Divine Mrugvyadheshwar Mandir, Nandur Madhyameshwar, Nifad, Naasik

Known as the ‘Nandanvan’ (Garden of Paradise) of Nashik district, the village of ‘Nandur Madhyameshwar,’ situated on the banks of the Godavari River in Niphad Taluka, is truly the place where the events of the Ramayana were set in motion. It is said that in this very village, Lord Shriram struck the illusory demon Maricha, who had taken the form of a golden deer, with an arrow, causing his hoof to break. It was at that same moment that Ravana, disguised as a sage, abducted Sita from Panchavati. The ‘Mrigavyadheshwar Temple’ here stands as a memorial to this historic event.

The legend of this temple states that during their period of exile, Shriram, Lakshmana, and Sita resided for some time in the Panchavati area of Nashik. At that time, Ravana’s uncle, the demon Maricha, assumed the form of a golden deer and entered the vicinity of the hermitage where Shriram, Sita, and Lakshmana lived. Enchanted by the deer’s fragrant scent, golden radiance, and sparkling eyes, Sita became captivated and insisted that Shriram capture it for her. Although Shriram knew the deer was an illusion, he took up his bow and arrow and began to pursue it to fulfill his wife’s wish. Eluding Shriram along the banks of the Godavari, the illusory deer led him all the way to the village of ‘Nandur Madhyameshwar.’ Once the deer was within range, Shriram released an arrow. The arrow struck the leg of the demon Maricha, who was in the form of the deer, causing his hoof to break. As the wounded demon cried out in Rama’s voice, “Lakshmana, save me!”, Sita sent Lakshmana to protect Shriram, and it was then that Ravana deceitfully abducted Sita. This event triggered the subsequent Ramayana, and in its memory, the Mrigavyadheshwar Temple was established at the spot where the deer’s hoof broke, and the Baneshwar Temple was built at the spot from where Shriram shot the arrow. Near the Mrigavyadheshwar Temple, there is also a memorial site for the deer whose hoof was broken.

One can reach Khangaonthadi in Niphad Taluka via Saikheda. From there, one proceeds to the village of Nandur Madhyameshwar. Archaeological excavations conducted here have revealed that this area was home to ancient human settlements dating back to the Stone Age. One can also reach Nandur Madhyameshwar village via the Nandur Madhyameshwar dam road from Khangaonthadi. Famous for its bird sanctuary, ‘Nandur Madhyameshwar’ is also mentioned in many scriptures due to the ‘Mrigavyadheshwar Temple.’

The temple complex is spacious, and its architecture consists of a Sabha Mandap (assembly hall), Antaral (vestibule), and Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). There is a Nandi Mandap in front of the temple entrance. Upon entering through the main gate, one sees a structure with stone arches in the Sabha Mandap. Entering the Antaral from there, one finds the area adorned with intricate carvings. On the door frame of the assembly hall, there is an image of Ganesha, while a Kirtimukha is carved at the base. Additionally, one can see unique carvings here. In the Garbhagriha, which is slightly lower than the Antaral, there is a pristine white Shiva Linga. While the outer walls of the temple do not have much ornamentation, the temple’s spire (Shikhara) is beautifully decorated with carvings. There are 2 minarets on the sides of the spire, and one can see sculptures of various deities and saints carved onto it.

There are many ancient temples in Nandur Madhyameshwar village, including the Ganga Madhyameshwar Temple located in the Godavari riverbed, the Baneshwar Temple, and the Siddheshwar Mahadev Temple. Because of this, the village takes on a festive atmosphere during Mahashivratri. A two-day fair is held at the Mrigavyadheshwar Temple during this time. Furthermore, devotees flock here for darshan on Ram Navami and Shravani Mondays.

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