Historic Siddheshwar Maharaj Math Belanki, Miraj, Sangli

Just as there are four Peethas established by Adi Shankaracharya, there are five Peethas of the Veerashaiva tradition in India. These are known as the Panchacharya Peethas. Their five Acharyas are Revanaradhya (Rambhapuri Peetha), Marularadhya (Ujjayini Peetha), Ekoramaradhya (Kedara Peetha), Panditaradhya (Shrishaila Peetha), and Vishwaradhya (Kashi Peetha). These five Acharyas are considered the lineage founders of the Veerashaiva Dharma. It is said that they are respectively associated with Veera, Nandi, Bhringi, Vrishabha, and Skanda. Among the Panchacharya Peethas, the Peetha at Rambhapuri is known as the Veerasimhasana Peetha. One of its sacred sites is the Siddheshwar Maharaj Math in Belanki.

Siddheshwar Maharaj (Dodamurgeshwar Mahaswami) is considered the presiding deity (Gramadaivat) of Belanki village. At the same time, it is the spiritual seat (Guru-sthan) for the Lingayat community, especially for those with the Hiremath surname. The legend associated with this place states that near Kukatoli, close to Belanki, lies the old Panhala, also known as the Giriling mountain. On this mountain, which is a center of the Nath tradition, is the Samadhi site of Sage Parashara . On the mountain behind this one lies Gausiddha, an ancient site of the Lingayat community. A Siddha-purusha used to reside in a cave here. He was called Siddheshwar Maharaj. A Vani (merchant) from Belanki village was his ardent devotee. He would regularly go up the mountain to seek the blessings of the Siddha-purusha. Later, due to old age, it became difficult for him to climb the mountain. He then requested Siddheshwar Maharaj, “Please come to my village.”

Pleased by the devotion of the Vani from Belanki, Siddheshwar accepted his request and came to reside in this scenic location. It is at this very place that the Siddheshwar Maharaj Math stands today. In the year 1993, Shivlingayya Hiremath was appointed as the head of this Math. His grand Pattabhisheka ceremony was celebrated here from the 23rd to the 28th of January. This ceremony was attended by Jagadguru Balehonnur (Rambhapuri Peetha) and Jagadguru Dr. Chandrashekhar Shivacharya (Kashi Peetha), along with many Lingayat scholars and countless devotees.

Located a little away from the village, on the banks of a stream, this is a scenic spot. The Math is surrounded by a stone fortification 10 to 12 feet high. In this fortification is the two-storied entrance of the temple. Above this arched entrance is the Nagarkhana (drum house). On a platform outside this entrance stands a Deepastambha (lamp pillar). Entering through the gateway leads to the temple courtyard. The paved courtyard is surrounded by cloisters (ovaris) along the fortification. These cloisters house the residences of the priests as well as the Math office.

Standing three feet above the ground, the Math consists of a Sabhamandapa (assembly hall), Antarala (vestibule), and Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). The four pillars near the entrance are connected by arched gateways. From here, one enters the Sabhamandapa. This open-style Sabhamandapa is surrounded by circular stone pillars. All these pillars are connected to each other by arched designs. This Sabhamandapa was built at a later period. In the Antarala, on a medium-sized platform, there is a brass idol of Nandi . Beyond this is the entrance to the Garbhagriha. In this sanctum, there is a Shiva Linga placed on a Vajrapitha. The golden-colored Prabhavali (halo) behind this Shiva Linga features unique craftsmanship.

The dome-shaped spire of the Garbhagriha has two Amalakas on all four sides. The circular main spire has Devakoshthas (niches) in three tiers. These niches contain idols of sages, gods, and goddesses, topped with finials. At the very top, there are three Amalakas stacked one above the other, crowned with a Kalasha. Apart from the main temple, there are seven small and large Samadhis in the temple courtyard. It is said that these belong to the Mahants of this place. The temple attained its current form after a renovation carried out a few years ago. The temple premises are clean, pleasant, and peaceful.

This Math is managed through a hereditary lineage. The rulers and landlords of that time donated a significant amount of land to this Math as an endowment. The management of the Math is sustained through this. A grand Bhandara (community feast) is held here on Shravani Amavasya. At that time, thousands of people from many surrounding villages come here to seek the blessings of the Swami and to partake in the Prasada.

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