Prasanna Shree Bhagwant Mandir Barshi, Barshi, Solapur

The Bhagawant of Barshi and His glory are described with the words, ‘Why travel to Kashi, Gaya, Ayodhya, or Rameshwaram… when Shri Hari Himself resides in our home?’ This Bhagawant Mandir lends Barshi, in Solapur district, its identity as a sacred pilgrimage site. It is believed that Lord Shri Vishnu, along with Goddess Lakshmi, resides here. For this revered temple in Barshi, land grants (sanads) were issued by Nanasaheb Peshwa in १७६०, by the East India Company in १८२३, and by the British in १८७४. Just as a village has a Sarpanch (head), the chief of this temple is known as the Sarpanch.

The legend of the temple states that Barshi was formerly known as Baras. Baras means Dwadashi, and thus the place was known as a Dwadashi Kshetra. Long ago, Dwadashi was the city of King Ambarisha. This King Ambarisha was a devout devotee of Vishnu. He had resolved to observe the Sadhanadwadashi Vrata for twelve years, which is equivalent to one ‘tapa’ (penance). The Sadhanadwadashi Vrata involves eating once on Dashami, observing a complete fast on Ekadashi, and breaking the fast at sunrise on Dwadashi. Upon completing the Vrata, the King was destined to attain the position of Indra. Only one Dwadashi remained for the Vrata to be completed, which was Vaishakh Shuddha Dwadashi. Fearing that his position would be jeopardized, Indra summoned Sage Durvasa and implored him to disrupt the King’s Vrata.

At Indra’s behest, Sage Durvasa arrived at this Dwadashi Kshetra. Upon learning that Sage Durvasa had come to disrupt King Ambarisha’s Vrata, the Pushpavati River swelled its waters, creating an obstruction to his progress. Thereupon, Sage Durvasa cursed the Pushpavati River to flow in reverse and cleared his path forward. However, at that very moment, Sage Durvasa saw some Brahmins emerging from the royal palace and mistakenly believed that the King’s Vrata had been completed. Enraged that his mission had failed, Sage Durvasa struck his matted locks on the ground, and from them, a demon was born. To protect Ambarisha from the demon, Lord Vishnu Himself manifested here and, releasing His Sudarshan Chakra, annihilated the demon. Thereafter, the Sudarshan Chakra pursued Sage Durvasa. When the Sage sought forgiveness from King Ambarisha, the Sudarshan Chakra became calm and rested in the Uttareswar Mandir in Barshi. At the request of King Ambarisha, that Shri Vishnu, who had manifested to protect His devotee, should forever reside here by the name Bhagawant, Shri Vishnu agreed to dwell here. Since then, this temple has been renowned as the Bhagawant Mandir.

This temple is situated in the central part of Barshi city. Around the temple courtyard are stone walls approximately ३० feet high. The main entrance within these walls is adorned with golden sheets. On both sides of the entrance are doorkeepers (dwarapalas), and above the lintel is an idol of Ganesha. Above the Ganesha idol is a sculpture of Garuda. On the upper floor of the entrance is the Nagarkhana (drum house). Through this entrance, one enters the temple courtyard. The temple’s structure consists of a two-storied sabhamandap (assembly hall), an antarala (vestibule), and a garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). All the wooden pillars in the semi-open sabhamandap are connected by arched gateways. Near the entrance of the sabhamandap is a white marble idol of Garuda. On the ceiling of this sabhamandap are glass lamps used in ancient times. Continuous veena music is played here. In the sabhamandap, in front of the antarala, stands the Garuda Stambha (pillar). Every devotee who comes for the darshan of Bhagawant lovingly and reverently embraces the Garuda Stambha.

The construction of the antarala and garbhagriha is of stone. Various carvings and sculptures are etched on the stone pillars in the antarala. Additionally, in the antarala are idols of Shri Datta, Vitthal-Rukmini, Joga Paramananda, Ganesha, and some ancient deities. In the garbhagriha, within a silver shrine (makhar) on a vajrapeetha (diamond throne), is the idol of Bhagawant, carved from a Gandaki shila (sacred stone). This unique idol holds a conch, discus, mace, and lotus in its hands. On Bhagawant’s head is a Shiva Lingam, and on His chest is the mark of Sage Bhrigu’s foot. To the right of the idol is an idol of King Ambarisha, and behind it is an idol of Lakshmi. Devotees can view the Lakshmi idol behind through a mirror.

The samadhi (tomb) of Bhagawant’s great devotee, Joga Paramananda, is located in the northern verandah of the temple. His death anniversary is celebrated here annually. There are also mentions of Saint Tukaram Maharaj having visited this temple. From Vaishakh Shuddha Shashthi to Dwadashi, the manifestation ceremony of Shri Vishnu is celebrated with great enthusiasm in this temple. During this time, the Utsav Murti (processional idol) of Bhagawant is taken out in a decorated chariot. This circumambulation of the Utsav Murti through the town is like a grand public festival for Barshi city and its surrounding areas. During this period, the Devasthan Trust and Barshi Municipality organize the Bhagawant Mahotsav for seven days at the Bhagawant Maidan. This includes various cultural programs, plays, musical nights, and more. Every year, on Ashadhi, Kartiki, and Maghi Ekadashi, the Bhagawant Mandir overflows with devotees. Daily, Kakad Aarti, Mahapuja, Dhuparti, and Shejarti are performed in the temple. Devotees can have darshan of Bhagawant in this temple daily from ५:३० AM to ११:५५ PM.

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