Historic Kholeswar Temple Barshi kli, Barshi kli, Akola

In India, Trimbakeshwar (Nashik), Mahakal (Ujjain), and Kashi Vishweshwar (Kashi) are considered Jyotirlinga-like Mahashmashana (great cremation) sites. Since the Kholeswar Temple in Barshi Takli possesses all the characteristics found in these three Siddha-Kshetras, it is also regarded as a Jyotirlinga-like Mahashmashana Siddha-Kshetra. This ancient temple is situated on the banks of the Vidrupa River. It was built in the latter half of the 12th century, following the establishment of the Kalanka Devi temple, the presiding deity of Barshi Takli. A stream of water flows beneath the Shivalinga in the sanctum sanctorum throughout all twelve months of the year. Devotees believe that the Shivalinga in this architecturally rich temple is ‘Jagrut’ (spiritually awakened).

In ancient times, the town of Barshi Takli was known as Tekalli and Tankavati. According to an inscription in the local Kalanka Mata temple, this city was the capital of Hemadridev, a feudatory king of the Yadavas of Devgiri. The progenitor of Hemadridev’s dynasty was named Danturaj. Hemadridev defeated the Kalachuri King Malugi, who had invaded Tekalli, as well as the King of Khandesh, Rajal. The inscription praises King Hemadridev, stating, “Tekallim rajyanim swam dharmadurgam kalau yuge | Varanasi kruta tena vimalaih sucharitrakaih ||,” meaning that through his virtuous character and noble deeds, King Hemadridev bestowed upon his capital, Tekalli, the sanctity of a ‘Dharmadurga’ (fortress of righteousness) comparable to Varanasi. The date and year, “Thursday, Vaishakh Shukla 7, Durmukh Samvatsar, Shaka 1098 (April 7, 1177),” are engraved on this inscription.

The Kholeswar Temple is located near the Kalanka Devi temple. It is said that this temple was built by Kholeswar, a general of the Yadava Emperor Singhana (1132–1169). Kholeswar was a Mudgal-gotra Brahmin residing in Vidarbha. It is believed he was originally from Ambajogai and was a devotee of the goddess Jogai there. Kholeswar built a Vishnu temple at Achalpur (Ellichpur) and also founded the village of Kholapur on the banks of the Purna River in his own memory. It is said that he (or his son) built a Mahadeva temple at Shendurni in the Jalgaon district, which was also named Kholeswar. The research book “Devgiriche Yadhav” by Brahmanand Deshpande states that “Hemadridev was later defeated by Singhana’s general, Kholeswar.” It is clear that he built this Kholeswar temple here after this event, i.e., after 1177. Regarding the name of the temple, there is a legend that the Shivalinga is situated 23 feet below ground level, which is why it is called ‘Kholeswar’ (meaning ‘Deep Lord’).

The ancient and beautiful temple on the banks of the Vidrupa River in Barshi Takli is built in the Hemadpanti architectural style. A short distance from the temple stands a beautifully carved entrance arch. In the upper central part of this arch, a Shiva idol is seated, with Nandi figures standing on both sides. Spread over an area of about three and a half acres, the temple’s construction and intricate carvings remain in good condition today. One enters the temple courtyard through a gate in the surrounding fortification. The pillars flanking this entrance feature small shrines (dev-koshtakas), and above them are replicas of two shikhara (spires) with a shrine in between. The courtyard features a gallery (ovari) along the inner side of the fortification, near which stands a lamp pillar (deepastambha). The temple structure consists of a Mukh-mandapa (front hall), Sabha-mandapa (assembly hall), Nandi-mandapa, and the Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum).

Descending four steps from the courtyard, one enters the semi-open Mukh-mandapa, which features stone pillars and seating benches (kakshasana). The pillars at the entrance of the Sabha-mandapa are adorned with intricate carvings. In the center of the Sabha-mandapa is the Nandi-mandapa, where a statue of Nandi carved from a single piece of black stone sits on a pedestal, with a statue of a tortoise (kachhap) in front of it. Additionally, there are separate shrines within the Sabha-mandapa housing idols of Ganpati, the eight-armed Goddess, and Dattatreya. The black stone idol of Ganesha here is exceptionally elegant.

In front of the Nandi-mandapa is the main Garbhagriha of Kholeswar Mahadeva. One descends ten to twelve large steps from the Sabha-mandapa to enter the sanctum. A natural spring flows continuously throughout the year from the Swayambhu (self-manifested) Shiva-pindi located in the center of this small sanctum. Even during droughts when the river runs dry, there is always water here. The roof of the temple is crowned by five dome-shaped spires.

Daily Aarti is performed in the temple every morning and evening. On Monday mornings, a Maha-Aarti is held after the Abhishek of the Shivalinga. Various festivals such as Gudi Padwa and Hanuman Jayanti are celebrated here. On Mahashivratri, various religious rituals are conducted, followed by a Maha-Prasad (community feast) the next day. The Shiva-Parvati wedding ceremony takes place on Chaitra Shukla Ashtami. The Kholeswar Yatra (pilgrimage fair) is held on Chaitra Krishna Pratipada. During the month of Shravan, Bel leaves are offered continuously to the Shivalinga for seven days. Ganesha is installed here during Ganesh Chaturthi. Various programs are held during the Sharadiya Navratri festival, and a Homa-Havan and Maha-Prasad are organized on the ninth day. The Dattajayanti festival is celebrated in the premises on Margashirsha Purnima. Programs are also held on the death anniversary of Guru Govind Maharaj. The temple provides food for devotees traveling on foot to Pandharpur and Shegaon.

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