Shree Someshvar Mahaadev Mandir Gangaapur Rod, Naasik

While Nashik district, sanctified by the touch of the feet of the Divine, is home to the famous Trimbakeshwar Mahadev Temple, there is another temple of equal renown: the Someshwar Mahadev Temple! This ancient temple, situated on the banks of the Godavari on Gangapur Road, is widely celebrated. It is a Swayambhu (self-manifested) temple, and it is said that the Gupta Ganga flows directly beneath it.

The Someshwar Temple finds mention in the Padma Purana. According to the legend, a divine assembly was once being held in the heavens, during which Lord Brahma was speaking disparagingly. Overcome by uncontrollable rage, Lord Mahadev severed Brahma’s fifth head. Following this, a profound silence fell over the assembly. The gods pleaded with Mahadev to calm his anger. While his anger subsided, Mahadev became deeply saddened, having incurred the sin of Brahma-hatya (the killing of a Brahmin). Furthermore, the severed head of Brahma remained stuck to his sword.

Seeking a way to be liberated from this sin, he began a pilgrimage across the Earth. Along the way, he met Narada, the son of Brahma. Narada advised him that to cleanse himself of the sin of Brahma-hatya, he should go to Someshwar in Nashik, where a Brahmin named Devanarayan Sharma resided, and he would surely find a way to absolve his sin. Upon hearing this, Lord Shiva immediately arrived at Someshwar and stayed at the Brahmin’s house.

That night, a conversation took place between the cow and her calf (Nandi) in the Brahmin’s cowshed. The calf said, “If the Brahmin puts a nose-ring on me tomorrow morning, I will kill him.” Hearing this, the cow replied, “But that will bring upon you the sin of Brahma-hatya. Do not do such a thing.” The calf replied, “Do not worry, I know the remedy to remove the sin of Brahma-hatya.” Mahadev overheard this conversation. Thinking that he must keep an eye on this calf, Mahadev went to sleep. As morning broke, the Brahmin came to the shed and attempted to put a nose-ring on the calf. The calf attacked and killed the Brahmin. The calf then began to walk toward the Godavari River. Mahadev was watching all of this. After the calf left, Mahadev followed him. The calf reached Ramkund and dipped into the Godavari River, washing away his sin. Seeing this, Mahadev also dived into the river, and his sins were cleansed as well. Thus, through the calf, Mahadev’s sin of Brahma-hatya was removed, and the calf became his Guru. Consequently, the Kapaleshwar Temple was established in front of Ramkund, but there is no Nandi installed there. This is the only temple of Lord Shiva where there is no Nandi. Later, at Someshwar near Gangapur village, the gods established a temple of Mahadev at the site of the Brahmin’s house. This is the Someshwar Temple. The Shivalinga here is Swayambhu, which is why it is famous throughout the district. It is said that the Gupta Ganga flows beneath this temple and emerges from under a nearby tree, with its flow continuing incessantly.

This famous Someshwar Temple on the banks of the Godavari is located on Gangapur Road, near Nashik city. Along with being a religious site, it is also a popular picnic spot for the people of Nashik. Many films have been shot in this area. There are steps in front of the temple leading down to the Godavari riverbed. Boating facilities are also available here, attracting many tourists on holidays.

The temple premises are vast and lush with greenery. The ancient Someshwar Temple stands in the shade of large trees. Along with the main Shiva temple, there are also temples dedicated to Ram-Janaki, Shri Dattatreya, Lakshminarayan, and Hanuman within the complex. It is said that if one claps in solitude in the Ram temple here, an echo resembling the sound of anklets or bells can be heard. At the entrance of the Someshwar Temple, there are symbols of the Omkar, Damru, and Trishul. The temple consists of a Sabha Mandap (assembly hall) and a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). A massive crowd of devotees gathers here on Shravani Mondays and Mahashivratri. A fair is held here on the second Monday of the month of Shravana. Aarti is performed in this temple at 6 in the morning, 12 in the afternoon, and 9 at night. Devotees can have Darshan of Someshwar Mahadev between 5 in the morning and 9:30 at night.

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