Shree Valmiki Rishi Temple Varvand, Mehkar, Buldana

The Shiva Linga established by Sage Valmiki, the composer of the epic ‘Ramayana’, is located at Varvand in Mehkar Taluka. This temple holds the fourth position in the Saptarishi Temple circumambulation (Parikrama) that takes place before sunrise on the third Monday of the holy month of Shravan in Buldhana district. Built in the twelfth-thirteenth century in the Hemadpanti architectural style, this temple was served for about forty years by a saint named Virbhadra, who had come here from Karnataka. His Samadhi is also located within this temple. Various programs are organized here on the occasion of his death anniversary in the month of Paush.

The life journey of Maharishi Valmiki, revered as the ‘Adikavi’ (first poet) in Indian culture, is extremely inspiring and extraordinary. He is credited with composing the ‘Ramayana’, the first epic in Sanskrit literature. According to mythological legends, Valmiki’s name in his early life was Ratnakar. In folklore, he is also referred to as ‘Valya Koli’. Initially, he used to rob travelers in the forest to sustain his family. On one occasion, he met Sage Narada. Narada asked him a significant question, ‘Will the family members for whose happiness you are committing these sins, become partners in your sins?’ When Ratnakar went home and asked this question, his wife and children clearly refused to share the burden of his sins. This single incident opened Ratnakar’s eyes and brought a turning point in his life. After attaining detachment, he began rigorous penance according to the teachings of Sage Narada.

Initially, as he could not pronounce the name ‘Ram’, he chanted ‘Mara-Mara’, which eventually transformed into ‘Ram-Ram’. Due to meditating in the same posture for many years, an anthill (Valmika) formed around his body. When he emerged from this anthill after completing his penance, he received the name ‘Valmiki’. With the blessings of Lord Brahma, he received the inspiration to compose the epic ‘Ramayana’. Distressed by the killing of a Krauncha bird, the first shloka emerged from his mouth, which is considered the first shloka of secular literature. Later, after Shri Rama abandoned Sita, Sage Valmiki provided her with fatherly support in his ashram and imparted the knowledge of weapons and scriptures to her sons, Luv and Kush.

It is believed that the birthplace of Sage Valmiki is the village of Valzhari (Taluka Chalisgaon) in the Jalgaon district of Maharashtra. In ancient times, Sage Valmiki performed penance in the Dandakaranya forest in the Meghankar (present-day Mehkar) region, situated in the Ajanta mountain range. At that time, he installed the Shiva Linga here. It is said that the temple was built in the Hemadpanti architectural style in the twelfth-thirteenth century. Over time, the temple has been renovated several times. Information about this temple is also found in the ‘Central Provinces and Berar District Gazetteers – Akola District, Volume A’.

This Hemadpanti-style temple is situated in a small, valley-like hollow. Located in a scenic area, there is a waterfall about half a kilometer behind the temple. A short distance from the temple is the Gomukh Kund, and a river flows behind the temple. The original structure of the temple consists of a Sabha Mandap (assembly hall), Antaral (vestibule), and Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). During a renovation a few years ago, a Mandap was constructed in front of the original temple. Before entering this Mandap, there is an idol of Ganesha near the Tulsi Vrindavan on the right side. There is an idol of Nandi on a small platform in the Mandap.

Since the entrance to the Sabha Mandap is small, one has to bow down to enter. There are many pillars in the Sabha Mandap. Various shapes are carved on these pillars, which rest on pillar bases. However, unlike other temples of the Hemadpanti architectural style, there are no intricate carvings on these pillars or the temple itself. In the Garbhagriha, there is a Shiva Linga in a large Shalunka. The Shiva Linga and the Shalunka are covered with brass plating.

The contribution of Virbhadra Maharaj in preserving the sanctity and conservation of this ancient temple is invaluable. A saint originally from the state of Karnataka, he arrived here while wandering around the years 1905 to 1910 and spent the rest of his life in this very place. The lifestyle of Virbhadra Maharaj was very austere and ascetic. According to local legend, he had given up food and fasted by consuming only tea. For forty consecutive years, he rendered selfless service at the feet of Sage Valmiki in this temple. Cleaning the temple premises, chanting, and showing the path of devotion to visiting devotees was his daily routine. Due to his presence and the power of his penance, this temple gained special importance as a living place of divinity. Because of his penance and selfless service, local devotees began to consider him a divine manifestation. He breathed his last in this holy land. His Samadhi and idol are installed in the outer Mandap of this temple. There are also temples of Sopinath Maharaj and Hanuman in this Mandap. A Dhuni (sacred fire) is kept burning permanently in the temple premises in memory of Virbhadra Maharaj.

A festival is held in this temple on Paush Vadya Ekadashi to mark the death anniversary of Saint Virbhadra. A Saptah (week-long religious program) is held on this occasion. A large Bhandara (community feast) takes place on Paush Vadya Ekadashi. At this time, sports like bullock cart racing and Kabaddi are played. Many devotees come here for Darshan on the day of Mahashivratri. Various religious programs are organized on that occasion. A large Bhandara is also held on Amli Barshi. In the month of Shravan, many devotees come to perform Abhishekam on the Shiva Linga here. Before sunrise on the third Monday of the month of Shravan, hundreds of devotees perform the circumambulation of the Saptarishi temples in Mehkar Taluka. This temple holds the fourth position in this circumambulation. On this day, the entire area resonates with the chants of ‘Har Har Mahadev’ by thousands of devotees. Various programs are organized here on the day of Ashwin Purnima to mark Valmiki Jayanti.

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