Shri Lingeshwar Mahadev Temple Bhon, Sangrampur, Buldhana

The Lingeshwar Mahadev Temple is situated on the banks of the Payoshni River at Bhon in Sangrampur taluka of Buldhana district. This temple is considered to be an ancient site dating back to before the birth of Lord Shri Rama. According to references in the ‘Payoshni Mahatmya’ Purana, Sage Shringa had consecrated Mahadeva here and performed severe penance. Under his guidance, King Dasharatha performed the Putrakameshti Yajna in this sacred land, as a result of which Shri Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna were born. This temple of Shiva on the banks of the eastward-flowing Purna River is considered to be an exceptionally powerful and awakened spiritual abode (jagrit devsthan) in Vidarbha.

On the banks of the Purna River flowing through Vidarbha, there are ancient temples of Mahadeva known as ‘Dhupeshwar Mahadev’ (Harsoda, Malkapur taluka, Buldhana), ‘Wangeshwar Mahadev’ (Telhara, Buldhana), and ‘Lingeshwar Mahadev’ (Bhon). During its entire course through Vidarbha, the westward-flowing Purna River turns eastward near the village of Bhon. Consequently, this location has held special significance since ancient times. In the Purana known as ‘Payoshni Mahatmya’, the village of Bhon is referred to as ‘Bhuvan’. Sage Shringa, the son of Sage Vibhandak and grandson of Sage Kashyapa, consecrated the Lingvantar (lingam) of Lingeshwar Mahadeva on the banks of the eastward-flowing Purna River here. Thereafter, he performed rigorous penance here. King Dasharatha of Ayodhya belonging to the Ikshvaku dynasty had three queens: Kausalya, Sumitra, and Kaikeyi. King Dasharatha had a daughter named Shanta from Kausalya. (Shanta was adopted by Kausalya’s sister Varshini and her husband Rompada, the king of Angarajya. Later she was married to Sage Shringa.) However, Dasharatha had no male progeny to continue his lineage. Therefore, King Dasharatha performed the Ashwamedha Yajna as well as the Putrakameshti Yajna under the chief priesthood of Sage Rishyasringa (Shringa). This Putrakameshti Yajna took place at the Lingeshwar Temple. During this Yajna, a divine being who emerged from the fire gave King Dasharatha a divinely created Payasam (sacred pudding) that bestows progeny. King Dasharatha distributed this Payasam among his three queens. It is mentioned in the mythological tales that by virtue of this Payasam Prasada, King Dasharatha was blessed with four sons: Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna, born from Kausalya, Sumitra, and Kaikeyi respectively. It is also believed that Sage Vibhandak stayed near Bhon on account of the Yajna.

The village of Bhon, where this temple is located, has also gained prominence due to a Buddhist stupa dating back to the era of Emperor Ashoka that was discovered during excavations. This stupa was discovered during excavations conducted in the village in the year 2002 under the leadership of Dr. Bhaskar Devtare of the Archaeology Department of Deccan College, Pune. Emperor Ashoka had built eighty-four thousand stupas across the country. It is said that this is one of those stupas. A pradakshina path (circumambulation path) was also found around this stupa. During the excavations, Stone Age human tools, some wells, coins from the Satavahana period, and terracotta ornaments were found.

The temple is located at a distance of ten minutes from the village. The temple has been recently renovated. This temple is also mentioned in the ‘Central Provinces and Berar District Gazetteers – Akola District, Volume A’ (1910). Earlier, there was a stone fortification around this temple. As it had become dilapidated, it has been newly constructed. Now the fortification has been given the appearance of a fort’s fortification. Bastions have been built on both sides of the entrance in the front facade. Upon entering through the entrance gate, a vast courtyard appears. In front of the temple is an ancient idol of Nandi sculpted in black stone. The architectural structure of the temple consists of a semi-open sabhamandapa (assembly hall) and a garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). The pillars in the sabhamandapa are connected in the shape of arches. The original stone shalunga (yoni base) in the garbhagriha is covered with an embossed brass sheet. Set within this shalunga is an oval-shaped stone Shiva lingam. Over it, a large serpent holds its hood as a canopy. Abhisheka is performed on the lingam through the galantika (water-dripping vessel) located in the upper part. In the niches (devakoshtakas) of the garbhagriha are idols of Lord Ganesha and some other deities.

Over the garbhagriha of the temple is a large dome-shaped shikhara (spire). Near the tamarind trees in the vicinity, there are some samadhis (memorials). Idols of Ganesha can also be seen here. Just a few footsteps away from here is the temple of the Goddess. Many devotees visit this temple for darshana. The most principal and grand festival in this temple is celebrated on Maha Shivaratri. At that time, special worship of Mahadeva, Rudrabhisheka, and bhajan programs continue throughout the night. During the holy month of Shravana as well, there is a large gathering of devotees every Monday here. On this occasion, many devotees bring water from the Purna River in kavads and offer it to Mahadeva. On the occasion of Kartiki Pournami, a Deepotsava (festival of lights) is celebrated in the temple. At that time, the entire temple complex illuminates with the glow of lamps. Every Monday, Ekadashi, and Pradosha, Mahaprasada is distributed to the devotees who arrive here between the hours of twelve afternoon and two afternoon.

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