Shree Pataleshwar Temple Kala Ganapati Temple Mangalvari Pet, Umared, Nagpur

In the Mangalwari Peth area of Umred city in Nagpur district, the Panchmukhi Mahadev and Kala Ganesh temples are renowned. Due to these temples, the Mangalwari Peth locality is known as the land of ancient shrines of Umred. A unique feature of this Mahadev temple is that the Shiva Linga remains perpetually submerged under water. Located at a distance of 100 meters from this temple, the Kala Ganpati temple is also a place of deep faith for the residents of Umred.

The Pataleshwar Temple, located near Medical Chowk in the city of Umred, has been a mystery to both devotees and scholars for hundreds of years. Situated right along the main road, this temple features a small assembly hall (sabhamandap). Inside, there is an idol of Nandi, and in front of it lies a sanctum sanctorum (gabhara) that is approximately 10 feet deep. The unique feature of this sanctum is that it is constantly filled with water. The water level fluctuates, yet the Shiva Linga remains submerged. There are steps to descend into the sanctum, allowing one to reach the water level. Regardless of how high the water rises, it remains so clear that one can easily see the Shiva Linga beneath the surface. Because the Shiva Linga here has 5 faces, this shrine is also known as the Panchmukhi Mahadev Temple.

During the month of Shravan, the water level inside the sanctum sanctorum begins to rise. It is said that as the water level in the Gandhisagar Lake, located about 1 kilometer from the temple, increases due to rainwater, the water level inside the temple’s sanctum rises in the same manner. Since ancient times, the water channels from the lake have been directly connected to the sanctum of this Pataleshwar Temple. During the renovation of the temple carried out a few years ago, civil engineers attempted to plug the natural water springs within the sanctum, but they were unsuccessful in doing so.

The temple premises are compact, featuring a design that includes a small assembly hall and the sanctum sanctorum. Although the temple is small, its spire is distinctive. Standing approximately 30 feet tall, this spire is adorned with idols of various deities and topped with a spherical pinnacle. Devotees believe that the Pataleshwar Temple is a spiritually awakened site in Umred. Consequently, a large number of devotees gather here for darshan every Monday. Furthermore, the area takes on the appearance of a fair during the Mondays of the month of Shravan and on the day of Mahashivratri.

At a stone’s throw to the north of the Pataleshwar Temple lies the awakened Kala Ganesh Temple. It is said that this temple is approximately two hundred years old. Situated at Medical Chowk, this ancient temple houses an east-facing idol of Lord Ganesha that is two and a quarter feet tall. This idol is carved from a single piece of black stone. Goddesses Riddhi and Siddhi are seated on both sides below the Ganesha idol. The mouse, Mushakaraja, is positioned beneath the left thigh. In one hand, the idol holds a modak, in the second hand a rosary, in the third hand an ankusha, and in the fourth, a lotus flower.

The temple is in the form of a Ganesha Panchayatan, with the central Ganesha idol enshrined alongside Shiva, Vishnu, Surya, and Shakti on all four sides. To the back left of the Ganesha idol is Mata Annapurna, to the right is an idol of the Sun deity riding a chariot carved in black stone, to the front left is Lakshmi with Vishnu and Garuda, and to the right is an ancient idol of Mahadeva. All the ornaments of this Ganesha, such as the waistband, armlets, sacred thread, and the necklace, are intricately carved with serpents; hence, this idol is popularly known as the Nagabandha Ganesha idol. A grand festival is held here for the 10 days of Ganeshotsav, during which thousands of devotees from Umred come for darshan. In the public Ganeshotsav, this Kala Ganesha temple in Umred holds a place of honor. Along with this temple, the Lal Ganpati temple located to the south of the Pataleshwar temple is also famous.

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