Ancient Shiva Temple Nandikheda-Pavnar, Vardha, Vardha

Though present-day Pownar is a small village in Wardha district, it holds a special identity historically and religiously. Researchers have found evidence of human habitation in this region since 1000 BCE. According to archaeological experts, prosperity flourished here during the Vakataka period. King Pravarasena of that era had built many temples in this area. Therefore, even today, when excavations are carried out in Pownar, numerous idols, Shivlingas, and Nandi statues from hundreds of years ago are found everywhere.

In Pownar, on the banks of the Dham River, lies the Nandikheda area, where a Vakataka-era Mahadev temple stands. The unique feature of this temple is that although it is a Mahadev temple, it is famous for its Nandi. Due to this Nandi, the area has been named Nandikheda. It is said that there is a large treasure hidden beneath this Nandi. This temple is counted among the few ancient temples in Vidarbha. It is a place of faith for many devotees, where vows are offered to Nandi instead of Mahadev. It is believed by devotees that this is a ‘jagrut sthan’ (a living, responsive place) and the vows made to Nandi are fulfilled.

According to historical records, Vakataka King Pravarasena II shifted his capital from Nagardhan (Nandivardhan) near Ramtek to Pravarapura during his reign. As it was founded by Pravarasena, it acquired the name Pravarapura. This later became known as Pownar. It is said that Pravarasena’s wife, Prabhavati, was an ardent devotee of Shankara. For her, King Pravarasena built a Shankara temple on the banks of the Dham River here. Queen Prabhavati herself would daily bring water from the river in an earthen pot and perform abhisheka to the Shivlinga here. It is said that this Shiva temple has been here ever since.

This temple stands seven to eight feet above the Dham riverbed, and a protective wall has been built to prevent damage from the river waters. The temple comprises a sabhamandap (assembly hall) and a garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). A new sabhamandap has been built adjacent to the temple, where many religious programs are organized. In the sabhamandap of the original temple, there is a monolithic Nandi carved from black stone, which features intricate carvings; however, it has now been painted. Devotees constantly throng here, especially to offer vows to this Nandi. There is a legend about this Nandi that a large treasure lies beneath it, and the Nandi is guarding that wealth. Some years ago, when thieves, driven by greed for the treasure, attempted to dislodge the Nandi from its place, villagers heard the sound of it bellowing, and the thieves’ attempt proved futile. Since then, the fame of this Nandi has spread far and wide. Even today, some elderly residents here claim to have personally heard the Nandi bellow.

A grand fair is held here on Mahashivratri. Additionally, thousands of devotees gather here on Shravani Mondays and Nagpanchami. Being on the riverbank, the area appears picturesque. Consequently, hundreds of tourists, along with devotees, visit daily. Within the temple complex are a Durgamata Temple, Dattuji Bhagat Devsthan with an idol of Gajanan Maharaj, as well as smaller temples housing idols of Shri Datta, Shri Ganesh, and Durgadevi. A garden has been developed in the area in front of the temple, with an idol of Shankara and a large Shivlinga at its center. Close to this temple, there is a footpath leading to the samadhi of Acharya Vinoba Bhave in the Dham riverbed.

Apart from the ancient Mahadev temple, across the Dham River in Pownar, lies Acharya Vinoba Bhave’s famous Paramdham Ashram. People from both India and abroad visit Pownar to see this ashram. In the first week of February 1948, the ashes of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, were immersed in the Dham riverbed in front of Paramdham Ashram. In his memory, a Mahatma Gandhi Pillar and a grand chhatri (cenotaph) have also been erected there. On the main pillar of this memorial chhatri, some sayings of Gandhiji are carved on marble stones.

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