Shree Beleshwar Mahadev Temple Parbhani, uka Parbhani, rict Parbhani

The Beleshwar Mahadev Mandir, the principal presiding deity and village deity of Parbhani city, which is blessed with an ancient historical tradition, is a prominent place of faith in Marathwada. The self-manifested Shiva Lingam that appeared beneath a Bael tree, the Naga Chhatra (serpent canopy), the Galantika that continuously performs Jalabhishek, and the two Nandi idols are the main architectural features of this temple. As this Shiva Lingam is considered extremely potent and awakened, this sacred place holds unparalleled significance for local devotees. During Mahashivratri and the month of Shravan, a tremendous throng of Shiva devotees gathers here for Darshan. The main culmination of the city’s famous traditional Kavadi Yatra takes place at this very temple with a grand Jalabhishek upon the Shiva Lingam.

Parbhani, situated in the valley of the Godavari River, renowned throughout Maharashtra as the Dakshin Ganga, is a very important and central district in Marathwada. This entire region is blessed with a rich historical heritage dating back to the ancient Stone Age. According to history researchers, human settlement and culture in this fertile valley of the Godavari River must have flourished greatly during the Stone Age period. According to ancient references in Hindu religious Upanishads, this part of Parbhani was included in the ancient Vidarbha kingdom. The present-day Parbhani village was formerly known by the names ‘Parvani’ and ‘Prabhavati’. In this ancient village, a grand temple of a goddess named Prabhavati once existed. Local tradition and history state that this city later came to be known as Parbhani, deriving its name from this Prabhavati Devi. In ancient times, a very beautiful Pushkarani, or water tank, was built in front of this temple. Many legends about the mythological power of this main temple and the sacred Pushkarani are still prevalent in this region today.

A very famous legend is told in the vicinity regarding the establishment and name of this temple. Many years ago, two Umbar trees and one Bael tree grew together at this original spot, making a total of three trees. Beneath the old Bael tree among these, a very beautiful self-manifested Shiva Lingam appeared from the earth. As this self-manifested Shiva Lingam appeared beneath a Bael tree, this sacred Shiva Lingam was later named Beleshwar Mahadev. In the initial period, this main Shiva Pind was situated exactly in the middle of these three trees. The fame that this Shiva Lingam is extremely potent and responds to the calls of devotees gradually spread throughout the entire Parbhani region. Consequently, many devotees began to regularly visit this place for Darshan and worship. As the number of devotees increased, a small temple was built at this sacred spot. Later, some years ago, with the help of all local citizens, this old temple was renovated. This gave the temple its current form. This ancient temple is considered the ancestral property of the family of Vitthalrao Vamanrao Rasve from Parbhani village. The Rasve family has been diligently overseeing and managing this temple with great devotion for generations.

This famous temple of Beleshwar Mahadev is located on the very busy Nandkheda Road in Parbhani city. This temple stands a short distance from the famous Mrityunjay Pardeshwar Mahadev Temple. An ancient Banyan tree can be seen in front of the main entrance of the temple. Another ancient Shiva Lingam is installed at the base of a tree within this main temple complex. Local devotees also perform worship here with faith. The architectural structure of the main temple includes a Sabha Mandap (assembly hall) and a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). On the Lalatbimba (lintel) above the main stone entrance of the Garbhagriha, a beautiful painting depicts Mata Parvati devoutly worshipping the Shiva Lingam of Bhagwan Shivshankar. The Garbhagriha of the temple is large in size. In the very center of the Garbhagriha, within a large stone Shalunka, the Pind of Beleshwar Mahadev is enshrined. The Naga Raja holds his hooded canopy over this main Shiva Lingam. From the sacred metal Galantika hanging directly above the Shiva Lingam, water continuously performs Abhishek upon the Pind. In front of this main Shiva Pind, at some distance, a high stone platform has been constructed. On this platform, two different stone idols of Nandi, the vehicle of Bhagwan Shankara, are seated.

Due to the belief that the Shiva Lingam here is extremely potent, devotees visit this temple throughout the year. Especially every Monday, the number of local devotees who come here for the Darshan of Bhagwan Shankara is very large. Every year, on the day of the Mahashivratri festival, a large crowd of devotees gathers from early morning to offer sacred Bael leaves and perform Jalabhishek upon the Shiva Lingam. On this special day, long queues of devotees form at the temple. Additionally, during the month of Shravan, various religious programs are organized throughout the entire month. On the very first Monday of Shravan, there is an old tradition of taking out a Kavadi Yatra in Parbhani city. This famous Kavadi Yatra begins with great enthusiasm from the historical Omkareshwar Mandir at Shri Kshetra Tridhara, near Parbhani. Shri Kshetra Tridhara is considered a sacred confluence of three rivers. It is a major pilgrimage site in Parbhani Taluka. Carrying sacred water from there, this grand Kavadi Yatra proceeds along the main roads of Parbhani city. This Yatra passes through all the major areas of the city, including the very famous Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Smarak, Narayan Chawl, Gandhi Park, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk, and Mrityunjay Pardeshwar Mahadev Mandir, in a very disciplined manner. Finally, this Yatra enters the Beleshwar Mahadev Mandir. Here, a grand Jalabhishek is performed with great devotion upon the self-manifested Shiva Lingam of Beleshwar Mahadev using the sacred water brought in the Kavadis, and only then does this traditional Kavadi Yatra enthusiastically conclude. Devotees can have Darshan here daily from six o’clock in the morning until twelve o’clock in the afternoon, and from five o’clock in the evening until nine o’clock at night.

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