Historic Shanaishwar Temple Surajgiri Maharaj Math Pothre, Karmala, Solapur

The stone slab situated on the platform at Shani Shingnapur, the primary seat of Lord Shani in Maharashtra, is considered to be His abode. However, the Shanaishwar Temple in the village of Pothare, located in the Karmala taluka, houses a physical, manifest form of Lord Shani. This site is revered as one of the three and a half sacred seats (peethas) of Shani. To reach this temple, which features a unique architectural design and is situated adjacent to the wall of a stepwell, one must descend several steps. A magnificent three-story stone monastery located underground, adjacent to the temple and containing numerous subterranean passages, is considered the hallmark of this place. 

This unique structure of the Shanaishwar Temple in Pothare village is renowned among devotees as a Math. It is said that Surajgiri Maharaj established this Math by utilizing his spiritual powers (Siddhis). When Maharaj first arrived in this area, it was a dense forest. Upon reaching this spot, the staff in his hand spun around and settled precisely on this piece of ground. Consequently, Maharaj decided to build the Math at this picturesque location. While descending the steps to enter the Shani temple, one perceives two floors. However, it is said that the Math actually has three floors. The villagers claim that the third floor is at the level of the well’s water surface or even deeper. 

Pothare village is situated on the banks of the Kanhola River. Its riverbed lies to the north of the Math. The main entrance of the Math is located on the path leading from the river towards the Math. This gateway, crafted from dressed stone, has suffered some dilapidation today. On the inner side of this entrance, there are alcoves similar to those found at the entrances of large temples or the grand gates of forts. There is an ancient stepwell of the Barav type here. At a certain height from the water level of this well There is a temple housing the idol of Shanaishwara. There is a stairway to reach the sanctum sanctorum of this temple. The idol of Shanideva here is carved out of a single piece of black stone. 

The legend of the temple states that when the construction of the monastery here was completed, Surajgiri Maharaj had invited some Brahmins from Kashi for its Vastu Shanti ceremony. As it took time to perform the rituals for this grand structure, the afternoon passed. Consequently, the Brahmins, who had a vow to eat only before noon, began to leave, stating that they would not eat after midday. However, after Surajgiri Maharaj rotated his staff upwards towards the sky, the sun moved backward, and the time before noon returned. With no obstacle remaining to fulfill their vow of eating before noon, all the people then partook of the meal and were satisfied. 

Meanwhile, Shani Maharaj arrived at this place to witness who possessed the power to reverse the path of the Sun. Seeing this, Surajgiri Maharaj They also honored him and insisted that he stay here. Respecting their request, Lord Shanidev decided to stay right here. At this time, Lord Shanidev had brought the waters of the Ganga with him. As a mark of that water, the Gomukh located in front of his temple is shown. Often, this Gomukh remains below the water level. However, devotees believe that when it emerges, pure water flows from that Gomukh, and it is the Ganga. When the water level in the well decreases, the steps to descend near this Gomukh become visible. There is an underground passage right there. Through this underground passage, one can enter directly into the lowest, that is, the third level of the Math. It is said that in the past, Surajgiri Maharaj, who performed penance in this Math, used to come to the temple through this very underground passage to worship Lord Shani.

To the left of the well is the entrance to the Matha. On both its sides are fort-like walls. There are three windows in these walls. From here, several underground passages lead into the first level of the structure located beneath the monastery grounds. To the left, there is an enclosed hall. The design is such that air enters through the ventilators visible in the outer walls. However, these are not merely ventilators. Directly in front of these openings, at a distance of approximately seventy to eighty feet, an idol is placed within a small shrine. Every morning, the sun’s rays fall upon the idol through these ventilators, which feature small, circular apertures. There are three such ventilators. This unique design ensures that the sun’s rays fall upon the idol in any season, accounting for the sun’s northward and southward movements. Previously, an ancient Panchadhatu idol of Annapurna was housed here, but it is now missing. 

There is a door to enter the central courtyard (on the ground level) of the Math. Here, there are three Samadhi shrines and corridors on all four sides. It is said that one of these Samadhis belongs to Surajgiri Maharaj and the two adjacent ones belong to his disciples. The architectural design of the stone construction of this Math It is extremely intricate. In many places, there are small, cave-like stairways to descend to the lower floor. Small vertical openings have been made in the floor of the monastery to allow air and some light to reach the lower level. One of these subterranean passages leads down into the temple of Mahadeva. Here, there is a Nandi and a large Pindi of Mahadeva. The water falling onto the Pindi from the Kalasha above collects in one spot, from where there is an arrangement to drain it out. There are several idols in the niches surrounding this Shiva temple. Among them, the idol of Ganapati has a trunk turned to the right. One idol in a niche bears a resemblance to the idol of Shani located outside. In another niche, there is an idol of a weapon-bearing Goddess. There are spacious rooms on all four sides of this temple for meditation.

There is a small underground passage beside the Nandi here. From here, one enters another stone palace located beneath the ground. It is said that this stage is situated below the Samadhi of Saint Surajgiri Maharaj. From that palace, several secret paths and underground passages extend throughout the entire monastery. Iron chains are hung in the central part of the palaces here. The villagers here say that coins from the Yadava era were found in one of these palaces a long time ago. 

The overall structure of the Math appears to be a magnificent example of architectural art. Even though it is situated underground, it is evident that meticulous care has been taken to ensure that rainwater does not accumulate anywhere. Given the harsh summers in this region, this enclosed Math was likely constructed near a water source to facilitate spiritual practice. Even today, when one visits, a sense of coolness is felt inside despite the scorching heat outside. There are several meditation chambers and alcoves within the Math. However, the entire layout is complex. It is said that revolutionaries of India’s freedom struggle took advantage of this intricate design to use the Math as an underground hideout. While the Math is in excellent condition in most places, it has begun to crumble in some areas. 

Religious festivals are celebrated here in accordance with the temples located within the Math. A large number of devotees visit for darshan during the months of Shravan and Chaitra. During these festivals, programs such as Bhajan, Kirtan, and Bharud are organized. Along with Mahashivratri, a grand festival is celebrated here on Shani Jayanti. A procession of Shani Maharaj is taken out in the chariot seen within the temple premises. On Saturdays and Amavasya, there is a large crowd of devotees at the Math for darshan.

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