Shri Ram Mandir Holi, Nanded, Nanded

The city of Nanded, situated on the sacred banks of the Godavari River, is blessed with a rich historical and religious heritage. While the city is a holy site for the Sikh faith, it is also home to many ancient Hindu temples. Among these, the Shri Ram Mandir, located within the approximately 400-year-old Wada (mansion) of the Sardeshpande family in the Holi area of the city, holds a prominent place. Despite being in a bustling part of the city, one experiences profound peace and serenity within this temple. Devotees hold a firm belief that the deity of Shri Ram here is highly awakened and grants the wishes of those who pray with devotion.

It is said that this temple was built in the old mansion during the 18th century. The Sardeshpande family of Nanded had been serving Lord Ram since approximately the 15th century. Later, Shri Ram appeared to Mukundrao Sardeshpande in a vision, instructing him that He was present in the Godavari River and should be brought out. Following this, he searched the Godavari and found the idol of Ram. However, as that idol was broken, he had a new one crafted in its likeness and consecrated it here. Since then, this temple has been famous throughout Nanded city and the district.

The temple entrance is located within the sturdy fortifications of this ancient mansion. There are lamp niches on both sides of the entrance, which features a wooden door frame and strong shutters. Upon entering, one walks along a narrow path flanked by the rear walls of the mansion’s rooms, leading to a second entrance. This entrance also has lamp niches on both sides, along with a wooden door frame and shutters. A few steps further lies the Sabha Mandap (assembly hall). The hall features raised platforms around the perimeter, excluding the entrance. On the platforms, there are wooden pillars facing the front. The lower part of these pillars is square, while the upper sections feature various geometric shapes such as hexagons, octagons, and circles. At the top of the pillars are brackets supporting arched beams, which in turn support the balcony of the upper floor. On the left side of the Sabha Mandap is a small sanctum containing an idol of Dasa Hanuman made of black stone, placed on a pedestal. The niches in the assembly hall display portraits of the Sardeshpande ancestors.

The main sanctum is located in front of the platform facing the entrance of the Sabha Mandap. The entrance to the sanctum features wooden door frames and pillar shafts adorned with vertical carvings, arches, and floral motifs. An idol of Lord Ganesha is carved on the lintel. The entrance has ornate wooden shutters. Inside the sanctum, stone and brass idols of Shri Ram, Lakshman, Janaki, and Maruti are placed on a pedestal. There are also metal idols and masks of other deities on the pedestal. Two ornate pillars on either side of the pedestal support an arched canopy. A circumambulation path (Pradakshina Path) surrounds the sanctum, with lamp niches built into the walls.

The Shri Ram Janmotsav (birth anniversary) is celebrated with great enthusiasm over nine days, from Chaitra Padwa to Ram Navami. During these days, programs such as Bhajans, Kirtans, and discourses are organized in the temple. On Navami, all devotees visiting the temple are offered the sacred nectar of raw mango juice (Panha). As Mahaprasad, devotees are served Khichdi and raw mango pickle. For this, all members of the Sardeshpande family begin preparations for cooking and the festival eight days in advance. During this time, hundreds of devotees from the surrounding areas come to seek the blessings of the deity and fulfill their vows.

The temple also celebrates festivals such as Maruti Janmotsav on Chaitra Purnima, Kartik Purnima, Kojagiri Purnima, Dussehra, and Diwali. Various religious programs are organized during all these festivals. There is a large influx of devotees visiting for Darshan every Tuesday, Saturday, and Thursday.

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