Divine Bhonda Mahadev Temple Sitabardi, Nagpue, Nagpur

It is said that the uniqueness of some places cannot be truly appreciated without visiting them. One such sacred place is the Bhonda Mahadev Mandir in Sitabardi, nestled in the heart of Nagpur city! This east-facing temple is renowned for its distinctive sculptural grandeur and exquisite craftsmanship. This medium-sized temple is adorned with countless sculptures, and what is truly remarkable is that each one remains in pristine condition. It is for this reason that this temple is often referred to as ‘Nagpur’s Verul’ (Ellora).

According to historical records, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj attained moksha in the year १६८०. Thereafter, Sardar Yashwantrao Holkar, Shahaji Shinde, Bhosale, Gaikwad, Pawar, and Ingale set forth towards Indore, Gwalior, Nagpur, and Baroda, and began collecting ‘Chauthai’ (a tax levied from regions outside the Maratha kingdom but under its protective umbrella, which was directly deposited into the royal treasury). In Nagpur, the first Raghuji Raje, through his great valor, carried the Chhatrapati’s banner all the way to Cuttack. The entire region of Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Bastar, and Utkal was under the dominion of Raghuji Raje. His grandson, Raghuji the Second, began to transform the face of Nagpur. For this purpose, palaces were constructed at various locations throughout the city, royal residences and gardens were created, and numerous temples were built.

The entire credit for Nagpur’s present form goes to Raghuji Raje the Second. The Hanuman Mandir at Ambazari and Telangkhedi, the Kalyaneshwar Shiv Mandir, Jageshwar, Pataleshwar, Lakshminarayan Mandir (Sakkardara), Venugopal Mandir (Tulsibag), Shri Krishna Mandir (Sonegaon), Shri Ganesh Mandir (Shukrawar Talya chi Pal), and Rukmini Mandir—all these temples were established during his reign. Among all these temples, the Bhonda Mahadev Mandir stands as a crowning jewel, a temple adorned with exceptionally beautiful and intricate sculptures.

This temple is situated in front of Patwardhan High School in Sitabardi, Nagpur city. Constructed from reddish stone, this temple is adorned with sculptures from head to toe. It would not be an exaggeration to say that not even an inch of space remains uncarved here. Every part of this temple is covered with sculptures, sculptures, and more sculptures. Numerous scenes and artworks are carved on this temple, depicting episodes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Lord Mahadev, Lord Brahma, Krishna Leela, the dance of Gopis and Gopa, the Dashavatara, human life, buds and flowers, birds, animals, Vyala (a type of sculpture where only the face of an animal like an elephant, horse, or ram is depicted, with a mythical creature or bird’s body below, identified by their faces as Gajavyala, Ashvavyala, Sharabhavala), musicians, the valor of the Pandavas, dancing women, dancing men, and Kichaka sculptures. On the temple walls (jangha), sculptures are carved in four tiers, reaching all the way to the top. The costumes, makeup, jewelry, weapons, armaments, musical instruments, ornaments of women, and clothing in these sculptures are also intricately detailed. Furthermore, the temple is completely covered with sculptures of vehicles, howdahs, horses, cows, chariots, and elephants.

This sculptural temple is extolled with words such as, ‘The artisans of the Nagpur Bhonsales have crafted such artistry on this temple that today’s goldsmiths would not be able to achieve such intricate work in gold.’ The temple measures only ५४० square feet. It comprises a Nandi Mandap, a small antarala (vestibule), and the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). The facade of the temple has २ pillars connected by an arched archway at the top. Below it is the Nandi Mandap, where a beautifully crafted idol of Nandi is enshrined. The images here include Ashvabandhana sculptures, Matsyabhedaka Arjuna (Swayamvara), Lord Brahma, Natanarayana, Mahishasuramardini, the valor of Lava-Kusha, the Rama-Ravana war, the dance of Gopis and Gopa, Ambari sculptures, Krishna Leela, Kaliyamardana, Dashavatara, Kichaka sculptures, warriors in battle, Gada Yuddha, and Shikhandi Yuddha. Within the garbhagriha is an ancient Shivlinga.

Festivals are celebrated in this temple on Shravani Somvar, Nagpanchami, Tripurari Pournima, and Mahashivratri. In front of the temple is the ashram of Arvind Swami. Devotees can have darshan of Lord Mahadev in this temple from ६ AM to १ PM and from ५ PM to १० PM.

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