Historic Pataleshwar Mahadev Temple Blue, Nanded, Nanded

‘Pataleshwar’ is one of the 1,008 names of Lord Mahadev. Although it is believed that Pataleshwar is the Lord of the netherworld (Patala Loka) among heaven, earth, and the netherworld, Shiva Lingas and temples located in caves, underground, or in hollow areas are generally known by the name ‘Pataleshwar’. There are many such ancient temples named Pataleshwar in the country. One such famous temple is located in the vicinity of Nila village in Nanded district. Devotees have deep faith that the awakened (Jagrut) Mahadev here fulfills vows and rushes to answer their calls.

It is said that this holy place is thousands of years old. Villagers state that the sanctum sanctorum, built in the Hemadpanti stone architectural style, dates back four to five hundred years. The assembly hall (Sabhamandapa) of the temple is of more recent construction. The legend of this temple is that in ancient times, a Shiva-devotee farmer used to sit at the site of the current temple, chanting the name of Shiva. He expressed a desire for Mahadev to grant him a vision after he completed the chanting of several crores of names. Honoring the devotee’s request, Mahadev appeared from the ground. The Lord asked him to “ask for a boon.” The devotee then requested the Lord to reside there permanently. According to his wish, Mahadev was established here in the form of a Linga. Having emerged from the ground, Mahadev came to be known as ‘Pataleshwar’.

There is a paved road leading to this temple, which is about one kilometer away from the village. The temple has a boundary wall and a welcome arch within the wall. It features two square pillars on both sides with an arched gateway on top. Further ahead, in the paved courtyard of the temple, there is seating arrangement for devotees. There are some ancient large trees in the courtyard. In front of the temple in the courtyard stands the Nandi Mandapa. The Nandi Mandapa, which is about three feet higher than the courtyard, has five steps. There are stainless steel safety railings on both sides of the steps and around all four sides of the Nandi Mandapa. The Nandi Mandapa has four square pillars on each side. All pillars are connected to each other by arched gateways. In the center of the Nandi Mandapa, on a pedestal (Vajrapitha), is an idol of Nandi carved from a single piece of black stone. In front of this Nandi is the Shiva Linga. On the ceiling of this pavilion, there is a lotus-petal patterned chakra.

About twenty feet away from the Nandi Mandapa is the Pataleshwar Mahadev temple. Around all four sides of the temple, there is a platform about six feet wide and three feet high. Surrounding the platform are iron pillars with a cement sheet roof. There are four steps to climb onto the platform. Ahead is the entrance to the assembly hall. The enclosed assembly hall has windows and ventilators for light and air. On both sides of the sanctum sanctorum in the assembly hall, there are two chambers. These are used as storerooms.

Further ahead is the entrance to the sanctum sanctorum, which features ancient Hemadpanti style construction. The wooden doors of the entrance are intricately carved. In the center of the sanctum sanctorum is the Swayambhu (self-manifested) Shiva Linga that emerged from the ground. There is a brass mask of Mahadev on the Shiva Linga. A brass serpent is coiled around the Linga. An Abhishekapatra (vessel for ritual bathing) is hung from the ceiling to drip water onto the Linga. The temple roof features a three-tiered octagonal spire (Shikhara). Each tier of the spire has eight niches. Inside them are idols of Mahadev and various other deities in different forms. On both sides of each niche are carved dwarf pillars with arched gateways above them. At the top of the spire is a replica of a lotus flower, topped with an Amalaka and a Kalasha.

The main annual festivals of Mahashivratri, Chaitra Vadya Dwadashi, and the month of Shravan are celebrated in the temple with great enthusiasm and devotion. During all festivals, programs such as Bhajans, Kirtans, discourses, and Mahaprasad are organized at the temple. During the festival period, thousands of devotees from Nanded and surrounding districts come to have a vision of the Lord and to fulfill their vows. A special feature here is the community feast (Bhandara) that continues throughout the entire month of Shravan. The number of devotees is high on Mondays, the Vadya Dwadashi of every month, full moon days (Purnima), and new moon days (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