Pavitra Vateshwar Mahadev Temple Khanapur, Patur, Akola

The Vateshwar Mahadev Temple in Khanapur, located in the Patur taluka, is a Shiva temple in Maharashtra that dates back to the pre-Nizamshahi era. With a recorded history spanning 625 years, the sun’s rays fall directly upon the Shivalinga in this temple on the day of Mahashivratri. Having withstood numerous invasions, the temple features a secret chamber within its shikhara (spire) where villagers once kept their precious jewelry and important documents safe during times of crisis. On the occasion of the Mahashivratri festival, the premises of this ancient temple resonate with the chants of ‘Har Har Mahadev’.

The Vateshwar Mahadev Temple is situated in the village of Khanapur, four kilometers from the town of Patur. It is said that the deity here was named ‘Vateshwar Mahadev’ after the banyan tree (vat-vriksha) located near the temple. Surrounded by a scenic landscape, the temple is enclosed by fortifications on all four sides. Even today, these sturdy walls remain intact, constructed using a mixture of black gram (urad dal) and jaggery instead of cement or lime to bind the bricks. One could walk along the top of these fortifications by climbing the stairs built on the inside. Previously, many stones carved in the shape of cow mouths (gomukha) were embedded in these walls. Only a few of these remain today. The arched alcoves (ovaris) lining the interior of these fortifications were once used to provide accommodation for devotees.

The temple has two entrances, one facing east and the other north. The eastern entrance is large and leads into the temple courtyard through an arched gateway. There are guard rooms on both sides of the walls of this entrance. In the courtyard, directly in front of the temple, stands a tall lamp pillar (deepstambh) on a large platform, tapering towards the top. A large lamp is placed at the summit of this pillar, which is lit during festivals. The Vateshwar Mahadev Temple is built on a high plinth. One reaches the entrance of the temple by climbing five steps. The temple is designed with a circumambulatory path (pradakshina marg) around the plinth. There are two lamp niches (deepkoshtakas) on both sides of the door jambs. The arched entrance leads into the main assembly hall (sabhamandap).

The assembly hall features large pillars connected by artistic, arch-like structures. In the center of the hall, on a low platform between four pillars, are two ancient Nandi statues, one of which is quite large. Between these two Nandi statues lies a smaller Nandi statue, with a Shiva Linga placed in front of it. The door jambs of the sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha) feature lamp niches, and an image of Lord Ganesha is carved at the lintel (lalatbimba). The sanctum houses an ancient Shiva Linga carved from a single stone. A pleasant idol of Lord Shiva is placed in a niche on one of the walls of the sanctum. There is also a mask of Goddess Parvati along with idols of other deities.

A window is located on one side of the temple wall. Opening it reveals a narrow staircase leading through the walls toward the shikhara. This passage is approximately two feet wide, allowing only one person to pass at a time. The climb is difficult, requiring one to change direction two or three times. After emerging through a small door, one can see holes in the walls designed for ventilation. Further stairs lead to the shikhara, where a secret chamber is located. One must crawl through the entrance to enter this room, which is approximately twelve feet long and seven feet high. Whenever the village faced an attack or news of a robbery arrived, the wealthy residents would hide their precious jewelry and important documents in this chamber. During times of distress, the villagers would take refuge in this temple. The sanctum is crowned by a large, dome-shaped shikhara, which features a two-tiered amalaka and a kalasha. The roof of the temple is adorned with a decorative parapet (bashingi kathada).

Behind the temple are two samadhis (memorial shrines). These belong to two brothers, Makharam Patil and Sakharam Patil, who are credited with taking the initiative to build this temple. According to available documents, this temple is 625 years old. A grand festival is held on the temple premises on the day of Mahashivratri, in which people of all ages from the village participate. A mahaprasad (community feast) is also organized on this occasion.

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