Historic Dhaval Shri Ram Temple Shiva Parvati Temple Aklooj, Malshiras, Solapur

Once recognized as the wealthiest Gram Panchayat in the continent of Asia, Akluj is now counted among well-planned towns. Unlike other cities, it is not overcrowded with dense constructions. Trees and lush greenery are beautifully maintained along its spacious roads as well as on the central medians. A similar lush green cover can be seen in the vast courtyards surrounding the magnificent temples of this town. Nestled in these surroundings adorned with greenery and blooming flowers, the pristine white Shri Ram and Shiva-Parvati temples are revered sacred places of faith for the residents of Akluj. 

In ancient times, this village, renowned as Asadnagar and Sadnagar, came to be known as Akluj after its Gramadevata, Goddess Aklai Devi. Akluj houses a 13th-century land fort (Bhuikot fort), built by the Yadava ruler, King Singhana. Subsequently, this fort witnessed the reign of the Bahamani, Adilshahi, Mughal, and Maratha dynasties. Solapur This fort is regarded as the historical glory of the district. When Peshwa Baji Rao II was deposed, he resided at this fort for three months. Currently, this fort is known as the Shivsrushti Fort. Beautiful sculptures depicting significant events from the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj are crafted here.

A village carrying such rich historical heritage, it is equally prosperous from a religious standpoint. Along with the shrine of the village deity, Goddess Aklai, the Anandi Ganesh Temple, the nearby Yamai Devi Temple in Mahalung, the Dhaval Shri Ram Temple, and the Shiva Parvati Temple are the major sacred shrines in Akluj. 

Located in a spacious courtyard in the Jayashree Nagar area of the city stands the pristine white Shri Ram Temple. It houses serene white marble idols of Shri Ram, Lakshman, and Sita. While it is a sacred place of worship for devotees, for the entire town of Akluj, it serves as an important cultural hub. In the vast courtyard surrounding the temple, along with religious festivals such as Ram Navami and Dussehra, various cultural events are also organized. These include the Akluj Mahotsav, Ashwa It includes a grand festival and wrestling competitions.

The structure of this two-storey temple features a Sabhamandap (assembly hall) and a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). On the ground floor of the temple, there is a hall. There are two staircases leading from the ground level to reach the shrine on the first floor. Ascending about 20 steps leads into the Sabhamandap. The Sabhamandap here is semi-open in design. Its intricately carved pillars are interconnected by artistic cusped arches. Beyond the marble-floored Sabhamandap, leaving space for a Pradakshina Marga (circumambulation path), lies the Garbhagriha. The entrance doorway of the Garbhagriha features exquisite wooden craftsmanship. Idols of Lord Ganesha adorn the *lalatabimba* (lintel) and the upper section of the entrance. Inside the Garbhagriha, sacred idols of Lord Shri Ram, Lakshmana, and Goddess Sita are enshrined on a raised *vajrapitha* (pedestal). Due to these pristine white idols, this temple is famously known as the Dhaval Ram Mandir. 

The festival of Shri Ram Navami is celebrated with great enthusiasm at the temple. Devotees from Akluj and the surrounding areas gather here in large numbers for the birth celebration of Shri Ram. On Dasara as well, a grand ‘Sone Lutne’ ceremony takes place here. On this occasion, An effigy of Ravana is also burnt in the temple premises. The fireworks display held on this occasion is another major attraction here. The Akluj Festival, which offers new opportunities to local entrepreneurs, is organized in this very complex. Over the past few years, a Horse Festival has also been hosted here, featuring an exhibition of various breeds of horses. Preliminary wrestling matches for Maharashtra Kesari are also held on these grounds. This temple and its premises hold an important place in the spiritual and cultural life of Akluj.

Shiva Parvati Temple

Like many temples in Akluj, the Shiva Parvati Temple also boasts a spacious courtyard. Situated within a garden-like courtyard, beautifully adorned with lush greenery and vibrant flowering plants, stands the Shiva Parvati Temple—a revered place of faith for the city’s devotees. In this courtyard, alongside the main temple of Shiva Parvati, within a complex of three temples… There are sacred masks of Lord Khandoba along with Mhalsa and Banu, Shri Datta, and a Shivpindi. 

A paver block pathway leads from the road to the main entrance of the temple, with ornamental trees lining both sides. From there, climbing about 30 steps leads into the temple courtyard through an arched main entrance. This entrance arch is beautifully crafted from pink stone. Just inside the entrance within the courtyard, an exquisite Deepmal (lamp tower) has been erected using the same pink stone. Beyond it stands the main temple of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati with a tall Shikhara (spire), alongside an adjacent temple complex featuring three smaller spires. 

There are about 15 steps to reach the *Mukhamandapa* (entrance porch) of this temple, which stands on an elevated plinth (*jagati*). The architectural layout of the temple consists of a *Mukhamandapa*, *Sabhamandapa* (assembly hall), *Antarala* (vestibule), and *Garbhagriha* (sanctum sanctorum). From the *Mukhamandapa*, one enters the temple’s enclosed assembly hall (*Gudhamandapa*). Near the entrance stands a beautifully crafted idol of Nandi. The inner side of the *Sabhamandapa’s* elephant-backed (*gajaprishtakara*) roof features intricate wooden carvings.

In the niches on the front walls of the sanctum sanctorum, there are idols of Lord Ganapati and Lakshmi-Vishnu. Inside the semi-circular *Garbhagriha*, exquisite white marble twin idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are enshrined on a *Vajrapitha* shaped like a *Shalunkha*. They are beautifully adorned with floral decorations every day. A grand festival fair (*yatra*) is held here on Mahashivratri. On this occasion, villagers who have moved away from Akluj for employment or business return to Akluj to seek the divine blessings of Shiva-Parvati.

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