Divine Kashinath Maharaj Samadhi Temple, Gangakhed, uka Gangakhed, rict Parbhani

The Sanjeevan Samadhi site of Kashinath Maharaj, who dedicated his entire life to enlightening his followers through the path of religion and spirituality, is situated on the banks of the Godavari River. This sacred place is located in Gangakhed, which is famous as ‘Dakshin Kashi’ (Southern Kashi). Kashinath Maharaj, who worked tirelessly throughout his life to deeply root the Guru-Shishya tradition in Marathwada, has millions of followers across Marathwada and Vidarbha. Thousands of devotees from Maharashtra, as well as Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, visit his Samadhi Mandir in Gangakhed to pay their respects to the Maharaj.

Inclined towards spirituality since childhood, Kashinath Maharaj had taken a vow of service to humanity. He also worked as a teacher for some time, striving to guide his disciples by teaching them the lessons of spirituality. He did not remain attached to worldly life for long; he renounced the householder’s life and embraced the monastic path. Kashinath Maharaj was the principal disciple of Yallaling Maharaj of Karnataka. Following his Guru’s command, he came to Marathwada. He took great pains to deeply root the Guru-Shishya tradition by traveling on foot to various villages across the region. He established sixteen Maths (monasteries) in Marathwada. After performing yoga sadhana in a cave on Achalbet in Umarga, he resided in Ramwadi, Dharashiv district, for 21 years. Thereafter, as per his Guru’s instructions, he established a Math and a Dattatreya temple in Murud, Latur district. Subsequently, he established a Shiva temple in Lakhangaon (Dharashiv district), a Guru Ashram in Shirdhon, and Dattatreya Padukas in Uphala. Following his Guru’s command, he arrived in Gangakhed around the year 1949. With the help of his disciples, he purchased land here and established a Math. Countless followers used to visit him here for his darshan. Construction of the current structure of the Math began between the years 1982 and 1984. Realizing that his earthly mission was nearing its end, he called some of his followers one day and announced that he would soon take Samadhi. He had already designated his Samadhi site. The construction of the Samadhi Mandir began during his lifetime, and his followers built this temple through voluntary labor (shramdaan). The Shiva Linga installed in front of the Samadhi was brought by Kashinath Maharaj himself from Varanasi. His followers call it the ‘Atma Linga’. He attained Sanjeevan Samadhi on the day of Jyeshtha Shuddha Trayodashi in the year 2001.

The premises of this Math are spacious. The main entrance (Mahadwar) is intricately carved, with Kirtimukhas sculpted at the base. Upon entering, there are two chambers (ovaryas) on each side. In the center of the courtyard stands the Samadhi Mandir, which consists of a Sabhamandap (assembly hall) and a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). In the Sabhamandap, there is a Nandi idol and, nearby, the Dhuni (sacred fire) of Kashinath Maharaj. This Dhuni remains perpetually lit. In the Garbhagriha, there is an idol of Kashinath Maharaj, with a Shiva Linga placed in front of it. Silver Padukas (footprints) are placed before the Shiva Linga. A beautiful Shikhara (spire) is built over the Garbhagriha.

In the temple courtyard, under an Audumbar tree on the left, are the Dattatreya Padukas. Behind the temple is the personal prayer room (Devghar) of Kashinath Maharaj, where he used to perform puja, japa, and penance. This is where he would grant blessings to his followers. The items used by Kashinath Maharaj are preserved in this room. Near them is the Maharaj’s seat (Gadi), and behind the seat is the Havan site. During the month of Shravan, Rudrayaga is performed here throughout the month. A few steps from the Gadi is the Maharaj’s bed. Nearby, an image of his principal disciple, Bholenath, is placed on a chair. A few steps away is the Maharaj’s swing. Further ahead is the Ganesha temple. In the adjacent Garbhagriha, there is an idol of Siddhalinga Maharaj, the Guru of Yallaling Maharaj (the grand-guru of Kashinath Maharaj). There is a Shiva Linga in front of this idol. Next to this Garbhagriha is the Dattatreya temple, where an idol of Lord Dattatreya is installed. This idol was installed by Yallaling Maharaj in 2001. In the Garbhagriha next to this temple is the idol of Yallaling Maharaj. There is also a Shiva Linga in front of this idol. A Nandi idol is placed in front of the Garbhagrihas of Siddhalinga Maharaj and Yallaling Maharaj. The Math of Siddhalinga Maharaj is in Lachhan, Karnataka, and the Math of Yallaling Maharaj is in Mugalkhod, Karnataka. A few steps away, the Navagrahas are installed on a platform. There are also temples dedicated to Kalbhairav and Maruti in the premises. The idol in the Maruti temple was installed in 2011.

An Annachhatra (free food service) is also run in a building on the premises. Since 2004, this Annachhatra has been operational every Thursday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Many devotees from the surrounding five-village radius benefit from this service. The vehicle used by Kashinath Maharaj is also preserved in the premises.

Every day before sunrise, the Aarti of Siddhalinga Maharaj and Yallaling Maharaj is performed, followed by the Aarti of Kashinath Maharaj. After this, puja is performed in Kashinath Maharaj’s Devghar. A special Naivedya made of cashews, almonds, sugar, and ghee is offered to the Maharaj, followed by a tea offering. After this ritual, Tirtha (holy water) is distributed to the devotees and followers. At 12:00 PM, after the Aarti in the Dattatreya temple, Aarti is performed in the Devghar and the Samadhi Mandir. After the afternoon Naivedya, the temple remains closed from 12:30 PM to 5:00 PM. A sunset Aarti is performed daily.

Festivals such as Mahashivratri, Ram Navami, Gudi Padwa, Dussehra, Guru Purnima, and Datta Jayanti are celebrated in this temple. During these festivals, a Palkhi (palanquin) procession is taken out from the temple. A grand festival is held on Jyeshtha Shuddha Trayodashi to mark the death anniversary of Kashinath Maharaj, during which an Akhand Harinam Saptah (week-long chanting of God’s name) is organized.

During this week, bhajans, kirtans, discourses, and other religious programs are held. On the day of the main ceremony, a Palkhi procession is taken out from the temple through the village.

When the Palkhi returns to the temple, a Maha-Aarti is performed, followed by the distribution of Maha-Prasad to the devotees and followers. On this day, a Palkhi of devotees also walks from Ramwadi in Dharashiv district to Gangakhed. Devotees can visit the temple daily from 5:00 AM to 9:00 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