Divine Khidkaleshwar Mahadev Khidkali, Kalyan, Thane

The Khidkaleshwar Mahadev Temple in Khidkali, Thane district, is one of the most renowned ancient Shiva temples in the region. Built from black stone, this temple is a beautiful example of the Hemadpanti architectural style, bearing a striking resemblance to the Shiva temple in Ambernath, located a short distance away. It is believed that Lord Mahadev himself appeared here to grant darshan to the Pandavas, and in commemoration of this event, the Pandavas constructed this temple. A unique feature of this place is that every year on Mahashivratri, hundreds of sadhus from Kashi, Ayodhya, and Uttarakhand arrive here to seek the blessings of Khidkaleshwar.

The legend associated with the temple states that during their exile in the Dandakaranya forest, the Pandavas discovered a Swayambhu (self-manifested) Shiva Linga here. At that time, Yudhishthira and his four brothers began worshipping together to please Lord Mahadev. Moved by the Pandavas’ unwavering devotion, Mahadev decided to test their dedication and brotherly bond. Accordingly, Mahadev took the form of an elderly Brahmin and appeared before them. Upon seeing the Brahmin, Yudhishthira bowed and asked how he could serve him. The Brahmin requested five flowers before sunset; however, the five brothers were in the middle of their worship. Fearing that leaving to find flowers would interrupt their prayers, Yudhishthira asked Sahadeva to continue the worship while the other four brothers set out to search for the flowers.

On the surface, the task seemed simple, but despite searching for a long time, they could not find the flowers. As the sun began to set and the possibility of finding flowers seemed bleak, Arjuna spotted lotus flowers blooming in a pond. While he was picking them, Bhima saw a large boulder rolling toward him from the mountain. Using his immense strength, he held the boulder back, saving Arjuna’s life. At that same moment, Nakula took the flowers from Arjuna, who was still in the water, and swiftly reached the Brahmin before sunset to offer them. Meanwhile, Sahadeva continued the chanting of mantras. In this way, the Pandavas were able to serve the Brahmin without interrupting their worship of Mahadev. Pleased, Mahadev revealed his true form to the Pandavas and blessed them with victory in the upcoming war against the Kauravas. Because Lord Mahadev himself appeared at this site, the Pandavas built a temple dedicated to him. Records indicate that the temple was renovated in the 17th century.

The temple is situated on the banks of the Khidkali village lake on the Kalyan-Shil Road. As one walks from the entrance archway toward the temple, ancient trees such as Banyan, Peepal, Umbar, and Tamarind can be seen. Beneath these trees are many shops selling garlands, flowers, Bel leaves, coconuts, and prasad. A few steps further, on the platform of a Banyan tree near the temple, one can see idols of Ganesha, Shankar-Parvati, Swami Samarth, and Durga Devi. Tin sheds have been erected in the temple premises for the convenience of devotees. On the outer sides of the temple, there are sculptures of lions. The temple walls, pillars, entrance, windows, and niches feature exquisite craftsmanship.

The temple structure consists of a Sabha Mandap (assembly hall), Antaral (vestibule), and Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). In the Sabha Mandap, facing the Antaral, there is an idol of Nandi carved from a single piece of black stone on a rectangular pedestal. There are several vermilion-smeared idols of various deities. In the niche to the left of Nandi, there is an idol of Ganesha, and to the right, an idol of Sheetala Devi, both smeared with vermilion. The doorframe of the sanctum features intricate stone carvings, including women waving chauris (whisks) at the bottom and an idol of Ganesha on the lintel. Since the sanctum is slightly lower than the Antaral, one must descend steps to enter. The Swayambhu Shiva Linga here is covered in silver plating and sheltered by a silver canopy of a five-hooded serpent. Behind the Shiva Linga is an idol of Parvati.

The area is home to the samadhis (tombs) of many sadhus. Adjacent to the temple is the samadhi temple of Swami Sivanand Maharaj, with an idol of Lord Dattatreya behind it. Swami Sivanand Maharaj took Jivant Samadhi (living samadhi) here in 1934. In front of the Khidkaleshwar temple, there is a large Yagna Mandap and a Sabha Mandap, where various religious rituals are performed daily. (Contact: Temple Office, Mob: 9821669221, 8692807508). Aarti is performed daily from 5:45 AM to 6:15 AM, Naivedya from 12:30 PM to 12:45 PM, and Aarti again from 6:45 PM to 7:15 PM. Every Monday, there is a large crowd of devotees for the darshan of Khidkaleshwar. On Shravani Mondays, the area takes on the atmosphere of a fair. A major festival is held here on Mahashivratri, during which many sadhus from Kashi, Ayodhya, and Uttarakhand arrive for darshan. During this time, special buses are provided by ST and city transport services from Thane, Kalyan, and Dombivli every five to ten minutes for the convenience of devotees. In 2023, the Maharashtra government allocated a fund of five crores for the beautification of this temple.

The Khidkali lake in front of the temple covers an area of approximately 4.25 acres and is included in the list of ancient lakes in Thane district. While the water level drops slightly during summer, it never dries up. There are steps around the lake, allowing access to the water. A walkway has been built around the lake, and a bridge has been constructed in front of the temple to cross to the other side. Various religious rituals and Dashakriya Vidhi are performed on the far side of the lake. In the vicinity of the temple is the Sant Savalaram Goshala, established by Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Mundhe.

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