Sacred Nageshwar Temple Ajnad Bungalow, Shirpur, Dhule

Shaivite modes of worship have been prevalent since ancient times. Religious worship practices conducted in places such as dense forests, lakes, riverbanks, and natural underground water sources inherently conserved and protected precious water resources and nature. Consequently, the rulers of those times constructed wells, ghats, and Shiva temples in such locations. Among the rulers who performed such public-welfare works, the name of Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar holds a prominent place. It is said that the Nageshwar Temple on the hill of Ajnad Bangla village was built during the time of Ahilyabai.

In earlier times, there was a dense forest in the hills of Ajnad Bangla. The continuous flow of water emerging from the hills here is considered extremely sacred. The negligible human presence in this region suited Aghori and Naga Sadhus. Therefore, this area became a spiritual abode (tapobhumi) for sadhus and ascetics. Choosing a sacred spot in this forest, Naga Sadhus established a Shiva Linga here in ancient times. Hence, it came to be known as Nageshwar. Over time, the glory and fame of this holy site continued to grow. It is said that in the eighteenth century, during the reign of Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar (CE 1766 to CE 1795), a temple was constructed at this place. Later on, this temple underwent renovation and attained a magnificent form. Hundreds of devotees visit here daily for darshan.

While proceeding towards the temple on the hill, the established norm is to first go to the Gomukh at the foothills and purify oneself. One can descend to the Gomukh via a few steps alongside the massive tree situated next to the stairs leading to the temple. There is a welcome arch in front of the Gomukh Kund. On both sides of the arch are two ornate circular pillars. On the balcony over the pillars, there is a central deity niche (devkoshtak) along with miniature domes (meghdambari) on both sides of the pillars, topped with kalashas. Below the deity niche is the Gomukh sculpture. Beyond this lies the Gomukh Kund. A continuous stream of water flows from the Gomukh located in the wall of the kund. On the other side of the Gomukh, beyond the steps, is a deep water kund. The water emerging from the Gomukh collects in this deep kund. It is said that the water coming from this Gomukh is cold in the summer, and lukewarm during the winter and rainy seasons. 

Beside the Gomukh, in the Rishi Mandir, the idol of the sage is seated on a vajrapitha. A short distance from the Rishi Mandir is the Audumbereshwar Mahadev Pindi, flanked by two stone serpent sculptures. At the foothills behind the Rishi Mandir are the Datta Mandir and a Shiva Mandir. Alongside these temples is a semi-open pavilion (mandap). Steps are provided to ascend from the foothills up to the temple. This stairway path has been named ‘Shraddha Path’. Both sides of the steps feature protective railings and pillars. The roof resting on these pillars provides shelter from the sun and rain. Climbing the steps leads into the newly constructed, spacious assembly hall (sabhamandap) of the temple. In this open-style assembly hall, there are five ornate pillars on each side. The ceiling above features intricate spiral carvings.

Further ahead stands the Nageshwar Temple, built in the Hemadpanti architectural style, featuring a narrow and low entrance doorway. The lintel panel (lalatpatti) has relief carvings on both sides, and the central lintel block (lalatbimba) bears the Om symbol. The enclosed inner space of the temple contains lamp niches (deepkoshtake). Next is the entrance to the sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha). Inside the garbhagriha, Nandi is positioned on the floor, with the Shiva Pindi in the center. A brass serpent holding a canopy over the Shiva Pindi and an abhishek vessel suspended from the ceiling are present. Behind the Shiva Pindi are two serpent sculptures. On the roof of the temple is a Bashingi railing, and in the center stands a domed shikhara topped with an amalaka and kalash. With a new direct road constructed at the rear of the temple, private vehicles can now reach right up to the temple. 

Festivals are celebrated at the temple on Mahashivratri for a single day and throughout the entire month of Shravana. On these occasions, Maha Abhishek, Laghurudra, Maha Puja, and Maha Prasad are organized at the temple. Programs such as bhajans, kirtans, music, and religiousdiscourses (pravachan) are held. During the festival period, the temple is adorned with festive lighting. At this time, shops selling various goods are set up in the area, giving it the atmosphere of a grand fair (yatra). During the annual festivals, thousands of devotees from Khandesh as well as Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat arrive to have darshan of the deity and fulfill their vows (navas).

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