Divine Sunder Narayan Mandir Panchvati, Nashik City, Nashik

Nashik is home to many structures and temples that narrate its historical and mythological heritage. One such ancient temple is the Sundar Narayan Temple! Located near the main bus station of Nashik, this temple is a significant site for students of architecture. It is also a place of deep devotion for pilgrims, as it is said to be the only temple where Lord Vishnu resides alongside Goddess Lakshmi and Tulsi. The construction of the temple reflects a blend of eighteenth-century Hindu and Muslim architectural styles.

The legend of this temple states that Lord Vishnu had attained a dark complexion due to a curse from Vrinda, the wife of Jalandhar. Lord Vishnu then bathed in the holy waters of the Godavari and regained his original form. After being freed from the curse, Lord Vishnu began to reside at this very spot. The temple built at this location is the Sundar Narayan Temple!

Situated on the banks of the Godavari near the Holkar Bridge, this temple was built in ۱۷۵۶ by Gangadhar Yashwant Chandrachud, a commander of the Peshwas, at a cost of ۱۰ lakh rupees. Although the temple has suffered some decay, the remaining structure gives an idea of how beautiful its design must have been. A unique feature of this temple is that on the ۲۰th and ۲۱st of March, the sun’s rays fall directly upon the idol of Lord Vishnu. On the Ekadashi following Diwali, the ‘Harihar Bhet’ is celebrated here. During this event, the priests of the Kapaleshwar Temple arrive at midnight with musical accompaniment to offer a garland of Bel leaves from Kapaleshwar to Swami Narayan, that is, Vishnu, while the priests of the Sundar Narayan Temple offer a garland of Tulsi to the Shiva Linga at the Kapaleshwar Temple. Devotees from Nashik city and the surrounding areas make it a point to visit and witness this ceremony.

This temple was demolished by Aurangzeb, who had built a tomb at the same site. However, the Peshwas removed the tomb and re-established the temple in its place. This is why the architecture of the temple appears mixed. One can see a combination of stone carvings and masonry work. The influence of Mughal architecture is also visible on the temple, with its round dome serving as evidence. The temple is built on a stone plinth, and its spire is visible from a distance. The temple faces east, and there is an inscription here that provides the exact date of its construction. It is observed that stone, lime, sal ammoniac, and lead were used in the construction of this black stone temple.

Exquisite craftsmanship is visible in many places within the temple, which is very refined and well-defined. Along with the idols of Hanuman and Narayan, many other idols carved from black stone can be seen in the temple. The artistry on the temple pillars is exceptionally well-executed.

In the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, there are idols of Saraswati and Lakshmi along with Tulsi and Swami Narayan. The dome of the assembly hall (Sabhamandap) is also unique, decorated with vertical and horizontal lines. Another feature of this temple is the ‘Chhatris’ (canopies) on its three sides, which feature beautiful carvings.

On Kartik Purnima, the temple is illuminated with a display of lamps. For this purpose, there is a special arrangement in the temple walls to place lit lamps. This tradition of illuminating the lamps has been continuing uninterrupted since the Peshwa era. The beauty of the temple is further enhanced in the soft glow of the lamps. The Kapaleshwar Temple is located in front of the Sundar Narayan Temple. Devotees visiting Nashik for darshan make it a point to visit both these temples. A special feature here is that the design of both temples was planned such that the lamps lit in the sanctum of one temple can be easily seen from the other.

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