Prasanna Shree Samb Sadashiv Temple Dongargaon (Shiva), Fulambri, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

A small road winding its way up a high hill, surrounded by dense greenery, leading to the beautiful temple of Samba Sadashiv Mahadev standing atop the hill—this is the picturesque scene one encounters in the Dongargaon (Shiv) area of Phulambri Taluka. It is also known as the Tondeshwar Mahadev Temple. Two special features of this place are the unique Shivalinga with its distinct base (Shalunka) and the Narasimha Mahadev Temple situated right next to the Samba Sadashiv Temple. It is considered a rare occurrence to have Lord Shankar and Narasimha, an avatar of Vishnu, present together. 

Samba Sadashiv is one of the names of Lord Mahadev. According to religious scriptures, Samba Sadashiv means Shankar accompanied by Uma-Parvati, that is, Ambika. This name signifies the companionship of Shiva and Shakti. The Adi Jagadguru Shankaracharya, in his composition ‘Shiva Swarnamala Stuti Mantra’, has praised Samba Sadashiv, beginning with the line ‘Samba Sadashiva Shambho Shankara Sharanam Me Tava Charanayugam’.While there are Shiva temples in every village across Maharashtra, temples dedicated to Mahadev under the name Samba Sadashiv are few. This temple in Dongargaon (Shiv), Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, is one of them. This temple is always crowded with Shiva devotees. Furthermore, due to its scenic location, it is also famous as a tourist destination.

Since the temple is situated on a high hill, it is visible from anywhere in the area. The path leading to the temple begins a short distance from Dongargaon. After traveling some distance through a tall iron gate, one first encounters a Ganesha temple. The temple structure consists of a semi-open assembly hall (Sabhamandap) and a sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha), topped by a high spire (Shikhara). In the assembly hall, there is a stone statue of Mushaka (the mouse) on a high pedestal. The Ganesha idol is seated on a Vajrapitha in the sanctum. After offering prayers there and moving further up, there is a parking area for vehicles. From there, stairs lead to the temple, although the road also goes directly to the temple. At the start of the stairs, there is a small Vitthal-Rukmini temple on the side.

This ancient Samba Sadashiv Mahadev temple is built on a high plinth on the bedrock of the hilltop. The temple was renovated in Phalguna Vadya Panchami, Shaka 1933. The temple architecture includes a front porch (Mukhamandap), an assembly hall, and a sanctum. There is a large sacrificial fire pit (Homakunda) in front of the temple. One enters the front porch by climbing three steps. The front porch has four large pillars connected by arched gateways. On its flat roof, there is a large Shivalinga topped by a statue of a cobra with its hood raised. 

From the front porch, one enters the assembly hall through an arched doorway. The architectural style of this newly constructed square assembly hall is evident from its pillars. There are four pillars on both sides of the walls of the square hall. Further ahead, after leaving some space, there are three wide square pillars. In the space between these pillars, there are statues of Nandi and a tortoise carved from a single stone.Due to the railing installed in front of the entrance, one cannot go directly into the assembly hall. From this door, a path marked by railings leads to the left and right for devotees to enter and exit the sanctum in a queue. The sanctum also has an arched entrance. One descends a step to enter the sanctum. Here, in the center, the Shivalinga is placed in a square area below ground level, enclosed by a small steel railing. The base of this Linga is fish-shaped, and the cylindrical Linga is topped by a statue of a cobra with its hood raised. There is a Ganesha idol beside the sanctum. 

Generally, a spire is built over the sanctum of a temple. However, looking at the exterior of this Samba Sadashiv Mahadev temple, it appears as if the spire has been raised from the ground itself. In this way, the sanctum and the spire have merged into one. On the middle three levels of this five-tiered spire (including the sanctum), there are niches (Devlis) on all four sides, while the upper levels feature the Uru-shringa style, where spires are stacked one upon another. Above this is a two-tiered golden Amalaka and a pinnacle (Kalash). The assembly hall of the temple also has a circular spire.

Next to this temple, in a separate building, is the Narasimha Mahadev Temple. Inside, there is a meditative statue of Shankar, and beside it is a statue of Narasimha tearing open the stomach of Hiranyakashipu. Devotees flock to this beautiful temple on the scenic hill every Shravani Monday and on Mahashivratri. On Mahashivratri, the temple premises take on the form of a fair. Often, one-day school trips from local primary schools also visit here. Many have also composed hymns dedicated to this Samba Sadashiv Mahadev temple.

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