Shri Kshetra Unpadev Adavad, Chopra, Jalgaon

The Chopda Taluka in Jalgaon district is blessed with a rich mythological and historical heritage. The Unapdev region, nestled in natural beauty near the village of Adawad in this taluka, is famous for its hot water spring. Located at the foothills of the Satpura mountain range, this area is rich in biodiversity and various medicinal plants. It is believed that due to the merit of Sage Sharabhanga, Lord Shriram, along with Lakshmana and Sita, came to this place to visit him. Because of this, hundreds of devotees visit this sanctified pilgrimage site every day. 

It is said about this place that where the hot water spring and the cave are currently located in the Unapdev area, there was once the ashram of Sage Sharabhanga. As the sage’s body had developed sores that were oozing blood and pus, it emitted a foul odor. During their period of exile, Lord Shriram, along with Lakshmana and Sita, once arrived near his ashram. As per the wish of Sage Sharabhanga, they stayed there for two days. To cure the ailment of Sage Sharabhanga, Lord Shriram struck the ground with an arrow of fire (Agniban) and created a hot water spring. After bathing in this spring, all the ailments of Sage Sharabhanga were cured. During his stay here, to ensure that his daily worship of Lord Mahadeva would not be interrupted, Lord Shriram also installed a Shiva Linga. Devotees believe that the Shiva Linga in the Mahadeva temple near the spring is the very one installed by Lord Shriram. 

From the parking area, one has to walk about one kilometer to reach the Unapdev spring. There is a paver-block paved path and, in some places, a staircase to reach the site through the surrounding large trees. The Yawal Forest Department has beautified this area. There are ornamental and flowering plants on both sides of the road. Similarly, boards conveying messages about the environment have also been installed here.

There is an entrance arch in the boundary wall surrounding the temple complex located here. Due to the paver-block flooring in the courtyard and large trees all around, this area feels peaceful and beautiful. In front of the entrance arch, there is a large square hot water spring. One can enter this spring by descending a few steps. Hot water flows continuously into this spring from a Gomukh (cow-faced spout). This stream from the Gomukh flows incessantly. It is a unique feature of this place that it never stops in any season. Devotees believe that bathing in this water cures many bodily ailments. 

Above this spring is the Panchmukhi Mahadeva Temple. Near the entrance of this temple, on a platform outside, there is a statue of Nandi carved from a single stone. On both sides of the entrance of this temple, which lacks elaborate carvings, there are large ‘Om’ symbols in niche-like structures. In the center of the temple, the Shiva Linga is covered with a brass plate. There is a serpent hood over the Linga and a water-offering vessel above it. This temple is famous among devotees as Unapdev Mahadeva. A short distance from the Mahadeva temple and next to the hot water spring is a cave from the Ramayana era, carved into a single rock, where Sage Sharabhanga used to sit and perform penance. It contains a Shiva Linga and idols of some local deities. Only one person can enter or exit this cave at a time. Devotees believe that vows made in this cave are fulfilled. 

Apart from this, there are small temples of Ganapati, Shri Dattatreya, Hanuman, Vitthal-Rukmini, and idols of some other deities in this area. There is a three-story Dharamshala (pilgrim rest house) built here in the pre-independence era, in the year 1943. A fair is held at Unapdev throughout the month of Pausha. During this time, many devotees from the district come here for darshan.

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