Historic Adbangnath Temple Antraj, Khamgaon, Buldana

The small village of Antraj, nestled in Khamgaon Taluka of Buldhana District, has become a vibrant place of pilgrimage and faith due to the presence of Adbangnath Maharaj. Adbangnath is revered as a great Siddha Purush (accomplished spiritual master) of the Nath Sampradaya. It is said that he performed severe penance (tapasya) in this sacred land of Antraj and, through his yogic powers (yogasamarthya), alleviated the sufferings of the people in the surrounding region. This ancient temple of Adbangnath in Antraj is hundreds of years old and is a revered place of worship for thousands of devotees from Vidarbha. Devotees firmly believe that if one stacks five stones one upon another in this area and expresses a heartfelt wish, it will be fulfilled.

As per the mention in the sacred text, Shri Navnath Bhaktisar Granth, once, while a farmer named Manik was working in his field, Gorakhnath, distressed by hunger, arrived there. He asked Manik for something to eat. Manik immediately offered him his packed meal (shidori) and water. Pleased by Manik’s generosity in giving away his own meal, Gorakhnath said, “If you wish for any boon, ask for it.” To this, Manik replied, “I gave you my meal; what boon can you grant me? If your hunger is satisfied, you may now leave.” Thereupon, Gorakhnath said to Manik, “If you do not wish for a boon from me, then you grant me a boon.” Manik consented. Gorakhnath then said, “Do not do whatever your mind desires.” Manik thought this was not difficult and agreed to Gorakhnath’s condition.

As evening fell, Manik unyoked his plough (aut) and placed it on his head. The moment the desire to go home arose in his mind, he remembered the words he had given to Gorakhnath. He remained standing there, motionless, with the plough on his head, for a period of penance (ek tap). After remaining in the same spot for twelve years, Manik’s body had lost all strength. One day, Gorakhnath arrived there along with Guru Machhindranath and Chauranginath. Gorakhnath told Machhindranath about Manik. Manik had truly honored his word. Machhindranath said, “Indeed, you are a great ascetic. It is my wish to accept a Guru like you and receive your grace (anugraha).” Manik, true to his nature, retorted, “Why should I be your Guru? Instead, you should be my Guru.” Thereafter, Gorakhnath placed his mouth near Manik’s ear and whispered a mantra (kan phunkane), and Manik instantly attained spiritual knowledge (sajnyan). As Gorakhnath’s mantra entered Manik’s ear, he became as learned as Brihaspati (the Guru of the Devas). Gorakhnath then brought Manik before Machhindranath and declared, “He is Adbang; let him be known as ‘Adbangnath’.” After initiating Adbangnath into the Nath Sampradaya, Gorakhnath took him along on a pre-determined pilgrimage. During his subsequent pilgrimages (teerthayatra), Adbangnath acquired all branches of knowledge. He performed penance at numerous places. Among these, Antraj in Khamgaon is considered a significant location. This very hillock in Antraj is revered as his Tapasyabhoomi (land of penance).

The Buldhana district is geographically divided primarily into two regions: Balaghat and Payanghat. Khamgaon Taluka lies in the central part of the district, and the village of Antraj is situated on the Khamgaon-Chikhli road. Although Antraj is a small village, it is renowned throughout Vidarbha due to the temple of Adbangnath Maharaj. The temple is located on a high hillock, and there is a stepped pathway leading to it from the base. Additionally, a new paved road has been constructed, allowing private vehicles to reach the temple. The Dnyanganga River flows through the vicinity of this temple, referred to as ‘Dnyan Nadi’ (River of Knowledge) in the Gazetteer. This river originates from Dongsheroli in Chikhli Taluka and flows northwards to merge with the Purna River. The flow of the Dnyanganga River is the primary source of water for agriculture and drinking in the Antraj region.

There are many legends associated with this temple. According to these, once, when a severe drought struck this region and there was widespread distress for drinking water, the village’s water sources were revived through the blessings of Maharaj. Even today, the people of Antraj and surrounding villages hold a firm belief that Adbangnath Maharaj also protects the agriculture and livestock (godhana) of the region. Whether it is a natural calamity or a personal crisis, devotees are confident that vows (navas) made to Maharaj are always fulfilled.

One can reach the plateau of the hillock where the temple is situated by ascending approximately 200 steps via the stepped pathway. Throughout this plateau, one can see small stones stacked one upon another by devotees, symbolizing their wishes for fulfillment (ichhapurti). Devotees believe that after having the darshan (sacred sight) of Adbangnath here, if one stacks five small or large stones one upon another and expresses a heartfelt wish, Adbangnath promptly fulfills it. On this plateau, the temple, built in the Hemadpanti architectural style, stands on a high plinth (adhishthana). Within the temple premises, seating arrangements are available for devotees. In front of the temple, on the plinth, there is an open mandap (pavilion). From there, steps lead to the Sabhamandap (assembly hall) of the temple. The temple’s structure consists of a small Sabhamandap followed by the Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). Inside the Garbhagriha, on a Vajrapeeth (pedestal), there are two vermillion-smeared sacred stones (shendurcharchit shila). These stones are worshipped as Adbangnath. Beside them are a Shivpindi (lingam of Lord Shiva) and a Nandi (bull, Shiva’s mount). The entire construction of this square-shaped temple is made of stone. Above the temple is a dome-shaped shikhara (spire) topped with a small kalas (finial).

In Antraj, a festival is celebrated on Chaitra Shuddha Pratipada, which is Gudi Padwa. A fair (jatra) is held here on the day before Gudi Padwa, concluding on Gudi Padwa itself. During this time, the sacred text, Navnath Bhaktisar Granth, is recited (parayan). Bhajans (devotional songs) and Kirtans (devotional discourses) are also held. Mahaprasad (sacred food offering) is distributed to the visiting devotees. Additionally, festivals and celebrations like Dharma Nath Beej on Magh Shuddha Dwitiya and Mahashivratri are observed.

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.