungiriji Maharaj. Following the passing of Janardan Swami, the responsibility of carrying forward his legacy was accepted by his foremost disciple, Swami Yogiraj Madhavgiri Ji. Swami Madhavgiri Ji undertook numerous tours to expand the work of the tradition in the rural areas of Marathwada. These tours brought together the devotees of Savargaon Mhaske village, and the construction of the Nageshwar Mahadev Temple was completed here in year 2003. The Nageshwar Temple has now become a prominent centre for the teachings of Janardan Swami.

The history of the temple’s foundation and the manifestation of Lord Nageshwar is unique. It is said that on Tuesday, the 13th of July 1993, Lord Nageshwar (the serpent deity) manifested here. On the very first day after the manifestation of Lord Nageshwar, the villagers performed his Aarti with utmost devotion. Following that, Lord Nageshwar resided at this very place and observed a complete fast for 10 consecutive days. During this 10-day period, local villagers gathered together to perform bhajans and worship with great devotion. During these bhajans and worship, Nageshwar Maharaj would playfully interact right in front of all the assembled devotees. Thereafter, on the 11th day at 4:30 in the evening, he took Samadhi at this very spot. Devotees also firmly believe that Sadguru Janardan Swami was blessed with a divine vision by Lord Nageshwar himself at this exact location. Devotees hold immense faith in the divine presence and consciousness of Nageshwar Maharaj here. If anyone is bitten by a snake within the village boundaries or surroundings, the Nageshwar Mahadev Linga here suddenly turns black. Many devotees have experienced that once the snake venom is neutralised, the Linga returns to its normal, original colour.

This temple at Savargaon Mhaske is connected to the spiritual lineage of Rashtra Sant Janardan Swami Maungiriji Maharaj. Janardan Swami Maungiriji Maharaj performed great work in religious awakening across Maharashtra and showed society the path of morality alongside devotion to God. “Dharma Jago Janardanacha” is considered the motto of his tradition. To make it easier for spiritually inclined individuals and seekers of liberation as described in the Puranas to contemplate the mantras of the prameya sutras, Rashtra Sant Shri Sadguru Janardan Swami Maungiriji Maharaj derived the ‘Nitya Niyam Vidhi’ from his own holistic spiritual experiences. The Maharaj indicated that the devout recitation of this well-organised compilation of numerous shlokas can bestow devotees with merit, brilliance, supreme wisdom, and the realization of the Almighty. Inspired by this work of Janardan Swami, his foremost disciple Swami Yogiraj Madhavgiri Ji made special efforts for the construction of the temple. Obediently following his Guru’s command, Swami Madhavgiri Ji constructed a total of three major Shiva temples. Among these, he built the first temple, the Gauri Shankar Temple, at Gondhankheda; the second, the Janeshwar Temple, at Javkheda; and the third, the Nageshwar Mahadev Temple, at Savargaon. After the completion of this temple, the Pran Pratishtha (consecration) of Lord Nageshwar was performed by the hands of Swami Madhavgiri Ji. On that auspicious occasion, holy saints and sages such as Shiva Swaroop Narayandev Baba and Samarth Khatkeshwar Baba were present in Savargaon.

There is a grand ceremonial archway for this temple on the main road just outside Savargaon Mhaske village. Situated a short distance away, the architecture of the Nageshwar Temple is well-arranged and spacious. Located in the central part of the village, this temple stands on a high plinth. The temple layout comprises a Darshan Mandap, a Sabha Mandap, and a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). Entering through the courtyard and climbing seven steps leads into the Darshan Mandap of the temple. Both sides of the entrance to the Sabha Mandap feature images of guardian deities (dwarapalas). In the center of the spacious Sabha Mandap stands a large idol of Nandi upon a raised platform, with the sculpture of a tortoise placed in front of it. The wall niches of the Sabha Mandap house idols of various deities. Near the front wall of the sanctum sanctorum within the Sabha Mandap, there is a large portrait of Rashtra Sant Janardan Swami Maungiriji Maharaj. In the center of the sanctum sanctorum lies the Linga of Nageshwar Mahadev. In the wall niche on the rear wall behind the Linga is an idol of Goddess Parvati. Additionally, there is an idol of Lord Ganesha in the sanctum sanctorum. The Shikhara (spire) above the sanctum sanctorum of the Nageshwar Mahadev Temple is distinctive. This Shikhara has five tiers, and each tier features numerous wall niches. These niches contain sculptures of various gods, goddesses, sages, and saints. At the very peak of the Shikhara are two Amalakas topped with kalashas.

Various festivals and celebrations are organised throughout the year at the Nageshwar Mahadev Temple in Savargaon Mhaske. The annual temple anniversary celebration (Wardhapan Din) is considered the biggest festival here. This celebration is held on the 23rd of February every year. Marking this anniversary, the ‘Sri Shivapanchayatan Yajna Ceremony’ is performed at the temple. All families of Savargaon Mhaske village begin preparations weeks in advance for this round-the-clock Yajna ceremony. During this time, materials and grains required for the Yajna are collected from every household in the village. On the day of the Yajna, a sacrificial fire pit (homkund) is set up in the temple premises, and oblations are offered amidst the chanting of sacred mantras. After the completion of this Yajna ceremony, ‘Gopal Krishna Puja’ and a religious discourse (pravachan) are organised in the temple. This annual anniversary celebration concludes with the distribution of Mahaprasad. A large pavilion is erected in the temple premises for distributing the Mahaprasad. A vast number of devotees, including the residents of Savargaon Mhaske village and many surrounding villages, partake in this Mahaprasad.

During the holy month of Shravana, Abhisheka and a walking Kavad Yatra are held here every Monday. In this pilgrimage, devotees fill water in Kavads from various places and carry them on their shoulders to the temple. The sacred water from these Kavads is offered to the Shiva Linga through ritualistic water anointing (Jalabhisheka). Apart from this, Shivaratri is celebrated here every month. Mahaprasada is organized on the occasion of this monthly Shivaratri. For this, the women of the village voluntarily collect flour and other grocery items from their own homes and lovingly roll out the flatbreads (polas). In this service, not only Savargaon, but women from neighboring villages such as Kumbharzhari, Hatodi, and Malbhir also gather in large numbers to offer their devotional service. In addition to these monthly festivals, a collective bhajan ceremony takes place in the temple every Monday and Thursday. During this, the ‘Shri Nageshwar Mahila Bhajani Mandal’ presents devotional music. Devotees can have darshan here every day from morning 6:00 AM to afternoon 12:00 PM and from evening 4:00 PM to night 8:00 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