Shri Neelkantheshwar Temple / Brahmachari Math Ooty, Sengaon, Hingoli

The tradition of the Shaiva sect is ancient in India. Lord Shankar is the presiding deity of this sect. Among the many names of Shankar, Neelakantheshwar is a popular one. Mahadeva’s throat turned blue after he consumed poison to protect the universe, which is why he was named Neelakantha. Later, by adding ‘Ishwar’ to it, he became known as Neelakantheshwar. There are thousands of temples in the country dedicated to this Neelakantheshwar, who protects the universe. One such ancient temple is located at Uti in Sengaon Taluka. Devotees believe that having darshan of Neelakantheshwar here bestows the same merit as having darshan of Kashi Vishweshwar.

The region comprising Kelsula, Risod, and Uti was formerly known as Umarnya. The story of this temple is recorded in the ‘Umarnya Mahatmya’ manuscript, written by Sachidanand Swami of Lonar in 1882. It states that Sage Agastya had come to reside permanently in Umarnya. At that time, he began to miss Kashi Vishweshwar. Distressed by not being able to have daily darshan of Kashi Vishweshwar, Sage Agastya requested Shankar to come here from Kashi. At that time, Shiva Shankar came here for Agastya. This very place is famous as Neelakantheshwar. Sage Agastya created a pond here for his worship, which is called Agastya Kund. This pond still exists in the temple premises today.

The temple of Neelakantheshwar Mahadeva is situated on the banks of a river at the outskirts of Uti village. This temple, built in the Hemadpanti architectural style, features unique carvings both on the exterior and interior. One enters the temple courtyard through a gateway in the surrounding wall. In this courtyard, the Neelakantheshwar Mahadeva temple is on the right, and the Brahmachari Math is on the left. Opposite this Brahmachari Math is the Nagnath Temple. The Neelakantheshwar temple, situated on a high plinth, consists of a Nandi Mandapa, Sabha Mandapa, Antarala, and Garbhagriha. In the semi-open Nandi Mandapa in front of the temple, there is an ancient idol of Nandi carved from a single stone on a central pedestal. Load-bearing Yaksha figures are carved on the upper parts of the pillars in the half-walls of the Nandi Mandapa, which is topped by a stone roof. The outer walls of the Nandi Mandapa are also intricately carved.

There are niches on both sides of the entrance to the Sabha Mandapa. To the left of the Neelakantheshwar temple are two Samadhi temples. These Samadhi temples are known as the Brahmachari Math. It is said that all the heads of this Math to date have been Brahmacharis. About 200 years ago, a saint named Ramanand Maharaj came and settled here. He was a Brahmachari. He did not eat regular food; he only consumed milk and fruits. He had four disciples, who were also Brahmacharis. Among them, Shivanand later ascended the seat. The two Samadhi temples present here currently belong to Ramanand Maharaj and Shivanand Maharaj.

Mahashivratri and Guru Purnima are the main festivals celebrated here. On Mahashivratri, Abhisheka and Rudrabhisheka are performed on the Shiva Linga. Apart from this, every Shravani Monday, Mahashivratri, Vaikuntha Chaturdashi, and other festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm. A large number of devotees also gather here on Guru Purnima.

One enters the Sabha Mandapa through the main entrance. In this enclosed Sabha Mandapa, there are carved sculptures on all four sides of the pillars and load-bearing Yaksha sculptures at the top. Hundreds of small and large sculptures are carved on the ceiling of the Sabha Mandapa as well. The stone chandelier design in the center of the ceiling is unique. In the center of the Sabha Mandapa floor, there is a stone tortoise idol. The door frames of the Garbhagriha also feature unique craftsmanship. Door-guardian idols are carved at the base of the door frames. Below the entrance is the Mandovara. A decorative arch is carved on the upper part of the entrance. In the center of the Garbhagriha floor, there is an ancient Shiva Linga made of a single stone, with a metal serpent coiled around it.

Opposite this east-facing temple is another Mahadeva temple of Hemadpanti architecture. The specialty of this west-facing temple, known as the Nagnath Temple, is that in the Garbhagriha, there is a stone vessel about one to one and a half feet deep and two feet in diameter embedded in a wall near the Linga. Water flows into this stone vessel from a natural spring passing through the walls of the Garbhagriha. It is said that the water level in this vessel does not decrease or increase in any season. Even if water is removed from this vessel, it returns to its usual level after some time. Even when the river near the temple dries up, this spring continues to flow.

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