Pavitra Modakeshwar Ganapati Panchvati, Nashik, Nashik

The Swayambhu (self-manifested) Ganesha temple, one of the twenty-one famous Varadvinayakas of Maharashtra, is situated on the banks of the Godavari River in Nashik. This Ganesha is renowned as the ‘Modakeshwar Ganpati Temple’. Although the exact period of the temple’s establishment is unknown, it is said to be approximately four hundred to five hundred years old. It is counted among the awakened and ancient temples of Nashik. ‘Modakeshwar’ is mentioned in the Ganesha Purana, Panchavati-Yatra Darshan, and Godavari Mahatmya.

The legend of the temple states that once, the Devas presented a Modak filled with Amrita (nectar) to Shankara with great devotion. Shankara brought the Modak to Mount Kailash, but a dispute arose between Ganesha and Skanda over it. Shankara resolved the dispute by putting them to a test. Having passed this test, Ganesha received the Modak. While traveling through the sky with this Modak, Ganesha was passing over the banks of the Godavari River in Nashik when the Modak fell from his hand. Since he had to undergo a test for the Modak and it was his favorite food, Ganesha descended to the spot where it fell. To commemorate this, he resided there in the form of a Swayambhu Ganesha idol. It is said that the ancestors of the Kshemakalyani family found this Ganesha idol following a divine vision in a dream. They built a small temple on this site and consecrated the Ganesha. As the shape of this Ganesha idol resembles a Modak, the place subsequently became popular as the ‘Modakeshwar Temple’. Today, the eighth generation of the Kshemakalyani family manages this temple.

This temple of ‘Modakeshwar’ is located in the Panchavati area of Nashik, on the banks of the Godavari River, near the Gadge Baba Maharaj Dharmashala. This Ganpati is also given the first honor as the Gramadaivat (deity of the village) of Nashik. The original sanctum of the Modakeshwar Ganpati temple is situated between four pillars. Inside, there is the vermilion-anointed idol of Modakeshwar. The soft rays of the morning sun fall upon the idol of Modakeshwar. On the circumambulation path behind the temple, there are idols of Riddhi and Siddhi. Adjacent to this temple is the Kashi Vishweshwar Mahadev temple. The close proximity of father and son is a unique feature of this temple. Along with this, the niches (devakoshthas) of the temple contain idols of Vishnu, Gajalakshmi, Hanuman, as well as Rama-Lakshmana-Sita, and Vitthala. In the past, stone Modaks were found in the ground at the site of the Shri Modakeshwar temple. Devotees also believe that there are diamonds and rubies inside the stomach of this Ganesha.

Daily morning Mahapuja and Aarti are performed at the temple. Many devotees come here for darshan on auspicious occasions and at the beginning of new ventures. On the occasion of every monthly Sankashti Chaturthi, and during the festivals in Bhadrapada and Magha, Modakeshwar is adorned with various ornaments such as silver jewelry, eyes, and a crown. During Ganeshotsav, the temple is attractively illuminated. Special Mahapujas are organized during that time. Modaks are distributed as Prasad to the devotees. At this time, devotees come in large numbers for the darshan of this Ganesha. Additionally, devotees also attend in large numbers for programs like Ganesha Yaga and Sahastravartana performed for rainfall. Ganesha devotees believe that while bathing in the Godavari River purifies the body, the darshan of Modakeshwar purifies the soul. Devotees can have the darshan of Modakeshwar from 5 in the morning until 10 at night.

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