Divine Gautameshwar Mahadev Temple Telhara, Telhara, Akola

The ancient temple of Gautameshwar Mahadev is located in Telhara, a town known as the ‘City of Cotton’. This Shiva temple, situated on the banks of the Gautama River, has existed since before the Nizam era. There is also an ancient stepwell near the temple. Devotees believe that all wishes are fulfilled by seeking the blessings of the ‘Jagrut’ (awakened) Swayambhu (self-manifested) Shiva Linga in this temple, which is the oldest in the Telhara taluka. Because of this, countless devotees from the surrounding five villages come here for darshan. A seven-day festival is held here on the occasion of Mahashivratri, during which 151 kg of ‘Roth’ prasad is distributed to the devotees.

Located at the foothills of the Satpura mountain ranges, Telhara taluka is home to many ancient temples. Among them, the Gautameshwar Mahadev temple stands on the banks of the Gautama River that flows through Telhara. While official information regarding when this Swayambhu Shiva Linga was established is not available, an inscription in the Modi script on a platform in the temple’s entrance hall (Mukhamandap) records the year 1697. Experts therefore suggest that the temple dates back to before that time. Being situated on the banks of the Gautama River, the temple came to be known as the Gautameshwar Mahadev Temple. Because of the ancient stepwell within the temple premises, this place is also famous as the ‘Shri Gautameshwar Mahadev Payvihir Sansthan’. It is said that Gajanan Maharaj of Shegaon also used to visit this temple, which has been sanctified by the holy touch of many saints.

The Gautameshwar Mahadev temple is situated in a scenic, quiet, and pleasant environment. The Gautama River, flowing from the west, touches the base of the temple in the east and turns southward. After the renovation carried out a few years ago, this ancient Hemadpanti temple has attained its current form. A unique feature of this place is the three-story stepwell. Upon entering through the temple gate, one can see this ancient stepwell to the left. Stairs have been built to descend into this three-story structure. A few years ago, Badridas Padia of the taluka renovated this stepwell.

There are many trees in the temple premises. Among them, in front of the temple to the right, the roots of an ancient Banyan, Pipal, and Neem tree have intertwined. Devotees believe this tree is ‘Triguni’ (possessing three qualities) and rare. On the day of Vat Purnima, many women from the city come here for Vat Savitri worship. To the right of the temple is an ancient Hanuman temple. In the courtyard, there is a magnificent statue of Lord Shiva. An ancient Samadhi located in front of the temple is said to belong to a sage who served here. Behind the Samadhi is the place where the ‘Roth’ is prepared during the Mahashivratri festival.

The temple is structured with a Mukhamandap (entrance hall), a Sabhamandap (assembly hall), and a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) in the center. One enters the Mukhamandap by climbing four steps from the courtyard onto a high plinth. The four pillars of the Mukhamandap are connected to each other by arched designs. In the center of these four pillars, on a platform, is the place of Nandi. On this same platform is the inscription in Modi script recording the year 1697. Further ahead, one enters the marble-floored Sabhamandap. In this hall, there is a Homa Kund and a statue of Nandi on a platform. The Garbhagriha is designed in the center of the Sabhamandap, leaving space for a circumambulation path (Pradakshina Marg). This Garbhagriha has two doors, one for entry from the front and one for exit from the back. In the center of the Garbhagriha, the Linga of Gautameshwar Mahadev is placed within a large Shaluṅka (base). It is covered with a copper sheet.

Due to the immense faith of countless devotees in the surrounding region, there is always a bustle of visitors at Gautameshwar Mahadev. Many devotees make vows before the awakened Shiva Linga. Aarti is performed here daily at 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM. Mahashivratri is the main festival here, for which a Bhagavata Saptaha (seven-day recitation of the Bhagavata Purana) is organized. On the day of Mahashivratri, hundreds of devotees perform Abhishekam on the Shiva Linga. On this day, the area takes on the form of a fair. The day after Mahashivratri, the ‘Roth’ prasad is prepared. It is made using semolina, dry fruits, ghee, and milk, and is cooked using the heat of cow dung cakes. This special type of prasad is delivered to every household in the village. Shankargiri Maharaj of Palshi had started the tradition of offering ‘Roth’ prasad here many years ago. At that time, an 11 kg Roth was made. Due to the large number of devotees, a 151 kg Roth is now prepared.

Hundreds of devotees also come for darshan on Gudi Padwa. From Gudi Padwa to Vat Purnima, an unbroken water offering (Jalabhishek) is performed on Gautameshwar Mahadev. A grand celebration is also held here on Hanuman Jayanti. In the month of Shravan, hundreds of devotees come to seek the blessings of the Swayambhu Shiva Linga. There is a large crowd here every Monday of this month. On the last Monday, the temple trust organizes a Palkhi (palanquin) and Kawad Yatra in the city. Many Kawad-bearers perform Jalabhishek on Gautameshwar Mahadev with water from the Triveni Sangam at Wangargaon. On the day of Pola, many farmers from the area come here with their bulls. A grand Deepotsav (festival of lights) is held at the temple on Dev Diwali.

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