Sacred Siddheshwar Mahadev Temple Paithan, Paithan, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

Across the country, there are many temples situated on mountain peaks, in caves, dense forests, on islands, along riverbanks, and by the seashore. Similarly, in some places, there are temples located underground in subterranean chambers. The unique feature of the Siddheshwar Mahadev Temple in the city of Paithan is that, although it is located on the banks of the Godavari River, it is built like a stepwell (barav) deep into the ground. Consequently, when the Godavari River floods or when a large volume of water is released from the Gangapur Dam, this temple becomes submerged. Another distinctive feature of this temple is that the open sky serves as its roof.

The Siddheshwar Mahadev Temple is considered the presiding deity (gram-daivat) of Paithan city and the taluka. The temple is situated on the riverbank, below the main road. A large gateway has been erected on the path leading to the temple. From there, after descending २४ steps, one enters the open assembly hall (sabhamandap) of the temple. This hall is paved with paver blocks. There is a pathway from this rectangular, open, and long assembly hall leading into the stepwell-shaped temple. To manage the crowds of devotees, railings have been installed in the center of this hall, and wire meshes have been fixed on both sides for safety. There is a sacred fire (dhuni) along this path. Three large steps have been constructed to go from the assembly hall into the inner sanctum (gabhara) of the temple. The final step is the original old stone step of the temple, which is carved with Kirtimukhas. From here, after descending २९ stone steps, one enters the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. This sanctum has no roof or spire; it is under the open sky. Inside, there is a sacrificial pit (yajna-kund) shape, within which one can have the darshan of the Shiva Linga. This Shiva Linga is self-manifested (swayambhu). It appears to have been naturally formed within the river rock.

Various stories are told about this temple. According to one legend, in Alandi, Saint Dnyaneshwar and his siblings were being persecuted by orthodox people who called them the “children of a sannyasi.” At that time, all four of them came to Paithan to obtain a certificate of purification (shuddhipatra). Paithan was then known as Dakshin Kashi (the Kashi of the South). While trying to obtain the certificate from the learned Brahmins here, Dnyaneshwar and his siblings took shelter in this Siddheshwar Mahadev Temple. It is also said that the founder of the Mahanubhava sect, Shri Chakradhar Swami, also visited this temple for darshan. Shrimant Narayanrao Peshwa had renovated this temple. After a renovation that took place some years ago, the temple attained its current form.

Devotees flock to the temple for darshan every Monday. Similarly, a fair (yatra) is held here on Mahashivratri. A unique feature of this fair is that earthen pots are brought here in large quantities for sale. According to the ancient history of Paithan, this city has been famous for pottery since long ago. There was a separate lane for potters who made these earthen pots, pitchers, large storage jars, and other vessels, and the potters of that era were prosperous. A legend is told in this regard that when King Shalivahan was a child, he lived in the potters’ lane in Paithan and used to make elephants, horses, bulls, and soldiers out of clay.

Apart from the Siddheshwar Mahadev Temple, two other Shiva temples, Doleshwar and Gadheshwar, are also famous in Paithan. When Saint Eknath Maharaj was twelve years old, a deep longing arose in his mind to find a spiritual guru. Therefore, he came to Devgiri and accepted Janardanswami as his guru. It is said that he received the divine vision (drishtant) to accept Janardanswami as his guru at this Doleshwar Mahadev Temple in Paithan. The Gadheshwar Mahadev Temple is located on a hill near the Samadhi temple of Saint Eknath Maharaj on the banks of the Godavari. This temple is viewed as a beautiful example of ancient architecture. In this temple, there is a Shiva Linga carved from a single stone and a beautiful statue of Nandi. There is also a tunnel in this temple. It is said that there was a path from this tunnel leading directly to Kashi. Many devotees come here for darshan on Shravani Mondays and 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