Shree Rajeshwar Mahadev Temple Rajnapur (Khinkhini), Murtijapur, Akola

The ancient Shiva temple of Rajeshwar Mahadev is situated in Rajnapur (Khinkhini), which served as a military base for the grandson of Babhruvahana, the son of Arjuna, during the Mahabharata era. Legend has it that this temple was built in a single night by Shiva-devotee demons. The pillars in the assembly hall (Sabhamandapa) of this temple, which carries the legacy of ancient architectural style, feature intricate carvings depicting human lifestyles. The self-manifested (Swayambhu) and awakened (Jagrut) Shiva Linga, located in a deep basement, is famous as the Jyotirlinga of Vidarbha. The main attraction here is the Shiva-Parvati wedding ceremony, which has a tradition of 300 years and takes place on the auspicious day of Chaitra Shuddha Dwadashi.

There is ambiguity regarding exactly when and by whom this temple was built. However, mentions of this temple are found in the Navnath Granth as well as some texts of Jainism. According to some scholars, this temple, built in the Hemadpanti architectural style, may have been constructed in the 11th century. It is believed that during the Mahabharata period, Rajnapur was the military base of the grandson of Arjuna’s son, Babhruvahana. It is also said that the village was named ‘Rajnapur’ after Rajeshwar Mahadev. A few years ago, many ancient idols were found in the temple premises. These have been kept in the Ajab Bungalow in Nagpur and the Archaeological Department’s museum in Mumbai. Jain monks have also resided in this temple area since ancient times. Therefore, even today, many Jain monks stay here. The temple has undergone many renovations over time. The temple attained its current form after the renovation carried out in 1999.

The village of Rajnapur (Khinkhini) is situated in a hilly area on the Akola-Amravati National Highway. The temple is located in the center of the village. The main entrance of the temple is in the perimeter wall surrounding it. One enters the temple courtyard through this entrance. The structure of the temple consists of a Nandi Mandapa, Mukhamandapa, Sabhamandapa, and Garbhagriha. In front of the temple, the Nandi is positioned on a platform in the Nandi Mandapa. The Mukhamandapa of the temple has four ornate stone pillars. The Mukhamandapa is designed with seating benches (Kakshasanas). The first two of these pillars are within these benches, and the next two are in the walls of the Sabhamandapa. On the front side of these pillars are load-bearing Yaksha sculptures. There is an image of Shiva-Shankara in the niche (Devakoshtha) above the Mukhamandapa. There are six carved door frames (Dwarashakhas) at the entrance of the Sabhamandapa. Excluding the first pillar branch, the remaining branches have door guardians (Dwarapalas) and various sculptures carved at the bottom. There is a Kirti-sculpture on the architrave of the entrance, an idol of Ganpati on the lintel (Lalatbimba), and beautiful carvings on the upper part. One enters the Sabhamandapa of the temple through this entrance. The sculpted pillars in this assembly hall are considered an invaluable treasure. Hundreds of sculptures based on human lifestyles and the Dashavatara are carved on these pillars. Each pillar has four load-bearing Yaksha sculptures at the top. There are 11 Shiva Lingas of uniform size in this assembly hall. Ancient idols of gods and goddesses, including a Shiva idol performing the Tandava dance, as well as unique idols of Shri Vishnu and Sita Mata, are preserved in the niches of the assembly hall.

The door frames on both sides of the Garbhagriha entrance also feature carvings and guardian sculptures similar to those of the Sabhamandapa. There is a place for Ganesha on the lintel above the entrance of the Garbhagriha. The Garbhagriha here is about 3 feet below the Sabhamandapa. One enters the Garbhagriha by descending four steps from the entrance. In the center of the Garbhagriha floor is the ancient Linga of Rajeshwar Mahadev. A brass mask of Shankar Mahadev is placed on this Linga. Abhisheka is performed on this Linga from a Panchadhatu vessel (Galantika) located above. It is said that there was an underground passage from the well beneath this Linga leading to the Uma riverbed. This Shiva Linga has holes on both sides, and if coins are dropped into them, the sound of water can be heard.

The temple roof has a parapet wall, and there is a dome-shaped spire (Shikhara) over the Garbhagriha. This spire has an Amalaka and a Kalasha. In the temple premises, there is a small temple with a white marble idol of Gajanan Maharaj. There is a stepwell in the temple area. There are steps to descend into this well.

Mahashivratri is a major festival here. Various religious programs are organized in the temple on this day. Hundreds of devotees come here for Darshan on this day. The Shiva-Parvati wedding ceremony, which takes place on the auspicious day of Chaitra Shuddha Dwadashi, is the main attraction here. All the villagers participate in this wedding ceremony as if it were a function in their own homes. Wedding invitations are also printed for this marriage. A pavilion (Mandap) is also built in front of the temple for the wedding. Every year, two new families from the village are given the honor of being the bride’s and groom’s parents. One can see the hustle and bustle of the wedding guests and the eagerness of the bride’s side to host the groom’s side. On the day of the wedding ceremony, as per tradition, the Ghati and Devkundi programs take place in the morning. In the afternoon, an Abhisheka is performed on the Shiva Linga. Later, a procession of the Shiva idol is taken out through the village to the sound of musical instruments. Young and old people of the village participate in this procession. At this time, villagers hold placards to convey social messages like environmental protection and the prohibition of dowry. When this procession reaches the temple, the Vyahibheti (meeting of the families) program takes place. The wedding ceremony takes place in the evening. Before that, a turban (Pheta) is tied on the Shiva Linga. Also, the mask of Parvati Mata is decorated like a bride. After the wedding is solemnized by holding the Antarpat between the bride and groom and chanting Mangalashtakas, Mahaprasad is distributed to the devotees. To create awareness about the environment, a Tulsi plant is also gifted to the wedding guests. Villagers from the surrounding five villages also visit to witness this wedding ceremony. Many programs are also organized in this temple on the occasions of Ram Navami, Gajanan Maharaj Pragat Din, Krishna Janmashtami, Tukaram Beej, and Jagannath Maharaj Punyatithi.

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