Shree Chaitanyeshwar Temple Ambhora, Kuhi, Nagpur

The Chaitanyeshwar Devasthan, located in Kuhi Taluka of Nagpur District, is renowned as an important pilgrimage site in Vidarbha. This holy place, also known as Ambhora Devasthan, is unique because it is situated at the confluence of five sacred rivers: Wainganga, Kanhan, Aam, Murja, and Kolari. It is said to be the only temple in the state located on a hill at the confluence of five rivers. Within these very temple precincts, the revered pioneer poet of Marathi, Mukundraj, composed his sacred text, ‘Viveksindhu,’ in the Shaka year १११०.

“On the banks of the Wainganga, in the beautiful city of Amba, 

there manifested Shri Hari, the Lord of the Universe.”

This mention from the ‘Viveksindhu’ by the pioneer poet Mukundraj refers to the Chaitanyeshwar Devasthan. As the temple surroundings are rich in natural beauty, not only devotees but also a large number of tourists visit this place. Therefore, the Government of Maharashtra has granted this Devasthan ‘C’ grade status as a pilgrimage site. It is believed that after a twelve-year great vow (Mahavrata), the Chaitanyeshwar Pindi manifested from a grand yajna performed here. During their period of exile (Vanvas), Shri Ram, Lakshman, and Sita traveled along the riverbanks in this area, while during the Mahabharata period, the Pandavas resided here for some time during their own exile. Hence, this place holds unique significance for devotees.

Although this pilgrimage site is in Nagpur District, the temple is only १८ kilometers from Bhandara city. To reach this temple from Bhandara, one must cross the river. For this purpose, small boats (dongas) are available. While crossing the river in a donga, the expansive riverbeds, the silvery sand, the confluence of the five rivers, the Aam river curving around the hill to form a crescent shape, and the Shiva temple enveloped in natural beauty – this entire sight is truly enlivening. Perhaps this is why the Devasthan here is named Chaitanyeshwar.

The Chaitanyeshwar Mandir is one of the important ancient temples in Vidarbha. The white-painted Chaitanyeshwar Mandir on Brahmagiri Hill (the hill where the temple is located) in Ambhora attracts attention from afar. There is a staircase path from the base to the temple. After climbing approximately १०० steps, one enters the temple courtyard. Before entering the Chaitanyeshwar Mandir, one encounters the Nandi temple of Nandeshwar. Further on, the temple comprises a Darshan Mandap (viewing hall) and a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). The Garbhagriha houses the ancient Pindi of Chaitanyeshwar. Looking down from the temple courtyard, one sees a beautiful panorama of flowing rivers, hills, and lush greenery all around.

After having Darshan of Chaitanyeshwar and descending to the base, there is a cluster of many temples. Among them, the temple of Harinath Maharaj is famous. According to an inscription in this temple, it is recorded that Mukundraj wrote the ‘Viveksindhu’ here. It is said that Harinath performed a great yajna on Brahmagiri Hill after observing a twelve-year Mahavrata called Pashupat. From this yajna, Lord Mahadev Himself manifested and blessed Harinath, saying, “Your desires will be fulfilled,” and then disappeared. After Mahadev disappeared, a Shiva Lingam manifested from the yajna, following His departure. This is the Chaitanyeshwar Shivlingam of today.

Adjacent to this temple is the Vitthal-Rukmini Mandir. In the Samadhi temples on the western side of the temple, one Samadhi belongs to the son of the King of Nepal (the Nepalese prince had renounced royal splendor to perform penance here), and the other Samadhi belongs to Harinath Maharaj’s disciple, Raghunath, also known as Ramchandra Maharaj. These Guru and Shishya attained Samadhi at midday on Margashirsha Shuddha Ekadashi, which is Mokshada Ekadashi. Their Punyatithi (death anniversary) festival is celebrated here on this date. The fair held here on Rishi Panchami, Bhadrapada Shuddha Panchami, sees a significant presence of women. A large number of women come here from Nagpur, Bhandara, Gondia, Balaghat, Gadchiroli, Chandrapur, Wardha, and Amravati. They bathe at the confluence of the five rivers here and complete their vows. They partake of food prepared from grains grown at home (rice and vegetables, not prepared by the feet of oxen) as Prasad. Additionally, many people come to this river confluence for the immersion of ashes. For this purpose, ghats have been constructed here by the Devasthan Committee. Accommodation facilities are available for devotees within the temple premises, and a large hall has also been built for the stay of devotees who come for the fair.

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