Shri Mahadev on the hill / Vitthal Mandir Nagbhid, Nagbhid, Chandrapur

Nagbhid tehsil in Chandrapur district is famous in Vidarbha for producing high-grade silk cocoons. This silk yarn is in demand from all over the world. The famous tourist destinations of Ghodazari and the Seven Sisters Hills are also located in this very tehsil. The vibrant and ancient Shiva Temple situated on the Shivtekdi in Nagbhid city, as well as the ancient Vitthal Temple located in the central part of the city, are places of deep faith for the devotees here. The grand fair held on Shivtekdi on the day of Maha Shivratri is the biggest festival in Nagbhid, while the month-long Kartik Festival celebrated at the Vitthal Temple is especially renowned among Warkaris and devotees.

Located on a hill at a distance of २ km from Nagbhid city is the ancient temple of Lord Mahadeva. Because of this temple, the hill is famously known as Shivtekdi. There is a Maruti temple at the foothills, from where there are about २०० steps leading up to the temple on the hill. This ancient pilgrimage site is revered by devotees and is also famous as a tourist destination. After climbing a few steps from the archway at the foothills and reaching the top, there is a magnificent, seated idol of Lord Mahadeva, about २५ to ३० feet in height, positioned on a large platform. Next to this idol seated in a meditative posture is a tall trident, flanked on both sides by large sculptures of coiled serpents. Beneath the pedestal upon which the Mahadeva idol rests, the १२ Jyotirlingas have been consecrated. In front of this idol, on a large platform, stands a magnificent idol of Nandi. Both of these idols are major attractions in Nagbhid, and owing to their elevated position, they can be seen from many parts of the city. A panoramic view of the entire city of Nagbhid is visible from near these idols.

Climbing a few more steps from the Mahadeva idol leads to the Navagraha Temple. Housed in this modest shrine are the black stone idols of the Navagrahas (nine planets). Adjacent to the Navagraha Temple, on a raised platform, is the shrine of Lord Shani. After climbing about १०० steps from this spot, one enters the courtyard of the ancient Mahadeva Temple. Due to its location on a hill, there is not much open space around the temple premises. The temple comprises a small verandah open on all sides, followed by a sabhamandap (assembly hall) and the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). It appears that the verandah here was built at a later date for the convenience of devotees. In the middle of the verandah sits Nandi. Situated at a height of ३ feet from the ground, the sabhamandap of this temple features २ stone pillars in the front. The doorframe of the garbhagriha features intricate carvings with door-pillars on both sides. Inside the garbhagriha is a Shivlinga, behind which stands another self-manifested (swayambhu) Shivlinga about २ feet in height. There is a small shikhara atop the garbhagriha. Records indicate that this temple was renovated around the year १७००. There is a pond on this hill known as the ‘Pandav Talav’ (Pandava Pond). Therefore, it is believed that the Pandavas once resided on this hill. A grand fair is held here on Maha Shivratri, during which a wooden idol of Nandi is taken out in a ceremonial procession accompanied by music, with thousands of devotees participating.

Located २ km away from the Mahadeva Temple on Shivtekdi is the renowned Vitthal-Rukmini Temple, which is a place of deep faith for the Warkari community and devotees. Although records show that this temple was renovated in the year १९०२, it is believed to be a temple from the Bhonsle era. The idols of Vitthal and Rukmini in the temple are large and distinctive. The Ashadhi and Kartiki festivals, which commenced in this temple in the year १९०२, continue to be celebrated to this day.

This two-story temple is situated in a central and congested area of Nagbhid city. Following renovations carried out in the year २००५, the temple acquired its present form. The temple resembles a modern building. At the entrance gate on the upper floor, images of Vitthal-Rukmini along with several saints are displayed. The temple consists of a sabhamandap, antaral (vestibule), and garbhagriha. Above the entrance of the sabhamandap on the inside is a mezzanine gallery, which houses distinctive sculptures about ६ to ७ feet tall of Sant Dnyaneshwar, Sant Tukaram, and Sant Gora Kumbhar. The sabhamandap features images of various deities and saints. The antaral has ३ carved archways, beyond which lies the garbhagriha. Inside the garbhagriha, placed within an ornate makhar (altar canopy) on a hexagonal marble pedestal, are the idols of Vitthal and Rukmini. The idol of Vitthal is ३.५ feet tall, while the idol of Rukmini is ३ feet in height. The idols of Vitthal and Rukmini are adorned with silver crowns, an umbrella, earrings, and various ornaments.

On the second floor of this temple is a spacious sabhamandap where programs are held during festival times. Additionally, a two-story ‘Vitthal Bhavan’ has been built across the street from the front of the temple, which also provides accommodation for devotees during festival periods. The Ashadhi and Kartik festivals are celebrated here on a grand scale. The festival celebrated in the month of Kartik is particularly special compared to Ashadhi, lasting for an entire month. During this time, Kakad Aarti is performed every single day at dawn. On the night of the full moon (Pournima), the chariot procession of the deity takes place and continues until midnight. The festival concludes the next day with the Kalya Kirtan. In addition to these, bhajans are held at the temple every Wednesday.

Aside from the tourist and pilgrimage sites located here, Nagbhid has also gifted the world the ‘HMT Kolam’ rice variety, which is famous across India and worldwide. Dadaji Khobragade, an agricultural researcher from Nagbhid, developed a new rice variety in the year १९८३. When a local farmer named Bhimrao Shinde used this variety in his ४ acres of land, he reaped a harvest of ९० quintals in the very first year itself. Dadaji’s research was recognized at the time by the world-renowned Forbes magazine. In those days, HMT watches were very famous, which inspired Dadaji to name this rice variety ‘HMT’.

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