Divine Sangameshwar Mahadev Temple Sangam, Dharmabad, Nanded

In Hindu religion, bathing at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers in Prayagraj holds unique significance. It is believed that bathing at such a confluence leads to the attainment of Moksha. Similarly, devotees have deep faith that wherever two or more rivers meet, the Goddess Ganga herself resides there. Driven by this faith, many temples have been built at such sacred places since ancient times. The temple in Sangam village of Dharmabad taluka is a prime example of this. Devotees believe that the Mahadev residing in this temple, situated at the confluence of the Godavari and Manjara rivers, is spiritually awakened.

Although the temple has been renovated in recent times, the priests here state that the original shrine is thousands of years old. The stone construction of the temple’s Antarala (vestibule) and Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) in the Hemadpanti style bears witness to its antiquity. According to some experts, this temple dates back to the Yadava period, likely around the twelfth century. A legend associated with this temple is that the Shiva Linga here grows grain by grain every day.

There is a spacious parking area in front of the temple located on the riverbank. Seating arrangements are provided for devotees here. Since the temple courtyard is at a higher elevation than the parking area, there are about २५ steps to reach it. These steps, which are about twenty feet long, have railings on both sides. At the final stage of the stairway, there is a pavilion supported by four square pillars, from where one enters the courtyard. This spacious paved courtyard is surrounded by a sturdy fortification.

Upon entering from the courtyard, one reaches the entrance of the recently built Sabha Mandapa (assembly hall). The semi-open Sabha Mandapa has a railing on the outer side, and this railing features two ornate square pillars. There are beams on the pillars and a roof above the beams. There are two more doors on the left and right sides of the Sabha Mandapa. In the front part of the Sabha Mandapa, there is a black stone idol of Nandi on a pedestal. The saddle cloth on Nandi’s back, as well as the tassels and garlands of bells around its neck, are carved with great detail. Further ahead is the Antarala and Garbhagriha, built in the ancient Hemadpanti architectural style. The entrance to the Antarala has ornate wooden shutters, and its lintel is carved with a torana of temple spires. There are windows on both sides of the entrance, and brass bells are hung from the ceiling.

There are windows on the left and right sides of the Antarala. Here, on the Vajrapitha (altar) to the left of the Garbhagriha entrance, are black stone idols of Vitthal-Rukmini and Ganpati, while on the Vajrapitha to the right is a four-armed idol of Goddess Parvati. Further ahead is the entrance to the Garbhagriha. Its door frames feature floral carvings, and there is an idol of Ganpati on the Lalatabimba (central decorative block). The lintel is adorned with carvings of leaves and floral vines.

In the center of the Garbhagriha, on the floor, is the Shiva Linga. Above the Shiva Linga is a brass five-hooded serpent holding a canopy, and above that, an Abhishek vessel is hung from the ceiling for ritual bathing. There is a window in the back wall of the Garbhagriha. It is believed that in the past, the ritual offerings and Abhishek water flowed through this window onto the Shiva Linga inside the Garbhagriha. The outer walls of the Garbhagriha are carved with various geometric patterns in stone. There is a paved circumambulation path around the Garbhagriha.

The temple roof has a sloping, ornate cornice and railing on all four sides. On the roof of the Garbhagriha, there is a three-tiered square Shikhara (spire) of the Dravidian Urushringi type, with a structure of steps that become smaller as they rise. Each tier of the Shikhara features miniature temple sculptures called ‘Kuta’ at the corners and ‘Shala’ (rectangular temple sculptures) in the middle. At the top of the Shikhara is a stupi and a Kalasha.

In front of the temple, there is a built-up Ghat on the Godavari river where various religious rituals are performed. There are many Shiva Lingas and idols of other deities on the Ghat. Maha Shivratri is the main annual festival celebrated with great enthusiasm at the temple. During this time, thousands of devotees come here for Darshan and to fulfill their vows. Programs such as Maha-Abhishek, Bhajans, Kirtans, discourses, and Maha-Prasad are organized in the temple during this festival.

During the month of Shravan, there is a crowd of devotees here for Darshan throughout the month. This gathering of devotees gives the area the appearance of a fair. The setting up of various shops gives it the appearance of a marketplace. Since there is a tradition of taking a vow to offer a Bhandara (community feast) to the deity here, Bhandaras are held in the temple throughout the year. There is a large crowd of devotees at the temple every Monday, as well as on Purnima, Amavasya, and Dwadashi. Recognizing the faith of the devotees in this temple and the number of pilgrims visiting for Darshan, the State Government has granted this temple ‘C’ grade pilgrimage status.

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