Shree Swayambhu Mahadev Temple Antri Malkapur, Balapur, Akola

The Shivalaya, one of the ancient temples of Lord Shiva in the ‘Saint City’ of Akola, is located at Antri Malkapur in Balapur Taluka. Devotees believe that the Swayambhu (self-manifested) Shiva Linga in this temple is spiritually awakened and that sincere prayers offered here are fulfilled. Consequently, hundreds of Shiva devotees visit to perform Abhishek on this holy Linga. On the auspicious day of Mahashivratri, the large influx of devotees gives the entire area the atmosphere of a grand fair. With the development of the ‘Radhakunj Naturecare Agri-Tourism Centre’ within the temple premises, this location has become a preferred destination for families and tourists for one-day excursions.

It is said that this Shiva Linga has existed here for approximately two hundred years. Originally, the temple was situated in the middle of a field. In the small sanctum sanctorum of the temple, only the upper portion of the Shiva Linga was visible. The temple underwent renovation in the year १९९६. For years, only the upper portion was worshipped. One day, a Mahatma visiting the site advised the villagers, “As this Linga lacks a Parvati-Vigraha (the base/yoni), it is considered ‘Shava’ (lifeless). You must install a Parvati-Vigraha to make it ‘Shiva’.” Accordingly, in November १९९७, a Parvati-Vigraha carved from black stone was brought from Akola. During the excavation for its installation in the sanctum, the original, complete Shiva Linga was revealed. Following the renovation, the temple premises were beautified. Subsequently, modeled after the ‘Anandsagar’ developed by the Gajanan Maharaj Temple Trust in Shegaon, the ‘Radhakunj Naturecare Agri-Tourism Centre’ was established here.

Located on the banks of a river in the village of Antri Malkapur, a beautiful entrance arch stands about १०० meters before the temple. The arch is adorned with decorative railings, niches, and small shrines. A paved pathway leads from this entrance to the temple. Lined with trees on both sides, the path creates a clean, serene, and beautiful environment. The white marble temple structure consists of three entrance porches (Mukhamandapas), a main assembly hall (Sabhamandapa), and the sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha). One enters the temple courtyard by climbing eight steps to a raised platform. On both sides of the stairway, unique elephant sculptures with raised trunks welcome the devotees. Near this stairway are two smaller shrines. From the courtyard, one ascends a few more steps to enter the main porch. Four intricately carved pillars in this porch are connected by arched gateways, with seating arrangements provided for devotees on both sides. The front walls of the assembly hall, flanking the porch, feature decorative niches.

The spacious assembly hall features marble flooring. At the front of the hall, on the wall facing the sanctum, is a large image of the Shiva Panchayat. The temple’s architecture is unique; there are two stairways leading from the outside of the assembly hall down into the sunken sanctum. One descends about eight steps to enter the sanctum. Near the entrance of the sanctum, on a pedestal, stands a monolithic Nandi statue. The sanctum features white marble flooring, with the ancient, monolithic, square Shiva Linga situated in the center. It is said that if one observes the Linga closely, the shape of ‘Om’ can be discerned. The Linga here resembles those found at Rameshwaram and Eklingnath in Rajasthan. A niche on the wall behind the Shiva Linga houses an idol of Lord Ganesha. There are two additional porches to the right and left of the assembly hall. While the main, tall spire (Shikhara) sits above the sanctum, the temple is crowned by a total of five spires—three over the porches and one over the assembly hall. The main spire above the sanctum features beautiful, intricate carvings, topped with two Amalakas and a Kalasha. All other spires are also adorned with lotus-shaped Amalakas and Kalashas. Additionally, the temple roof features several small, dome-like architectural elements.

Hundreds of devotees visit this temple daily for worship. Various festivals and celebrations, including Mahashivratri, are observed here with great enthusiasm. On Mahashivratri, many devotees wait in long queues for a glimpse of the Shiva Linga. On this day, various religious programs, including Kirtan and Bhajan, are organized, along with the distribution of Mahaprasad. A health camp is also conducted on the occasion of this festival. During the holy month of Shravan, the temple sees a large crowd of devotees, with many from the taluka visiting every Monday.

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