Shri peshwar Mahadev Temple Lohara, uka Manavath, rict Parbhani

The Tapeshwar Mahadev Temple is situated near Lohara village in the Manwath taluka of Parbhani district. Parbhani district, a hub for agricultural education and research, is blessed with a rich historical and cultural heritage, including Gangakhed, the birthplace of Saint Janabai; Pathri, the birthplace of Saint Saibaba; the Neminath Jain Temple of Jintur; and Bori, the birthplace of the world-renowned mathematician Bhaskaracharya. Against this backdrop, the Tapeshwar Mahadev Temple in Lohara is considered a revered place of faith for devotees. This ancient Shiva temple exhibits the architectural style of the Chalukya era, and devotees believe that the Shivalinga within is ‘Jagrut’ (awakened) and grants the wishes of those who pray with sincerity.

Although the exact year of the temple’s establishment is not available, it is considered to be from the Chalukya period based on architectural analysis. The Chalukya dynasty reigned from the 6th to the 12th century. The intricate carvings, architectural style, and physical structure of the temple indicate that this edifice was primarily constructed between the 8th and 12th centuries. The ‘Parbhani District Gazetteer’ published by the Government of Maharashtra provides detailed information regarding this temple and the Chalukya era. According to it, the Chalukya kings ruled over a vast expanse of India. During this period, they exercised power through three independent branches. The Badami Chalukyas ruled from Vatapi starting from the mid-6th century. After the decline of the Kadamba dynasty of Banavasi, the Badami Chalukyas established their independent kingdom. The Chalukya Empire expanded rapidly during the reign of Emperor Pulakeshin II. The power of the Badami Chalukyas ended in the mid-8th century due to the rise of the Rashtrakutas. Subsequently, in the latter half of the 10th century, their descendants, the Western Chalukyas of Kalyani, re-established their rule. These Western Chalukyas governed from Basavakalyan until the end of the 12th century. This Shiva temple was built during this long historical period from the 8th to the 12th century. Given the sculptures related to Shaiva, Vaishnava, and other sects found on various parts of the temple, it is evident that this structure was developed in different stages.

The temple is located about 3 kilometers from Lohara village. Previously, there was no path to reach this temple situated in the agricultural fields, but in recent times, thanks to land donated by local farmers, a direct road to the temple has been constructed. In the courtyard in front of the temple, there is a platform built of carved stone, upon which stands an ancient lamp pillar (Deepmal). At the base of this pillar is a ‘Gajathar’ (a frieze of elephants) carved all around. According to its architectural design, this Shiva temple consists of three entrance porches (Mukhamandapa) on three sides, a main hall (Sabhamandapa), an intermediate chamber (Antarala), and the sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha). Sculptures of Hanuman, Bhairavnath, Yaksha, and Yakshini are carved at the entrances of all three porches. In the front porch, facing the entrance of the main hall, two pairs of Nandi sculptures—a total of four Nandi idols—are installed. Looking at the craftsmanship of these idols, it is clear that they belong to different periods. In this regard, a local legend is told: it is said that a moneylender in the village once lost his bull and vowed to Mahadev that he would offer a stone idol if the bull was found. After the bull was recovered, he placed a stone Nandi near the temple entrance. In this same manner, other devotees fulfilled their vows, leading to the presence of these four Nandi sculptures together. The inner walls of the enclosed porches of the temple feature carvings depicting various forms of Vishnu and Mahadev.

The enclosed main hall of the temple has four rows of four ornate stone pillars each. In the center of these four central pillars, there is a circular dance floor (Rangshila). In ancient times, dance and musical offerings were presented here as part of the divine worship. All these pillars in the main hall stand on square bases, and their square shafts are carved with figures of various deities and intricate designs. At the top of the pillars are brackets and load-bearing corbels. The entire roof of the main hall is supported by heavy stone beams placed on these brackets. Circular chakra patterns are found carved on the inner ceiling of the hall. Ancient idols of deities are housed in the niches (Devakoshthakas) located in the left and right walls of the main hall.

The area in front of the main hall is the Antarala. Idols of Ganpati and Hanuman are installed in the niches on the left and right sides of the Antarala, respectively. Additionally, carved sculptures of various deities are found on the walls of the Antarala. Beyond the Antarala is the entrance to the Garbhagriha. The door frames of this entrance feature multi-layered carvings. The sculpture of Shri Ganesha is carved on the lintel of the entrance. A semi-circular moonstone (Chandrashila) is attached to the lower threshold. The Garbhagriha of the temple is about 4 feet deeper than the level of the main hall, and there are stone steps to descend into it. A stone Shivalinga is installed on the floor in the center of the Garbhagriha. Due to natural springs beneath the Garbhagriha, the Linga is often submerged in water. The interior of this Shiva temple is adorned with various sculptures and idols of Muralidhar and Giridhari Krishna. Sculptures of Bhairavnath, Maruti, Ganpati, Vishnu, Rudra, and other deities are carved on the outer walls of the structure.

An annual fair called ‘Aamli Baras’ is organized here on the day of Phalguna Shukla Dwadashi. On the occasion of this festival, thousands of devotees from the surrounding area gather at the temple for darshan. On the day of the fair, a ‘Mahabhishek’ is performed in the temple in the morning, and the traditional program of pulling twelve carts as part of fulfilled vows takes place in the evening. Throughout the day, bhajans, kirtans, and homa-havans are organized in the temple, and Mahaprasad is distributed to the devotees. A large number of devotees visit the temple for darshan on Mahashivratri and every Monday during the month of Shravan. Various religious rituals are performed in the temple on these special days. Apart from this, Nag Panchami, Hanuman Jayanti, Shravan Purnima, Dussehra, and Diwali are celebrated in the traditional manner throughout the year. Devotees also visit the temple in special numbers on Mondays, Pradosh, Purnima, and Amavasya of every week. Devotees can have darshan of Tapeshwar Mahadev in this temple daily from 6 AM to 12 PM and from 4 PM to 9 PM.

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