Ancient Kholeshwar Temple Karmala, Karmala, Solapur

In the eighteenth century, the family of Rambhajirao Nimbalkar was renowned as a powerful and valiant lineage. After the death of Aurangzeb, Rambhajirao played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Nizamshahi in Hyderabad in 1724. Consequently, the Nizam bestowed upon him the title of ‘Raurambha’. From then on, Rambhajirao became known by the name Raurambha. Karmala was the principal village within his jagir (fiefdom). The famous temple of Kholeshwar Mahadeva here was built during the reign of Raurambha Nimbalkar. Witness to many historical events, this temple is a place of deep faith for thousands of devotees in the taluka.

The Kholeshwar temple is mentioned in the autobiography ‘Amchya Ayushyatil Kahi Athvani’ (Some Memories of Our Life) by Ramabai, the wife of Justice Mahadev Govind Ranade. This memory of Ramabai dates back to 1891. At that time, Justice Ranade had been appointed as a Special Judge for the Agriculture Department. He held responsibility for four districts: Pune, Satara, Nagar, and Solapur. Justice Ranade was on tour with Ramabai for eight months. In February 1891, they arrived in Karmala. Arrangements for their stay were made at the Kholeshwar temple here.
Upon arriving here, Justice Ranade’s health deteriorated. His condition became so critical that he even lost the ability to speak. Government doctors in Karmala treated him, but there was no improvement in his condition. Then, Dr. Vishram Ghole was summoned from Pune via telegram. Until Dr. Ghole arrived, the local doctor remained with Justice Ranade at the Kholeshwar temple. Justice Ranade was losing consciousness, and Ramabai was losing hope. She went into the sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha) of the temple, sat before the deity, and prayed fervently to Kholeshwar. Her heart felt lighter after this communion with Kholeshwar, and in that state, she drifted off to sleep. Around five o’clock in the morning, Justice Ranade regained consciousness, and his speech returned to normal.

The Kholeshwar Mahadeva temple is located in the central part of Karmala city. The temple is surrounded by high fortifications. In this fortress-like enclosure, there is a two-story entrance gate. There is an idol of Lord Ganesha at the lintel of the entrance, and a nagarkhana (drum house) on the upper floor. Entering through the gate, one reaches the temple courtyard. In the courtyard, facing the temple, is a large, monolithic stone idol of Nandi. Beyond it lies the ancient Hemadpanti-style Kholeshwar temple. The structure of the temple consists of a sabhamandap (assembly hall), antarala (vestibule), and garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). The temple stands on a high plinth, and on its front side, there are four stone pillars; the path to the sabhamandap lies between the two middle pillars. Above these pillars, on the ceiling of the sabhamandap, is a decorative railing and a kirtimukh in the center. The ancient stone pillars in the sabhamandap are painted. Near the front wall of the antarala in the sabhamandap, there are idols of Vitthal, Ganpati, and other ancient sculptures. In front of these idols is a Shiva Linga made of black stone. In the center of the garbhagriha, on a black stone base (shalunka), is a white marble four-faced Shiva Linga. The spire (kalash) above the garbhagriha features several niches, with an amalaka and a finial at the top. There are many ancient hero stones (virgal) in the temple premises.

On the third Monday of the month of Shravan, at 12:30 PM, a grand procession of Kholeshwar Mahadeva is taken out. Thousands of devotees participate in this procession. Although the chariot used for the procession is made entirely of teak wood, its design and carvings are similar to the stone chariot in the Kamala Bhavani temple located a short distance away. A silver finial was installed on this chariot in 2021. After this procession, a mahaprasad (grand feast) is organized for the devotees. On the first Thursday following Mahashivratri in the month of Magh, a procession of the temple’s Nandi is held. Additionally, the Koshti community organizes a ‘Shivnam Saptah’ (a week-long chanting of Shiva’s name) here during the month of Shravan.

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