Shree Nandikeshwar Mahadev Temple Nandipeth, Akot, Akot, Akola

Nestled near the Satpura mountain ranges, the historic city of Akot is known as the ‘City of Saints’. Many divine miracles of the realized soul Saint Narsing Maharaj, a contemporary and spiritual brother of Saint Gajanan Maharaj of Shegaon, took place in this very city. The ancient temple of Nandikeshwar Mahadev is situated in the Nandipeth area of this city. The main attraction here is the magnificent idol of Nandi, carved from a single piece of black stone, which is enshrined in the main pavilion (Mukhamandap) of the temple. It is because of this idol that the Mahadev here is named Nandikeshwar. The Mahadev here is a place of deep faith for hundreds of devotees in the region.

According to the Shiva Purana, Nandi is a prominent attendant (Gana) of Lord Shiva, just like Bhairava, Virabhadra, Manibhadra, Chandisa, Shringi, Shaila, Gokarna, Ghantakarna, Jaya, and Vijaya. He is considered the chief gatekeeper of Lord Shiva. He is also known by the names Nandisha and Nandishwara. In the Shiva Sahasranama, Nandi is mentioned as a name of Lord Shiva. The twenty-second chapter of the Shatarudra Khanda in the Shiva Purana states that Lord Shiva incarnated as Nandi. The legend goes that after the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), the gods were victorious in the war between the Suras and Asuras. Thereafter, Lord Vishnu ordered all the Asuras to go to the netherworld (Patala Loka). He led them there himself, but the Asuras imprisoned him. When all the gods sought refuge in Lord Shiva, He incarnated as Vrishabha (the Bull) to destroy the Asuras.

It is also believed that Nandi is the son of Sage Shilada. The legend regarding this is that after Sage Shilada performed severe penance to Lord Shiva, he was blessed with Nandi as his son. He imparted the knowledge of all four Vedas to Nandi. Once, when the deities Mitra and Varuna visited him, they blessed Sage Shilada with a long life but did not bless Nandi. When the sage inquired, they revealed that Nandi was short-lived. Hearing this, Sage Shilada became worried. Following this, Nandi sat on the banks of the Bhuvan River and performed penance to Lord Shiva. Pleased by his rigorous penance, Lord Shiva granted him the boon of eternal companionship. At that time, Shiva gave him the face of a bull and made him His vehicle (Vahana). This is why Nandi is always placed in front of the Shiva Linga in temples. Nandi also holds an important place in the Veerashaiva tradition.

The temple in Akot is known by the name of Nandi itself. Precise information regarding the construction of this ancient temple is not available. The temple acquired its current form after a renovation carried out a few years ago. One enters the courtyard through a gate in the surrounding boundary wall. Near the entrance, on the inside, stands a statue of Gadge Baba. Additionally, the courtyard houses the Samadhi temple of Punjaji Maharaj and the chariot of Nandikeshwar Mahadev. During festivals, a procession of Nandikeshwar Mahadev is taken out in this chariot. The structure of the Nandikeshwar temple consists of a Nandi Mandap, a Sabha Mandap, and a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum).

In the Nandi Mandap, there is an idol of Nandi made of a single stone, about five feet in height and width. The idol features exquisite carvings and bells on its horns. Between the Antarala (vestibule) and the Nandi Mandap, there is an open Sabha Mandap. For the convenience of devotees, a metal sheet roof has been installed over it. All the pillars in the Nandi Mandap and Sabha Mandap are connected by arched gateways. There are lamp niches (Deepakoshtakas) on the pillars on both sides of the entrance to the Antarala. There is an idol of Ganapati on the lintel (Lalatbimba) and a Kirtimukha at the base of the entrance. In the center of the Garbhagriha is the Shiva Linga of Nandikeshwar Mahadev made of black stone. The niches in the walls of the Garbhagriha contain idols of Ganapati, Durga Mata, Radha-Krishna, Ram Darbar, Gajanan Maharaj, Saint Savta Mali, and others. The Garbhagriha is topped by a Shikhara in the Urushringa style, adorned with two Amalakas and a Kalasha. In the courtyard in front of the temple, there is an ancient three-story brick-built well, which has a staircase to descend into it.

Various festivals are celebrated in the temple, including Gudi Padwa, Shri Ram Navami, Goroba Kaka Punyatithi on Chaitra Krishna Trayodashi, Kavad Yatra on the fourth Monday of Shravan, Saint Savta Mali Punyatithi on Ashadh Krishna Chaturdashi, Punjaji Maharaj Punyatithi on Magh Shuddha Dwitiya, and Maha Shivratri. Various programs are organized here for five days on the occasion of Maha Shivratri. Hundreds of devotees from the surrounding areas come here for Darshan on the day of Maha Shivratri and on the Mondays of the month of Shravan. On the last Monday of Shravan, a Kavad Yatra departs from the city. Many devotees participate in this Yatra, carrying water from the Purna River at Gandhigram. In this procession, replicas of various forms of Mahadev and Shiva Lingas are placed on vehicles and chariots. Hundreds of devotees in traditional attire participate in this Yatra, which proceeds to the sound of drums and cymbals.

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