Pavitra Keshavraj Maharaj Temple Keshavraj Vetal, Akot, Akot, Akola

The Keshavraj Maharaj Temple in the city of Akot, famously known as the ‘City of Saints’, is a place of deep faith for countless devotees. This temple of Lord Vishnu, which is over three hundred and twenty-five years old, is said to have been built by the Nagpurkar Bhonsles. Narsing Maharaj, who is considered the guardian deity of Akot, initiated the tradition of the Akhand Harinam Saptah (uninterrupted week-long chanting of God’s name) in this temple about 150 years ago, a tradition that continues to this day. A grand Harinam Saptah is held here during the month of Ashadh, when countless devotees from various parts of the Akola district come to seek the blessings of Keshavraj Maharaj.

The legend of this temple states that in the latter half of the 16th century, villagers discovered three idols in a local pond. These were named ‘Keshavraj’, ‘Jyeshtha Keshavraj’, and ‘Nagnath Keshavraj’. The idol of Jyeshtha Keshavraj is enshrined in this temple. For many years, this idol remained in the open. Once, the kirtankar (performer of devotional discourses) Deole went to Nagpurkar Bhonsle for a kirtan performance. As his honorarium, Deole requested that a temple for Keshavraj be built in Akot. Accordingly, this temple was constructed. The Nagpurkar Bhonsle dynasty was founded by Sarsenasaheb Subha Parsoji Bhonsle, who received the title of Sarsenasaheb Subha from Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj in 1707. This indicates that the temple was built in the period following that.

A famous legend surrounds the Harinam Saptah started by Narsing Maharaj (1805–1887), a contemporary and spiritual brother of Gajanan Maharaj of Shegaon. During the years 1867–1869 and 1871–1872, a severe famine struck various districts of Vidarbha. All water sources had dried up. Distressed, the villagers approached Narsing Maharaj and asked what should be done to bring rain. Narsing Maharaj suggested starting an Akhand Harinam Saptah at the vibrant temple of Jyeshtha Keshavraj. The Saptah began in his presence. It is said that from the third day onwards, it began to rain across Vidarbha. The tradition of this Saptah, which began for the sake of water in the month of Ashadh, continues here to this day.

This temple of Jyeshtha Keshavraj stands near the ancient temple of Siddheshwar Mahadev, located in Keshavraj Vetal in Akot. In Vidarbha, residential areas in cities are called ‘Vetal’. This area was named Keshavraj Vetal after the Keshavraj temple. Hundreds of devotees believe that the idol of Jyeshtha Keshavraj here is ‘Jagrut’ (spiritually awakened). It is said that Lokmanya Tilak also visited and sought blessings here.

The temple is situated in a densely populated part of the city. One enters the temple courtyard through an entrance that resembles a traditional mansion (wada) after climbing a few steps. The pillars of this entrance feature lamp niches on both sides, with an idol of Lord Ganesha at the lintel. In the stone-paved courtyard, there is a marble idol of Garuda, the vehicle of Lord Vishnu, on a pedestal in front of the temple. To the left and right of this idol are two smaller, ancient temples dedicated to Ganesha and Hanuman, respectively. The temple structure consists of a Sabha Mandap (assembly hall) and a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). One climbs four steps to enter the Sabha Mandap, which rests on a high foundation. The pillars and ceiling of this semi-open Sabha Mandap are made of wood.

In the Sabha Mandap, near the front wall of the sanctum, is an idol of Shri Krishna, and in front of it lies the Samadhi of Murlidhar Maharaj. In the sanctum, there is a beautiful black stone idol of Jyeshtha Keshavraj on a Vajrapitha (diamond throne). The idol holds weapons such as a mace and a discus in its hands. The halo behind the idol is also beautifully crafted. The sanctum of the Keshavraj temple is crowned with a beautiful Shikhara (spire).

Festivals such as Ram Navami, Hanuman Jayanti, Gokulashtami, Shrimad Bhagwat Saptah on Bhadrapad Shukla Navami, Kojagiri Purnima, Kakada Aarti on Kartik Vadya Panchami, Vasant Panchami, and Tukaram Beej are celebrated with great enthusiasm at the Keshavraj Temple. The Akhand Harinam Saptah begins on Ashadh Vadya Pratipada. The Saptah commences after the installation of the holy site on the first day. For all seven days, programs such as continuous musical performances, Bhajans, Kirtans, and discourses are held. On the final day, Gopal-Kala and a Yatra festival take place. On this day, the deity’s palanquin is taken in a procession around the town. During this Saptah, the area takes on the atmosphere of a pilgrimage. Devotees from various parts of the Akola district arrive for this Saptah. Every Friday at 7:00 PM, the Vishnu Sahasranamavali is recited in the temple. Devotees can visit the deity from early morning until late at night every day. The doors of the sanctum are closed from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, but the idol can still be viewed from the Sabha Mandap.

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