Shri Kapileshwar Temple Velhale, Bhusawal, Jalgaon

‌The Velhale region is recognized as the place of penance (Tapobhumi) of Sage Kapila, whom Lord Krishna glorified in the tenth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita by saying, ‘Siddhanam Kapilo Munih’—meaning, among all the perfected beings, I am Sage Kapila. An ancient temple of Kapileshwar Mahadeva, named after Sage Kapila, is situated in this village. It is said that this temple, built in the Bhumija architectural style, is approximately one thousand years old. Beyond its ancient sculptural beauty, the temple is renowned for its highly unique and rare Shiva Linga.

This area in Bhusawal taluka is connected to the mythological legends of Sage Kapila. There is also a Kapileshwar temple in the village of Kandari, about 15 km from Velhale. Legend has it that Sage Kapila imparted the teachings of Samkhya philosophy to his mother, Devahuti, at that temple. In other parts of the country, the birthplace of Sage Kapila is identified in various places, such as Mahangupur village on the banks of the Saryu River in the Gonda district of Uttar Pradesh, and Kapilavastu, where Gautama Buddha spent his childhood. According to local belief, Velhale is the birthplace of Sage Kapila. It is a popular conviction that the Kapileshwar Mahadeva Linga in the temple here was installed by the Sage himself. Another unique feature of this temple is that on June 21st, the longest day of the year, the sun’s rays fall directly onto the Shiva Linga.

Another story regarding this temple in Velhale village is that the village is mentioned in the famous Aarti of Lord Shiva, ‘Lavathvati Vikrala Brahmanda Mala’, in the line ‘Aisa Shankar Shobhe Uma-Velhala’. Samarth Ramdas Swami wrote this Aarti in the 17th century. In the ‘Marathi Etymological Dictionary’, one meaning of the word ‘Velhal’ is ‘beloved’ or ‘dear’. The term ‘Uma-Velhala’ thus means ‘beloved of Uma’. However, locals believe that in the Aarti, Ramdas Swami referred to the village names Umala in Jalgaon taluka and Velhale in Velhale village, derived from ‘Uma’ and ‘Velhala’ respectively. The exact history of this temple remains unknown. However, based on its structure, scholars believe it dates back to the Yadava period. It is believed that this temple was built during the 11th century when Seuanchandra II held power in the Nashik, Khandesh, and Aurangabad regions. This temple is of the Bhumija type in the Nagara architectural style and is built using the dry-masonry (Shushkasandhi) technique. Although temples built using the dry-masonry method existed before the time of Hemadri, also known as Hemadpant (13th century), they are commonly known as Hemadpanti. Therefore, this temple is also referred to as being in the Hemadpanti style.

Located in the heart of the village, this ancient temple is built on a high plinth (Jagati). It has suffered significant damage in various places. Bricks appear to have been used in periodic repair works. The ancient beauty of the temple is still evident in the remaining structure. The temple consists of a Sabha Mandapa (assembly hall), Antarala (vestibule), and Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). One enters the Sabha Mandapa after climbing 11 steps. On the sides of the steps, there are stone structures resembling seats. The entrance to the Sabha Mandapa appears to have four branches (shakhas). The door frame features intricate carvings. The pillars in the Sabha Mandapa are adorned with pillar-figures (stambhaputtalikas). It appears that sculptures of Lord Shiva and other deities were carved on the pillar shafts. At the top of the pillars are sculptures of Yakshas. In the center of the Sabha Mandapa stands a stone statue of Nandi, with a sacrificial altar (Homa-kunda) in front of it. One enters the Antarala through two pillars. On the left and right walls there, niches (devakoshthakas) are carved.

The Garbhagriha has a five-branched (panchashakha) entrance. The door branches and the lower parts of the door pillars are decorated with intricate carvings, with sculptures of door guardians (dvarapalas) carved at the base. On the delicate door pillars, there is also a sculpture of a Goddess in a small niche. A statue of Lord Ganesha is placed at the lintel (lalatabimba) of the door frame. The moonstone (ardhachandrashila) and Kirtimukhas on the threshold of the entrance are somewhat worn. Inside the Garbhagriha, there is a square-shaped Shiva Linga. It is said that the Shiva Linga is installed upon a Shri Yantra, and the shape of its base (shalunka) resembles the leaf of a Kadamba tree. Such a uniquely structured Shiva Linga is rare. An abhishek vessel is hung above this Linga. On the back wall of the Garbhagriha, on a stone pedestal, are statues of Mother Parvati and Lord Ganesha.

The ceiling of the Garbhagriha features four triangular corners on all sides and circular carvings in the center. The exterior shape of the temple is three-tiered. The outer walls of this temple, which resemble the shape of a Bel leaf, also feature beautiful examples of carved sculptures. In front of the temple, there is a large stone well. Arrangements have been made for devotees to sit around the well. Some detached sculptures have been placed in the premises. There is a small temple of Kholeshwar Mahadeva here as well. Devotees flock to this Kapileshwar Mahadeva temple every Monday for darshan. On Shravani Mondays, queues form from early dawn. Religious programs like Rudrabhishek and Jagaran are celebrated with great enthusiasm on Mahashivratri.

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