Sacred Mallikarjun Temple Ghotan, Shevgaon, Ahilyanagar

Mallikarjun is a temple dedicated to Lord Mahadeva located in Ghotan, in the Shevgaon taluka. This site is renowned as a beautiful specimen of Yadava-era architecture. A unique feature of the temple is that its sanctum sanctorum (Gabhara) is situated about १५ feet below the main assembly hall (Sabhamandap), and there is a natural perennial spring near the Shiva Linga located there. It is said that Arjuna performed penance here at the behest of Sage Mallik, which is why this place came to be known as ‘Mallikarjun’.

The legend of this temple states that the Kauravas, sons of Dhritarashtra, and Jarasandha, the King of Magadha, attempted to steal the cattle belonging to King Virata, the father of Uttara (wife of Arjuna’s son Abhimanyu). Terrified, all the cows fled into the Dandakaranya forest. Sage Mallik, who resided there, provided shelter to these cows. Consequently, the place was named ‘Go-Than’ (Cattle Place), which later evolved into ‘Ghotan’. Before the great war between the Kauravas and Pandavas, Arjuna fought a battle here against the Kauravas to protect these cows. He defeated the Kauravas and restored the cattle to King Virata. The Mallikarjun temple has existed here since that time.

The current temple is between १००० and १२०० years old and is fortified on all four sides. There are ३ lamp towers (Deepmalas) in the temple courtyard. The temple structure consists of an assembly hall (Sabhamandap), an intermediate chamber (Antaral), and the sanctum sanctorum (Gabhara). The Sabhamandap has २४ pillars adorned with various carvings, including scenes of war, wrestling (Malla-yuddha), and some erotic sculptures. In the hall, there is a ‘Gaddhegal’ (a type of curse-stone or warning inscription; in ancient times, since many could not read or write, such sculptures were created to convey messages to the common people), which features text in the Devanagari script. This assembly hall is open, and such a structure is referred to as a ‘Rangamandap’.

The uniqueness of this temple lies in its sanctum sanctorum. Usually, the sanctum of a Shiva temple is ४ to ५ feet below ground level, but here it is १५ feet deep and divided into २ levels. Near the entrance of the sanctum, statues of Kubera are carved on both sides. The door frame is also decorated with numerous intricate carvings, including various flowers and vines. On the lintel (the space above the center of the sanctum door), there is an image of Lord Mahadeva holding a bow. On both sides of this image, Vidyadharas (attendants of Mahadeva) are seen offering prayers while holding garlands. Typically, in ancient Shiva temples, one finds an image of Ganpati or Shiva on the lintel, but such a unique lintel is rarely seen elsewhere. Above this lintel, images of various sages in meditative postures are carved.

There are २ levels to descend from the entrance of the sanctum to the Shiva Linga. After descending ५ steps, the first level is reached, which has ४ pillars adorned with various carvings. The statue of Goddess Parvati is positioned in front of the Shiva Linga located below. Descending another १० steps from here, one reaches the ancient Shiva Linga. These steps are also covered with many carvings. There is a perennial spring near this Shiva Linga, and water is always present. Such a Shiva Linga is known as a ‘Patal-linga’.

A grand festival of Mallikarjun is held on the third Monday of Shravan, during which a fair takes place. Devotees flock here for darshan from ३:०० AM until १०:०० PM. During this time, the temple is beautifully illuminated. Along with Bhajans and Kirtans, a wrestling tournament featuring renowned wrestlers is held on this day. Fireworks are displayed at night. Thousands of devotees also visit during Mahashivratri. Aarti is performed daily in the morning and at ६:०० PM. Devotees can have darshan of Mallikarjun Mahadeva from ६:०० AM to ७:०० 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