Prasanna Shree Kanifnath Samadhi Mandir Madhi, Pathardi, t. Ahilyanagar

Pathardi in the Ahilyanagar district is considered a place of special significance in the Nath Sampradaya. The Vriddheshwar Temple, located in the valley of the Garbhagiri hills here, is considered the primordial seat (Adipitha) of the Nath tradition. It is said that Gorakshanath, the disciple of Machindranath, used the ‘Suvarna Siddha Mantra’ to turn the Garbhagiri mountain into gold. On this same mountain, at Savargaon, 5 km from the Vriddheshwar Temple, lies the Samadhi of Machindranath, while nearby in Madhi is the Samadhi Temple of Kanifnath. The Kanifnath Gad at Madhi is considered a ‘Jagrut’ (awakened/living) site. The fair held here from Chaitra Krishna Panchami to Gudi Padwa is very famous. 

According to references in scriptures, at the command of Lord Krishna, the nine Narayanas incarnated on Earth as the Navnaths . Among them, Kanifnath was born in the Himalayas from the ear of an elephant. At that time, all the gods showered flowers upon him, and because he was born from an elephant’s ear (Karna), he was named Kanifnath. Jalindranath made Kanifnath his disciple and taught him Mantra, Tantra, and the art of weaponry. Thereafter, both guru and disciple went to Badrika to perform penance. There, Kanifnath served his guru with deep devotion. During this time, Jalindranath and Kanifnath recited 40,20,00,000 (forty crore twenty lakh) poems to Lord Mahadeva. Pleased, Mahadeva blessed them, saying that the Nath Panth would become a powerful tradition. Mahadeva commanded Kanifnath to propagate the Nath Panth and uplift humanity. Following this, Kanifnath traveled throughout India and expanded the Nath Sampradaya. While performing this mission, he came from the Himalayas to the south and took Sanjeevan Samadhi at the village of Madhi in Ahilyanagar district on the day of Phalguna Vadya Panchami (Rangpanchami). 

The legend of the temple states that Queen Yesubai and Yuvraj Shahu Maharaj (the First) were trapped in a Mughal siege. At that time, Queen Yesubai made a vow to Kanifnath that if Shahu Maharaj were released within 5 days, she would build a Sabha Mandap and Nagarkhana at Kanifnath Gad and offer a brass horse to the deity. Kanifnath heard her plea, and within 5 days, Queen Yesubai and the Yuvraj were safely released. Thereafter, Yesubai constructed the entrance gate, Nagarkhana, Sabha Mandap, and a stepwell (Barav) at the fort. The brass horse in the Samadhi temple and the eternal lamp (Nanda Deep) were offered by Maratha Sardar Kanhoji Angre and his son Bapurao Angre. 

Kanifnath’s temple is situated on a hill and resembles a fort. The Sanjeevan Samadhi of Kanifnath is located here. In front of the Samadhi is a marble statue of Kanifnath, and beside it is the brass horse donated by Kanhoji Angre. On one side of the Sabha Mandap is the ‘Gadi-ghar’ (seat) of the Nath. It is said that the Nath used to rest here. In the temple courtyard, there are shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Machindranath, Ganpati, and Vitthal-Rukmini. Beneath the Vitthal temple is Kanifnath’s meditation chamber, accessible via an underground passage. A Shiva Linga and Nandi are installed in this meditation chamber. Due to the unique architecture of the temple, the morning sun rays fall on the Nath’s Samadhi, while the evening rays fall on the Shiva Linga in the meditation chamber. 

Next to the Vitthal temple is the Navnath temple and a place for scriptural recitation (Parayan). In front of the Bhavani Mata temple here stands a pomegranate tree, referred to as ‘Dalibai’. Devotees tie a colorful thread to this tree and make a vow to Kanifnath. It is the firm belief of devotees that if one ties this thread and expresses their heart’s desire to the Nath, it will be fulfilled. There is a trident (Trishul) on the temple spire. During festivals, devotees attach honorary poles to this trident and chant the glory of Kanifnath. 

On Phalguna Vadya Panchami (Rangpanchami), a grand fair of Kanifnath is held here. It is recorded that more than 1 million devotees visit for Darshan during this 15-day fair. Devotees shower ‘Revadi’ (a sweet) on the temple and offer a Prasad of Revadi and ‘Malida’ (a mixture of chapati, jaggery, ghee, and fennel seeds) at the Samadhi. The temple premises echo with the chants of the Nath and the sound of drums. The donkey market held here during the fair is also famous. During the fair period, ST bus services are available for devotees from Ahilyanagar and Pathardi every 15-20 minutes. The Temple Trust has provided many facilities for visiting devotees.

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