Shree Gorakshnath Temple Kumbhejalgaon, Gevrai, Beed

Gorakshanath, a Siddha Yogi, was the second of the Navnathas and the supreme disciple of Machindranath. He was the author of texts such as Goraksha Siddhanta Paddhati, Siddha Siddhanta Paddhati, Yoga Martanda, Yoga Siddhanta Paddhati, Yoga Beeja, and Yoga Chintamani. Through the yogic power of his guru, Machindranath, he was born from a heap of cow dung. He traveled across Nepal, India, and the Arab regions to propagate and spread the practice of Yoga. His main temple is located in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. There are many other famous temples of Gorakshanath in India, and the temple at Kumbhejalgav in Georai taluka is one of them. Devotees believe that Gorakshanath himself resides at this sacred site.

The Gorakshanath temple complex consists of four temples built during different periods. The temple of Gorakshanath is said to date back to approximately the 12th century. Gorakshanath, the disciple of Machindranath, traveled throughout India to spread the Nath Sampradaya. During his travels, he arrived at this village in Beed district. At that time, he sat under a Goraksha tree and performed meditation. This tree still stands here today. This is considered the only Goraksha tree in this region. A temple was later built at this site, which was sanctified by the touch of Gorakshanath’s feet. The Nath sect is devoted to Lord Shiva; therefore, a Shiva temple was erected next to Gorakshanath’s temple. Subsequently, other temples were built in this area.

This temple complex is located a short distance outside the village. There is a paved road leading up to the temple. In front of the temple, there is a spacious parking area surrounded by dense greenery. Under one of the trees, there is a Shiva Linga, an idol of Nandi, and stone footprints (padukas). The assembly hall (sabha mandapa) of the Gorakshanath temple is elevated above the courtyard. The construction of this assembly hall is of a more recent period. The hall is semi-open, with four ornate circular pillars on each side. These pillars are connected by arched gateways. The pillars, featuring vertical fluted carvings, support a roof adorned with circular motifs. On the right side of the assembly hall, there is a black stone idol of Nandi placed on a pedestal. The stone construction of the sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha) follows the Hemadpanthi architectural style. The door frames and the lintel are flat. Inside the sanctum, there is an idol of Gorakshanath in a standing posture on a pedestal. The roof of the sanctum features a four-tiered circular shikhara (spire). The lower three tiers of the shikhara each have six niches containing idols of various deities. The fourth tier of the shikhara features pillar carvings, topped with an amalaka and a kalasha.

Adjacent to Gorakshanath’s sanctum is the sanctum of Kumbheshwar Mahadeva. The door frames here are flat and made of wood. In the center of the sanctum floor, there is a Shiva Linga, over which a brass cobra holds a canopy. A copper vessel for ritual bathing (abhishek) is hung from the ceiling, dripping water onto the Shiva Linga. Behind the sanctum, there is a carved stone staircase leading to the roof. The roof of the sanctum has a three-tiered shikhara. The first tier is square and features one niche on each of the four sides. The second tier has six niches, and the third tier features pillar carvings. The shikhara is topped with an amalaka and a kalasha. Beside this temple is the Shri Ram temple, which consists of a porch (mukha mandapa), an assembly hall, and a sanctum. The samadhi of Giri Maharaj is located in the assembly hall of this temple. The wooden door frames and lintel of the sanctum are carved with leaf and vine motifs, and the entrance has ornate wooden shutters. Inside the sanctum, there are marble idols of Shri Ram, Lakshman, Sita, and Maruti on a pedestal. The roof of the sanctum has a three-tiered square shikhara. The first tier of the shikhara features sun motifs on all four sides, while the second tier has niches. The third tier features two subsidiary spires (angashikharas) on each side, topped with half-amalakas. The shikharas feature horizontal pillar carvings and are topped with two amalakas and a kalasha.

Next to the Ram temple is the Shri Dattatreya temple. In the center of the temple lies the samadhi of Kunthalgiri Maharaj, upon which a Shiva Linga is placed. Against the back wall of the temple, there is a marble idol of the Trimurti Dattatreya on a pedestal. The roof of the temple features an octagonal base that transitions into a circular, tapering shikhara. The lower part of the shikhara is adorned with lotus petal motifs. Next to this temple is the Vitthal Rukmini temple. In the center of the temple is the samadhi of Babangiri Maharaj. Against the back wall, there are idols of Vitthal and Rukmini on a pedestal. The roof of the temple features a circular, tapering shikhara with a ring of lotus petal carvings. The shikhara is decorated with vertical fluted carvings, an amalaka, and a kalasha.

In the temple courtyard stands an ancient Goraksha tamarind tree. Gorakshanath performed penance while sitting on a platform beneath this tree. This platform is surrounded by low walls and a roof. The birth anniversary of Gorakshanath is celebrated here with great devotion on Magh Shukla Trayodashi. On this occasion, bhajans, kirtans, discourses, and a grand feast (mahaprasad) are organized. Thousands of devotees visit to seek blessings and fulfill their vows. Datta Jayanti is the second major festival celebrated here, during which a ‘Harinam Saptah’ (a week-long chanting of God’s name) is organized. Spiritual programs are held in the temple for seven consecutive days. Festivals like Mahashivratri, Ram Navami, Guru Purnima, Kojagiri Purnima, Dussehra, and Diwali are celebrated with great enthusiasm. There is a special influx of devotees on Thursdays, Mondays, full moon (Purnima), and new moon (Amavasya) days.

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