Historic Siddheshwar Temple Vadgaon, Dharashiv, Dharashiv

In Hindu religion, the Shaiva sect has held a dominant influence since ancient times. Consequently, Shiva temples are the most numerous among the prominent temples in India. Famous Shiva temples include Kashi Vishweshwar, Kedarnath, Mahakaleshwar, Omkareshwar, Grishneshwar, Bhimashankar, Rameshwaram, Nagnath, Tungnath, and Trimbakeshwar. The Dharashiv district, which is part of the Dandakaranya region, also houses many Shiva temples. Legends prevalent among the people suggest that most of these temples are associated with Lord Rama. The ancient Siddheshwar Temple at Vadgaon is one of them. Devotees believe that the awakened Mahadeva here grants their prayers.

According to the villagers, this temple, built of stone in the Hemadpanti architectural style, dates back to the twelfth to thirteenth century. The legend of the temple states that when the King of Isapur city came to this dense forest for hunting, he saw a milch cow releasing its milk onto an anthill. The King’s curiosity was piqued, and when he removed the soil of the anthill, he found seven Shiva Lingas stacked one upon another beneath the ground. The King reinstalled the Shiva Lingas at their original site and built a temple here. It is said that when Lord Rama came here in search of Sita, he worshipped these Shiva Lingas. Devotees also believe that the water of the Ganges from Kashi flows into the pond located behind the temple.

The first welcome arch of the temple is on the road coming from the Dharashiv-Tuljapur highway. The arch consists of square pillars on both sides and a lintel connecting them, adorned with a ‘Bashing’ (a traditional wedding headgear). From here, there is a paved road about half a kilometer long leading to the first entrance of the temple. There is a parking area in front of the entrance. This entrance, built of carved stone, has square pillars on both sides and a ‘Torana’ (archway) above. The door frame is flat, and there is an idol of Lord Ganesha on the lintel. In the center of the entrance ceiling, there is a ‘Meghadambari’ (canopy) containing an idol of Ganesha. Instead of a ‘Kalash’ (finial), the canopy is topped with a five-hooded serpent umbrella. On both sides of the canopy are modak-shaped spires topped with finials. Inside the entrance, there are guard rooms on both sides, followed by seating areas for devotees.

Since the temple is situated in a valley, one has to descend fifty-seven steps built of carved stone from the entrance to reach the temple. There are stone railings on both sides of the steps, and a metal shed has been provided for the convenience of the devotees. This stairway leads directly to the second entrance of the temple. The temple courtyard is surrounded by a strong fortification. While entering the courtyard through the entrance, one has to descend about seven more steps. There are cloisters along the fortification on all three sides of the courtyard. These cloisters are used by devotees for resting and as a pilgrims’ rest house. In the courtyard, in front of the temple, is the Nandi Mandapa. The Nandi Mandapa has four ornate pillars at its four corners. The pillars are in various geometric shapes such as square, hexagonal, octagonal, and circular. The pillars are topped with pyramid-like square spires and finials. A brass idol of Nandi is placed on a ‘Vajrapitha’ (pedestal). In front of Nandi are the Shiva Linga and a mask of Mahadeva. Next to this Nandi Mandapa, there are two more Nandi idols made of black stone.

The temple structure consists of a Sabha Mandapa (assembly hall), Antarala (vestibule), and Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). The entrance to the Sabha Mandapa is in front of the Nandi Mandapa. On both sides of the entrance, the gatekeepers Jaya and Vijaya are painted on square pillars. There is an idol of Ganesha on the lintel. One has to bow down to enter the temple through this small entrance, which is about four feet high. This enclosed Sabha Mandapa has four rows of four ornate square pillars each. The pillars feature brackets and hands. Further ahead is the entrance to the Antarala. On the left and right sides of the entrance, there are niches in the front wall of the Antarala. The right niche contains an idol of Ganesha, and the left one contains an idol of Parvati.

In the Garbhagriha, a self-manifested (Swayambhu) Shiva Linga is placed on the floor in the center, with a copper vessel hanging above it, dripping water (Abhishek). It is said that there are seven Shiva Lingas stacked one below the other at this spot. A brass mask of Siddheshwar is placed against the back wall of the Garbhagriha. During festivals, this mask is placed in a palanquin and taken out in a procession.

The roof of the Garbhagriha is surrounded by a safety railing. There are four Nandi sculptures at its four corners. The five-layered ornate spire on the roof features niches on all four sides containing idols of various deities and saints. At the top of the spire is an ‘Amalaka’, followed by a finial and a flag. Beside the Siddheshwar temple, there is an enclosed room with a glass door containing two palanquins. One is made of brass and the other of silver. During festivals, the deity Siddheshwar is taken out in a procession in these palanquins. Next to the palanquin room is another room containing a meditative idol of Mahadeva. In the courtyard, there is a Vitthal Rukmini temple and an ‘Annachhatra’ (free food distribution) hall nearby.

Behind the temple is the ‘Kashi Kund’, a pond of fresh water. The water here never dries up. Furthermore, it is said that on Somvati Amavasya, the water of the Ganges from Kashi flows into this pond, turning the water white like buttermilk. The pond is surrounded by walls built of dressed stone and has steps to descend into it. Devotees believe that Lord Rama created this pond by shooting an arrow. Behind the temple is the Nagjhiri hill. There is a second stairway with about sixty steps to reach the temple from there. At the starting point of this path, there is a first stone entrance, and a second two-story entrance is in the temple fortification. There was a ‘Nagarkhana’ (drum house) on the upper floor of this entrance. It is said that the King of Isapur used to come from here for the darshan of Mahadeva. Near the water spring located here, there is an ancient Samadhi temple.

Mahashivratri is the main annual festival celebrated here with great enthusiasm. During this time, a palanquin procession of the deity Siddheshwar is taken out amidst the sound of drums and the throwing of ‘Gulal’ (vermilion powder). The annual fair is celebrated on the third Monday of Shravan. There is a special crowd in the temple on all Mondays of Shravan. During all festivals, programs such as Maha-Abhishek, Bhajans, Kirtans, discourses, and Maha-Prasad are organized in the temple.

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