Historic Nageshwar Temple / Lakshminarayan Temple Parner, Parner, Ahilyanagar

Blessed by the presence of Sage Parashar and Saint Niloba Maharaj, Parner is home to twelve temples of Lord Mahadeva, which are famously known as the Twelve Jyotirlingas of Parner. Among them, the Nageshwar Temple, situated in the central part of Parner city, is considered one of the most prominent shrines in the town. It is said that Saint Nilobaraya lived here for many years and performed worship of Lord Nageshwar. It was right here that Lord Panduranga blessed him with His divine vision (Darshan). Discovered entirely underground, this temple is the presiding deity (Gram Daivat) of Parner. Adjacent to this temple are an ancient Shri Rama Temple and the Shri Laxminarayan Temple.

According to a legend, the place where the Nageshwar Temple currently stands was once a grazing land (Gayran). Once while grazing, a cow’s hoof got stuck in the mud. Despite repeated attempts, it could not be pulled out, so the cowherd, with the help of the villagers, tried to free the cow from that spot, but it was not possible. Therefore, when the villagers began to dig the surrounding ground where the cow was trapped, they realized there was a temple spire (Kalas) buried underneath. Upon further excavation, the entire temple emerged, which is today’s Nageshwar Temple. Next to this temple is an ancient stepped well (Barav), adjoining which stands the Shri Rama Temple.

Located in Nageshwar Galli in Parner city, this Nageshwar Temple is built in the Hemadpanti architectural style. The temple layout consists of a Mukhamandapa (entrance porch), Sabhamandapa (assembly hall), and Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). Situated somewhat below ground level, one has to descend a few stairs to enter the temple. In the Mukhamandapa, the Nandi is seated on a raised platform (Chautara). Moving further into the Sabhamandapa, there is a circular stone slab six feet in diameter right in the middle. The sanctum houses a Swayambhu (self-manifested) Shivalinga covered with a brass sheath.

It is said that since the times of Sage Parashar, there has been a tradition in this temple of performing Laghurudrabhishek every day during the holy month of Shravana. This tradition continues unbroken to this day. A large crowd of devotees gathers here for Darshan every Monday, especially on Shravani Mondays and Maha Shivaratri. The fair held here on Maha Shivaratri is the grandest fair in Parner. On this day, religious rituals such as Puja and Abhishek begin in the temple as early as four in the morning. On Maha Shivaratri and Shravani Mondays, the Maha Aarti takes place at twelve in the afternoon. Devotees can visit and have Darshan of the temple every day from six in the morning to ten at night.

Situated near the Nageshwar Temple in an old mansion (Vada) is a Peshwa-era Shri Rama Temple. Since this temple is privately owned, not many festivals are celebrated here; however, the stone construction of this temple and the idols in the sanctum are distinctive. The height and intricate carvings of the spires of the Shri Rama Temple and the Nageshwar Temple are nearly identical. The sanctum of this temple is spacious and houses idols of Shri Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita carved from Shaligrama stone. Below these idols is a pure white marble idol of Lord Vishnu.

To the right of the Nageshwar Temple is the Dashavatari Laxminarayan Temple. Among the prominent Vishnu temples in Maharashtra, this Dashavatari Laxminarayan Temple in Parner is specially mentioned. Facing east, this temple houses ancient idols dating back to the twelfth century. Carved from a single unbroken stone, these idols are four to five feet tall and feature exceptionally detailed and fine craftsmanship. In the idol of Laxminarayan here, the ten avatars—Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Parashurama, Vamana, Narasimha, Rama, Krishna, Buddha, and Kalki—are carved. Such an idol of Lord Vishnu is considered rare. On one side of this idol are statues of Goddess Lakshmi and on the other side Goddess Padmavati. It is said that all these idols were discovered in a well located in front of the temple. About three hundred years ago, following a divine dream experienced by a devotee, he searched the well and these idols were found. The idol installation anniversary (Murthi Sthapana Divas) is celebrated here on Margashirsha Pratipada. Various religious programs are organized throughout the day on this occasion. Aarti is performed in this temple daily in the morning and at six-thirty in the evening.

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