Shree Tyrambakeshwar Temple/ Keshavarajaswami Temple Parshivani, Parshivani, Nagpur

In the heart of Parshivni town, located near the renowned Pench Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra, two temples from the Yadava era still stand in excellent condition today. One of these is the Trimbakeshwar Temple, and the other is the Keshavraj Swami Temple. Situated on the banks of the Pench River, these temples in Parshivni showcase the architectural style and exquisite craftsmanship of the Yadava period.

The Trimbakeshwar Temple here faces the east and is surrounded by fortification walls. The construction of this temple follows the Tridal (three sanctums within a single temple) style. There are a total of five spires: three main spires, one above each sanctum, and one each above the assembly hall and the entrance hall. Each of these spires is adorned with a finial and an Amalaka (a circular, gooseberry-shaped part located above the spire and below the finial). A unique feature of this temple is that there are three chambers, one within each of the spires above the sanctums. Built at a certain height from the ground, this temple features a main entrance hall, In this temple, built at a certain height above the assembly hall, vestibule, and three-tiered structure, numerous sculptures are carved from the finials of the three spires down to the walls at the ground level.

Situated at a slight elevation from the ground, this temple comprises a Mukhamandapa (entrance porch), a Sabhamandapa (main assembly hall), an Antarala (vestibule), and three Garbhagrihas (sanctum sanctorums). The Sabhamandapa here features twelve pillars, some of which are joined pillars (two pillars combined). Ancient idols of Ganesha and Vishnu are housed within the Sabhamandapa. The intricate carvings on the ceiling of the Sabhamandapa are distinctive. The idol of Lord Vishnu is crafted from white stone and is exceptionally refined and well-defined. In His four hands, Lord Vishnu holds the Shankha (conch), Chakra (discus), Gada (mace), and Padma (lotus). The idol is adorned with a finely carved crown on the head and various other ornaments.

In front of the main sanctum sanctorum, near the vestibule, there is an idol of Nandi placed on a raised platform. There are niches on both sides of the vestibule, and the entrance to the main sanctum sanctorum features intricate carvings. These include bands depicting musical ensembles, pillars, and floral vines. On the lintel (the central space above the door frame of the sanctum), there is an idol of Lord Ganesha, with Kirtimukhas carved on both sides. The main sanctum sanctorum of the temple, which is located at a slightly lower level than the vestibule, houses an ancient Shiva Linga. Such a sanctum is known as a Patalalingi Garbhagriha. The entrances to the other two sanctums have a similar design, with Shaiva gatekeepers (Dwarapalas) depicted on their door frames. One of these contains an idol of Lord Ganesha, while the other houses an idol of a Mother Goddess. The niches on the outer walls of the temple contain images of Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, and Goddess Chamunda, while some niches remain empty.

Near the Trimbakeshwar Temple is the Keshavraj Swami Temple, which is surrounded by fortification walls. Built upon a high plinth, the architecture of this temple is somewhat unique. This temple features a single sanctum sanctorum, above which stands the main spire of the temple. In front of the main spire, there is a small spire over the assembly hall, and further ahead, there are three spires over the entrance porch, making a total of five spires. Much like the Trimbakeshwar Temple, this temple also possesses five spires. The three small spires atop the entrance porch are what distinguish this temple. Having three spires on the entrance porch in this manner is a rarity.

The temple architecture consists of a Mukhamandapa (entrance hall), a Sabhamandapa (main assembly hall), and a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). Some figures are carved onto the two stone pillars in the Mukhamandapa. There are Devakoshtas (niche shrines) on both sides of the Mukhamandapa. The entrance leading from the Mukhamandapa into the Sabhamandapa is also adorned with intricate carvings. The Sabhamandapa here features 16 pillars. This assembly hall is enclosed, and a small window has been designed to ensure proper ventilation. In the Sabhamandapa stands the four-armed idol of Keshavraj Swami. Keshavraj Swami is considered a form of Lord Vishnu. This idol was the original deity of the temple; however, as it became slightly damaged, a new idol was consecrated in the Garbhagriha, and this original idol was placed in the Sabhamandapa. Sculptures of the Dashavatara, Gandharvas, Yakshas, Apsaras, Makaras, and Vyala are carved onto the Prabhavali (halo) of this idol. While moving from the Antarala (vestibule) located before the Sabhamandapa towards the Garbhagriha, the entrance doorway features distinctive carvings, with an idol of Lord Ganesha on the Lalatabimba (lintel). On both sides of the door frame, there are sculptures of couples. The new idol of Keshavraj Swami is installed on a pedestal within the Garbhagriha.

The exterior of the sanctum sanctorum is adorned with numerous carvings, including figures of Surasundaris and various deities. Although this temple features fewer sculptures compared to other temples from the Yadava period, the structure remains remarkably sturdy. It is said that the Keshavrajswami Temple underwent renovations during the Bhosle reign.

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