Historic Doleswar Mahadev Temple Paithan City, Paithan, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

Located a short distance from the Shantibrahma Eknath Maharaj Samadhi Temple is an ancient Shiva temple in Paithan. It is known as the Doleshwar Mahadev Temple or Dolak Temple. When Sant Eknath Maharaj was twelve years old, a deep spiritual yearning arose in his heart to accept a spiritual master (Guru). Thus, he went to Devagiri and accepted Janardanaswami as his Guru. It is said that he received the divine vision (drishtant) instructing him to accept Janardanaswami as his Guru right here at this Doleshwar Mahadev Temple in Paithan.

In the sacred text ‘Pratishthan Mahatmya’, there is a story regarding this temple. According to it, a Brahmin couple named Dharmavarma and his wife Nindyarupa lived here. Both of them were extremely unattractive in appearance, which caused them immense grief. To change their ill-favored appearance, Dharmavarma and Nindyarupa once took a holy dip in the Godavari River and worshipped Lord Mahadev. Pleased with their devotion, Lord Mahadev appeared before them and granted them a boon, transforming the Brahmin couple into beautiful beings. They had worshipped this very Doleshwar Mahadev. According to another legend, Prabhu Shri Ram, a great devotee of Lord Shiva, had himself consecrated this temple.

Certain historical tales are also associated with this temple. According to these, during the Yadava period, Alauddin Khalji invaded Devagiri and damaged this temple. His soldiers attempted to uproot the Shivling using iron chains, but they failed in their endeavor. There is a circular groove visible on the top of the Shivling in this temple, which devotees devoutly believe was caused by those chains. Another story states that Vithojiraje, the brother of Malojiraje Bhosale (grandfather of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj), was granted the jagir (fiefdom) of Mungi village near Paithan. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj once visited this village of his ancestors. At that time, when he arrived in Paithan, he visited the Doleshwar Mahadev Temple to offer his prayers and seek divine blessings.

The temple has an old brick compound wall on the outside. Upon entering through the tall brick entrance arch painted in saffron, one sees the stone arched doorway of the Shiva temple on the left. A Tulsi Vrindavan stands in front of the entrance. The temple architecture consists of a Sabhamandap (assembly hall) and a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum), with a stone idol of Nandi situated in the Sabhamandap. In the Garbhagriha, there is an intact Shivling carved from black stone embedded in the ground. It is said to be the largest Shivling in Paithan. Devotees throng here in large numbers during the holy month of Shravan for the sacred darshan of Doleshwar Mahadev. In the temple courtyard, there are smaller shrines dedicated to Lord Ganapati, Lord Hanumant, and Lord Mahadev. Since ancient times, twelve Shiva temples in and around Paithan have been reverently known as the 12 Jyotirlingas of Paithan. Along with the Doleshwar Mahadev Temple near the Yatra Maidan, these include Pimpleshwar Mahadev Temple near Male Masjid, Gadheshwar near Datt Temple, Someshwar near Jain Temple, Rameshwar Temple near Ganga Temple, Tarkeshwar Temple near Ganesh Ghat, Kalikeshwar Temple at Rangrahati, Indreshwar and Nageshwar Temples on Nag Ghat, Ballingeshwar Temple near Shani Temple, Sarveshwar near Kuchar Ota, and Siddheshwar Temple near Maulana. A grand fair (yatra) is held here on Mahashivratri, attracting thousands of devotees. The temple is open for darshan from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM (except between 1:00 PM and 4:00 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