Pavitra Someshwar Temple Beed City, uka, Beed

In the city of Beed, famously known in ancient times as ‘Champavati Nagari’, there are twelve highly ancient Shiva temples. These twelve Shiva temples, considered the twelve Jyotirlingas of Beed, include the water-temple Kankaleshwar, Papaneshwar at Telgaon Naka, Lohareshwar in the Old Market, Putreshwar in Sarafa Galli, Neelkantheshwar in the Mominpura area, Kalindeshwar of Phulai Nagar, Bobadeshwar in Bobade Galli, Rameshwar at Kakumala, Jatashankar in Jatashankar Galli, Uttareshwar, Baleshwar, and Someshwar. Among these, the Someshwar Temple is particularly famous.

In Indian culture and Sanatan Dharma, many forms and names of Lord Shiva are prevalent, but the name ‘Someshwar’ holds unique significance. In Sanskrit, ‘Som’ means the Moon and ‘Ishwar’ means Lord or Master; thus, it means ‘Lord of the Moon’ or ‘the God who was worshipped by the Moon’. In the Vedas, ‘Som’ is considered a symbol of nectar and medicinal plants. In the Rigveda, the Somarasa is regarded as the drink of the gods, which grants immortality. When Shiva is addressed as ‘Someshwar’ or ‘Somnath’, it does not merely mean that He is the protector of the Moon, but that He is the root source and guardian of all nutritional values, the mind, and the medicinal powers in the universe.

According to mythological accounts, the Moon had married the twenty-seven daughters (Nakshatras) of Daksha Prajapati, but he loved Rohini the most. After the other daughters complained to their father, a furious Daksha Prajapati cursed the Moon to suffer from ‘wasting disease’ (tuberculosis). Due to this curse, the Moon began to fade day by day. Finally, to seek liberation from the curse, the Moon prayed to various deities. All the gods advised the Moon to seek refuge in Mahadeva. The Moon then installed a Shiva Linga and began chanting the name of Mahadeva. In due course, Mahadeva was pleased, liberated the Moon from the curse, and adorned Him upon His matted hair. Since then, Mahadeva has been addressed as ‘Someshwar’, meaning the Lord of the Moon.

It is a popular belief that this shrine is about four to five hundred years old. The priests here state that the temple has undergone renovation in the last few years. Located on the banks of the river in Beed city, this temple is situated along the main road. The temple has a sturdy fortification wall and an entrance gate. In the paved courtyard of the temple, one can see a Shiva Linga and other sculptures under a Banyan tree. Due to the vast Banyan tree, there is always shade and coolness in the courtyard.

The Someshwar Temple follows a traditional structure consisting of a Sabha Mandap (assembly hall), Antarala (vestibule), and Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). The Sabha Mandap is slightly lower than the courtyard level. There are steps near the entrance to descend into the Sabha Mandap. The hall features square pillars on the exterior connected by arched beams, which support the roof. In the Sabha Mandap, there is a beautifully carved black stone idol of Nandi placed on a pedestal. Since the Antarala is slightly deeper than the Sabha Mandap, there are eight steps each on the left and right sides to descend. Further ahead, one sees the simple entrance of the Garbhagriha. In the center of the Garbhagriha, on the floor, is a Shiva Linga carved from a single stone. A copper serpent holds a canopy over the Shiva Linga, and an Abhisheka vessel, which drips water, is suspended from the ceiling. A brass bell is also hung from the ceiling. The Garbhagriha has ventilators to allow sufficient light and air. The roof of the Garbhagriha features a four-tiered circular Shikhara (spire). The first three tiers of the Shikhara each have eight niches for deities. These contain carved idols of various gods. The fourth tier of the Shikhara tapers upwards, topped with an Amalaka and a Kalash.

Adjacent to this temple is a Hanuman temple. This temple is designed with a semi-open Sabha Mandap followed by a Garbhagriha. Inside the Garbhagriha, on a pedestal, is a stone idol of Maruti smeared with vermilion. In one hand, Maruti holds a mace, and with the other, He is lifting the Dronagiri mountain. The roof of the Garbhagriha has a square Shikhara. In front of this temple, attached to the Sabha Mandap, is a small Rama temple. Beyond the shared Sabha Mandap lies the Garbhagriha of the Rama temple. Inside, on a pedestal, are the idols of Rama, Lakshmana, Sita, and Radha-Krishna. The roof of the Garbhagriha has a Shikhara, topped with an Amalaka and a Kalash. A short distance away is a temple of Vitthal-Rukmini. On its pedestal are the idols of Vitthal-Rukmini and Dnyaneshwar. The temple roof has a square Shikhara. Beside this temple is a small temple of Bhavani Devi. Inside, there is a tiger sculpture on the floor, and an idol of Bhavani Devi is installed on a pedestal.

Special festivals are organized here on Mahashivratri and every Monday of the Shravan month. Additionally, thousands of devotees from the surrounding areas visit for Darshan and to fulfill their vows during festivals like Nag Panchami, Vaikuntha Chaturdashi, and Kartik Purnima. During these times, programs such as Bhajans, Kirtans, discourses, and Mahaprasad are organized in the temple. Many festivals throughout the year, including Sharadiya Navratri, Dussehra, Diwali, Gudi Padwa, Hanuman Jayanti, Ram Navami, Ashadhi Ekadashi, and Kartiki Ekadashi, are celebrated with great enthusiasm. There is a large crowd of devotees during all these festivals. The temple remains very busy with devotees visiting for Darshan on Mondays, Saturdays, Tuesdays, Purnima, and Amavasya.

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