Prasanna Shree Jatau Mandir aked, Igatapuree, Naasik

The Jatayu Temple located at Sarvatirtha Taked in Igatpuri taluka is highly renowned. This is an ancient temple and is said to be the only temple of Jatayu in Maharashtra. It is a pilgrimage site of great religious significance. It is a widely held belief that at this very spot, Lord Rama shot an arrow into the ground to bring forth the waters of the Ganga for Jatayu. Since then, this place has been known as ‘Sarvatirtha Taked’.

According to Puranic legends, Vinata, the wife of Sage Kashyapa and daughter of Daksha Prajapati, had two sons, Garuda and Aruna. Sampati and Jatayu were the sons of Aruna. Jatayu was a friend of King Dasharatha. Therefore, when Ravana abducted Sita, Jatayu, in order to protect Sita who was like a daughter-in-law to him, tried to stop Ravana. A fierce battle ensued between Jatayu and Ravana, during which Ravana severed Jatayu’s wings, leaving him bleeding profusely. Later, Lord Rama, while searching for Sita, found the wounded Jatayu in a dying state. Jatayu provided Rama with detailed information about Sita’s abduction. Jatayu was like a father figure to Rama. Rama placed Jatayu’s head on his lap and asked him for his final wish. Having fought Ravana, Jatayu was thirsty and expressed a desire to drink water that contained the merit of all the sacred pilgrimage sites on Earth. To quench Jatayu’s thirst with the waters of the Ganga, Rama shot an arrow into the ground, brought forth the Ganga, and offered it to Jatayu. After drinking this water, Jatayu breathed his last on Rama’s lap. It is believed that the stream of water has been flowing continuously since the moment Rama shot the arrow. This incident occurred at Taked in Nashik district, and because Rama brought the water containing the merit of all the world’s sacred sites here, the holy pond (kund) became known as ‘Sarvatirtha’.

Since the temple is situated slightly below the main road, one must descend steps to reach it. There is a large sculpture of Jatayu on a pillar in front of the temple. The entrance to this small temple features images of guardians. Upon entering the temple, one can see the idols of Lord Rama and Jatayu, who is shown breathing his last on Rama’s lap. Directly in front of the Jatayu Temple is the Sarvatirtha Mahakund. Hundreds of devotees visit this place daily to bathe in this pond and take the holy water. In the spacious temple courtyard, there are temples dedicated to Shri Ram, Dattatreya, Shankar, and Hanuman. Beside the Jatayu Temple, there is a Shivling. In the center of this Shivling is a circular hole, and deep inside the ground, at the depth of a hand’s length, lies the Linga. It is believed that only the fortunate can touch this Linga. Devotees hold the faith that if one manages to touch this Linga, their heart’s desires are fulfilled.

The largest fair in Nashik district is held at Sarvatirtha Taked on Mahashivratri. This fair lasts for two days. The new moon day (Amavasya) that follows immediately after Mahashivratri is known as ‘Maghi Amavasya’. According to the scriptures, bathing on this day holds special significance, as it is believed that on this day, the waters of all sacred rivers and the Ganga become as nectar. Therefore, it is believed that bathing in these rivers or the Ganga on this day grants merit equal to performing an Ashwamedha Yajna. Since it is believed that Lord Rama himself brought the Ganga to Taked, devotees flock to the pond here on Maghi Amavasya to bathe and attain merit.

The Kumbh Mela is organized in Nashik once every twelve years. Arrangements for the stay of sadhus and saints have been made within the temple premises, known as ‘Ramcharan Niwas’. This residence is made available to the sadhus during the Kumbh Mela. Additionally, facilities for the accommodation and dining of devotees are available in the entire area. There is also a hall for hosting religious programs.

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