Ancient Ghogara Mahadev Temple Dundakhairi, Parshivani, Nagpur

Ghogra Mahadev is a holy shrine situated amidst massive rocks in the bed of the Pench River, which flows through Dundakheri in Parsioni Taluka. According to scholars, this sacred place dates back 1,000 years and is one of the ancient and famous temples of Vidarbha. The unique shapes given to the rocks here by the flow of water are a major attraction. Along with being a temple, this site is also renowned as a major tourist destination in Vidarbha, ranking among the top 5 tourist spots in Nagpur district.

The sacred abode of Ghogra Mahadev is located in Dundakheri village, close to Parsioni, a taluka town in Nagpur district. The path to this holy shrine leads through the bed of the Pench River, which originates in the Satpura mountain range and supplies water to Nagpur city. Along this path in the riverbed, there are around 30 to 40 shops selling puja items as well as Jowar Bhakri and Mirchi Thecha. The local Jowar Bhakri and chili paste (Mirchi Thecha) are very famous here. Moving past these shops, water flows through the riverbed. A special feature of this place is that the water flowing here is crystal clear. A stepped pathway passes right through this flowing water to reach the sacred site of Ghogra Mahadev. With the river flowing all around and a ‘Chakravyuha’ formed by white rocks in the middle, the shrine is nestled right within it. Hence, this place is also known as the ‘Kailash of Vidarbha’.

As one ascends the stepped pathway towards the shrine, one first receives the darshan of Lord Ganesha. An ancient idol of Lord Ganesha rests on an elevated mound here. In addition, a small temple houses the idols of Sages Kashyapa, Vishwamitra, Gautama, Jamadagni, Bharadwaja, Abhaya, and Vashistha. In front of them sits a Shivlinga. Moving ahead along the rocky path from there, one reaches the shrine of Nagdevata (the Serpent Deity). On a raised platform stands a 5-hooded Nagdevata, with Lord Nandi positioned in front. Before this Nagdevata are many Trishuls (tridents), offered by devotees upon the fulfillment of their vows.

From the shrine of Nagdevata, the path towards the Ghogra Mahadev Temple continues through the rocks. One has to navigate through rocks of various colors and shapes. The natural formation of the rocks in the riverbed is uniquely striking. It is said that these rocks were formed due to volcanic eruptions. Over time, erosion caused by heat, wind, rain, and the river’s flow has naturally carved intricate patterns on the rocks that appear exceedingly beautiful. Streams of water flow through the crevices of these rocks. (At Bandar Kudni in Jabalpur, the Narmada River flows through a similar narrow gorge in marble mountains. It is said that the Narmada River reaches its maximum depth at that location. Beholding this site at Ghogra Mahadev evokes the memory of Bandar Kudni on the Narmada.)

Beyond this lies the sacred abode of Ghogra Mahadev. On an elevated spot stands a blue idol of Lord Shiva with Lord Nandi by His side. Below it, a rock has naturally taken the shape of a Shivlinga. Devotees revere this rock as the sacred Jyotirlinga of this place. It is said that while hundreds of rocks here have eroded or changed shape over the years due to sun, rain, wind, and the flow of water, the rock of this Jyotirlinga has remarkably retained its exact shape for ages. Furthermore, beside this Jyotirlinga, within the cavity of a rock, a natural formation of Nagdevata is carved, beneath which rests a Swayambhu Shivpindi. In various rock cavities here reside divine formations of Shri Narayana Dev, Motan Shesh, and numerous Swayambhu Shivlingas.

Every Saturday, Sunday, and on public holidays, thousands of devotees and tourists flock here. On these days, the area takes on the vibrant atmosphere of a fair.

Along with enjoying the natural beauty of the Pench riverbed, tourists delight in savoring the hearth-cooked Jowar Bhakris and Mirchi Thecha freshly prepared by local women. A grand fair (Yatra) is held here on Mahashivratri. It is recorded that over 100,000 devotees visit for darshan on that day. During the monsoon season, due to high water levels in the river, it is not possible to visit the Ghogra Mahadev shrine situated in the riverbed; however, even then, the surrounding area attracts crowds of tourists.

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