Shri Savleshwar Mahadev Temple Marasawli,, Fulambri, Chatrapati sambhajinagar

The Savaleshwar Mahadev Temple, also known as ‘Devdari’, is situated on the border of three talukas: Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Phulambri, and Badnapur in the Jalna district. This fourteenth-century temple is nestled in a picturesque valley amidst the hills. According to mythological legend, Lord Shriram established a Shivalinga here for Goddess Sita during their exile. Over time, this temple was built at that very spot. This sacred site, sanctified by the touch of Lord Shriram’s feet, is a place of deep faith for countless devotees across Marathwada.

Historical accounts suggest that in the seventeenth century, during the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the Nizamshahi forces were wreaking havoc in the Marathwada region. To curb their menace, Maharaj sent his valiant commander, Prataprao Jadhav, to this area. Using guerrilla warfare tactics, Prataprao engaged the Nizamshahi forces through the valleys and ravines here. During his stay in this region, he discovered this dilapidated Savaleshwar Mahadev Temple at Marsavali and undertook its restoration. The samadhi temple of Prataprao Jadhav is also located within the forest area of Marsavali.

One legend states that this dense region, part of the Dandakaranya forest, was where Lord Shriram, Sita, and Lakshman resided during their exile. At that time, to enable Goddess Sita to worship Lord Shiva, Lord Shriram installed a Shivalinga here. Consequently, idols of Shriram, Lakshman, and Sita are present near the Shivalinga in this temple. Due to the Shivalinga established by Lord Shriram, the place was known as ‘Rameshwaram’ in those days. However, because the deity resided in a valley (dari), the name ‘Devdari’ eventually became popular. Today, it is famous by both names: Devdari and Savaleshwar Mahadev Temple.

This ancient temple is located in the mountain ranges between the villages of Marsavali and Nandkheda in the Phulambri taluka. There are built-up steps to reach the temple from the foothills. These steps lead into the temple courtyard, which is paved with paver blocks. Near the entrance of the courtyard, on the right, is a small temple dedicated to Bharat Mata. This temple is distinct from the Bharat Mata temples located in Varanasi, Haridwar, Kanyakumari, Ujjain, and Devgiri. In the Devgiri temple, the idol of Bharat Mata is eight-armed, holding a serpent, lotus, trident, and Sudarshan Chakra. The temple here is small in size, and the idol is adorned with vermilion. Large idols of Ganesha on the left and Maruti on the right are installed near the temple steps. The entrance to this temple is arched. In the sanctum sanctorum, there is a standing idol of Bharat Mata. The temple has a modak-shaped shikhara (spire) topped with a two-tiered amalaka and a kalash. In the niches below this shikhara, there are idols of various deities.

Opposite this Bharat Mata temple stands the Savaleshwar Mahadev Temple. This stone-built temple features an attractive shikhara. The temple is built on a plinth approximately three feet high from the ground, with ornate carvings on the plinth panels. The temple structure consists of a sabhamandap (assembly hall), antarala (vestibule), and garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). One enters the sabhamandap through the temple entrance after climbing five steps. On both sides of the entrance are paintings of turbaned and staff-bearing gatekeepers. The stone pillars in the sabhamandap feature intricate carvings and various sculptures. In the antarala, there is an idol of Nandi carved from a single stone. A Ganesha idol is carved on the lintel of the sanctum doorway. In the marble-floored sanctum, there is a large Shivalinga of Savaleshwar in the center. The shalunka (base) surrounding the linga is made of marble. Attached to the wall behind the Shivalinga are ancient stone-carved idols of Shriram, Lakshman, and Sita. On the outer wall of the sanctum, there is a stone gomukh (cow-faced water spout). Above the gomukh, there is a small Shivalinga and Nandi. The temple shikhara has six tapering levels, topped with an amalaka and a golden kalash. This shikhara is beautifully carved and painted.

A fair is held here on Mahashivratri, during which an Akhand Harinam Saptah (continuous chanting of God’s name for a week) is organized. The temple premises also take on the atmosphere of a fair during the month of Shravan. Throughout this month, daily religious programs such as bhajans and Kakad Aarti are held. Many devotees also organize a bhandara (community feast) during this time. The temple is currently under the custody of the Archaeological Department. Adjacent to the temple is a perennial spring. It is said that during the drought of 1972, when many water sources in Marathwada dried up, this spring continued to flow. At that time, the spring quenched the thirst of the citizens in the surrounding villages. Stone masonry has been constructed near this spring to store its water.

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.

Devotee Guide & Travel Information

• 24 km from Phulambri and 48 km from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
• ST bus service available from Phulambri
• Private vehicles can reach the parking lot at the foothills
• No accommodation or dining facilities available in the area
• Contact: Temple Office, Mob. 75881 65488

Sacred Darshan Gallery