Pavitra Sopinath Maharaj Temple Kawatha Sopinath, Murtijapur, Akola

Devotees across Vidarbha hold immense faith in Sopinath Maharaj, who is considered the Lord of serpents and an incarnation of Lord Mahadeva. There are three famous temples of Sopinath Maharaj in the Akola district. Along with Digras and Malsur in the Patur taluka, the temple at Kavtha Sopinath in the Murtijapur taluka is a place of reverence for thousands of devotees. This temple has become the identity of the village, which is now known as Kavtha Sopinath. According to legend, the self-manifested (Swayambhu) idol here emerged from a betel nut. Like other temples of Sopinath Maharaj, the serpent god (Sheshnaga) is worshipped here as well. It is the firm belief of devotees that childless couples are blessed with progeny after performing rituals at this temple.

Sopinath Maharaj, also addressed as ‘Supinath’ or ‘Supoba’, has many shrines across Vidarbha. Malsur is said to be his primary and self-manifested seat. The ‘Central Provinces and Berar District Gazetteers – Akola District, Volume A’ (1910) provides information about the temple at Malsur and the festivals held there. It clarifies that Sopinath Maharaj was referred to as ‘Supoba’ and was considered an incarnation of Lord Mahadeva. Just as Lord Shiva has a serpent around his neck, there are serpent idols in the temples of Sopinath Maharaj as well.

According to the temple legend, Sopinath Maharaj manifested here from a betel nut. Thereafter, the size of this sacred site grew day by day. Initially, the temple was small. Over the course of time, the temple underwent several renovations. After the renovation carried out a few years ago, the temple attained its present form.

Kavtha Sopinath is a small village located three kilometers north of Chichkhed Phata in the Murtijapur taluka. The temple is situated in the heart of this village. There is an open pavilion in front of the temple, which has been covered with a tin shed for the convenience of devotees. Through the entrance gate in front, one enters the small courtyard of the temple. On both sides of this entrance are serpent images and lamp niches. Near this entrance, inside the courtyard, are the idols of Vitthal-Rukmini and a trident. One enters the sanctum sanctorum, situated on a high plinth, by climbing three steps. This sanctum is the original temple. Inside, on a high pedestal, is a large, vermilion-smeared idol of Sopinath Maharaj in the form of a stone (Tandala). The shape of this idol somewhat resembles the face of an elephant.

Apart from the main sanctum, there are idols of Ganpati, Vitthal-Rakhumai, and Gajanan Maharaj in the temple premises. Additionally, there is a shrine dedicated to the serpent deity. The sanctum is topped by a high spire that tapers towards the top, adorned with replicas of smaller spires. At the very top are a two-tiered Amalaka and a finial (Kalash).

Devotees believe that if a person bitten by a snake is brought to this temple, the effect of the poison diminishes. There is a tradition of seeking the blessings of Sopinath Maharaj every Sunday in the month of Pausha. At this time, many devotees come here for darshan and to fulfill their vows. It is a common belief among devotees that if a twig from this temple is taken home, it prevents ghostly afflictions and keeps snakes away from the house. Monday is considered the day of Sopinath Maharaj; therefore, the temple is crowded with devotees on this day. Sopinath Maharaj is offered ‘Rodga’ (a traditional bread) as Naivedya.

Fairs are held here on the day of Nag Panchami and the day after the Pola festival. Among these, the fair held on Nag Panchami is quite grand. Devotees from many districts across Vidarbha come for darshan at this fair, which is one of the major fairs in the region. Queues for darshan begin from early morning. During this time, devotees get to see Sopinath Maharaj after a long wait of seven to eight hours. Various religious programs are organized in the temple on the occasion of the fair. Shops selling prasad and various items are set up in the temple premises. Shops selling materials required for the Pola festival and decorative items for bullocks are also present. For the convenience of devotees arriving for this fair, special buses are operated by the State Transport Corporation from depots including Karanja, Amravati, and Murtijapur.

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