Divine Aparampar Swami Math Mudkhed, Mudkhed, Nanded

Marathwada is known as the land of saints. In the valley of the Godavari, many great saints, ascetics, and enlightened beings have sanctified this land with their presence and penance. Nanded district is home to many religious and historical sites. Among them, the Aparampaar Swami Math stands out as a highly significant and revered pilgrimage site for devotees. This Math is a branch of the Rambhapuri Peetha, one of the Panchapeethas of the Veerashaivas. The Math is known by the name of its original founder, Aparampaar Swami. This Math holds a unique and unparalleled position in the cultural development of Mudkhed city.

Mudkhed city is blessed with a rich historical tradition. It was in this very city that Aparampaar Swami resided. Swami was a great enlightened being and an ascetic. Devotees believe that, true to the meaning of his name, his glory and divine play (leela) were ‘Aparampaar’ (boundless, without limits). During his lifetime, Swami alleviated the suffering of many poor and downtrodden people and showed them the path of devotion. He attained Sanjivan Samadhi right here in Mudkhed. Today, a beautiful and grand Math stands on that very spot. This Math is said to be 600 years old. Although the original Math is ancient, it has undergone renovations over time. Accordingly, a large stone sanctum (Garbhagriha) was built in 1966, and a spire (Shikhara) was constructed over it in 1989.

Located in the heart of Mudkhed city, this Math is spacious. The Math premises are clean and well-maintained. The Math building is of an old style and is extremely beautiful. The construction of the Math showcases stone carvings and glimpses of ancient architecture. The front part of the Math has a rampart approximately 20 feet high. Entry into the temple courtyard is through a two-storied entrance gate within this rampart. Both pillar branches of this entrance gate have Deepakosthake (niches for lamps). On the second floor of the entrance gate is the Nagarkhana (drum house). In the courtyard, to the left, on a large platform, there is a tall lamp pillar (Deepastambha) and some stone idols.

From the courtyard, one ascends seven steps to enter the original Math, which is situated on a high platform (Jagati). The Math’s structure comprises an assembly hall (Sabhamandapa) and a sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha) in the center. The pillar branches at the entrance of the Sabhamandapa have Deepakosthake, and auspicious symbols (Mangalpratike) are carved on the lintel (Uttaranga). On the Lalatbimba (central part of the lintel) of the entrance, there is an idol of Ganapati. Seating arrangements are provided in the Sabhamandapa for devotees. In the center of the courtyard is the Garbhagriha of the Math. In the front part of this Garbhagriha are the Samadhis (tombs) of Devalinga Swami and Shivlinga Swami. In the Garbhagriha here, at the center, within a stone shrine (Makhara), is the idol of Ishwarayya Swami Shivacharya. This idol has a metal mask. To the right of this idol is the Samadhi Sthan (resting place) of Guru Baalsiddha Swami Maharaj, and to the left is the Sanjivan Samadhi of Guru Aparampaar Swami. Adjacent to the Garbhagriha, on a platform, there is a white marble idol of Baswalinga Swami Shivacharya, and in front of it is a Shivpindi.

Throughout the year, various religious programs are held at this Math. Fairs (Jatras) are held here during Mahashivratri and Datt Jayanti. During these times, Hom-Havan (fire rituals), Abhisheka (ritual bathing), Mahapuja (grand worship), and Kirtan (devotional singing) are organized at the Math. For these festivals, devotees come in large numbers not only from Nanded district but also from the entire Marathwada region, as well as from Telangana and Karnataka. There is a special rush of devotees at the Math every Thursday and on Ekadashi. Many devotees bow down at the feet of Swami and offer their prayers here for the removal of their difficulties. Many devotees attend the Aarti and Bhajans held on Thursday evenings. Wrestling competitions are organized here on the day after Mahashivratri. Wrestlers from places like Solapur and Nagpur come to participate. This Math has branches in Vasmat, Malegaon (Taluka Vasmat), Shambholi (Taluka Mudkhed), and Patnur (Taluka Ardhapur).

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