Shri Shiva Temple Chaitanya Nagar, Nanded, Nanded

Mahadeva is the Shiva-Tattva and the presiding deity of the five elements (Panchatattva). Shankara is the benefactor and a deity who becomes one with His devotees. As Mahadeva is in the form of a Jyotirlinga, He is the embodiment of the universe (Vishwarupa). There are many famous temples of Mahadeva in the country. Some of them are shaped like a Shiva-Pindi. The Shri Rankeshwar Dham in Ujjain, the Bankhandi Mahadeva Temple in Varanasi, and the Matangeshwar Temple in Khajuraho are famous temples shaped like a Shiva-Pindi. One such famous temple in this series, shaped like a Shiva-Pindi, is located in Chaitanya Nagar, Nanded. This awakened (Jagrut) shrine is a place of faith for thousands of devotees.

Although the construction and architectural style of the temple are modern, it is said that the Shiva-Pindi here is ancient. There is a legend about the temple that formerly, in this place outside the village surrounded by trees and bushes, a supreme devotee of Mahadeva used to be absorbed in devotion to Mahadeva in a meditative posture every day. Pleased with his devotion, Mahadeva asked the devotee to seek a boon. The devotee requested the Lord to establish Himself here permanently. According to the devotee’s plea, Mahadeva was established here in the form of a Shiva-Pindi.

Located on the airport road, this temple has a strong, modern-style fortification. There are seats for sitting on the outer side of the fortification. There is an entrance gate in the fortification, near which there are shops for worship materials. In the temple courtyard, to the left, there are five small temples adjacent to each other dedicated to Ganapati, Saraswati, Nagoba, Vitthal-Rukhumai, and Hanuman. These temples, which are at a higher level than the courtyard, have two steps. The entrance to these temples has arched gateways and glass doors. Inside the temples, the idols of the deities are on pedestals (Vajrapitha). The roofs of the temples have circular spires (Shikhara) topped with Amalaka and Kalasha.

Next to these temples in the courtyard, there is a glass-enclosed hall containing a large picture of Mahadeva in a meditative posture, with a Shiva-Pindi in front. There is a flagstaff (Dhvajastambha) and seats for devotees in the courtyard. Adjacent to the temple is the building for the Annachhatra (free food distribution), Prasadalaya, and a community hall. In front of the main temple is a semi-open Nandi-Mandapa with a roof supported by six square pillars connected by arched gateways. There are seats for devotees in this Mandapa. On the roof of the Nandi-Mandapa, there is a magnificent sculpture of Nandi. This structure of the Nandi-Mandapa is unique.

Further ahead is the main temple of Mahadeva. The temple is structured with a Sabha-Mandapa (assembly hall) and a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). The temple, which is at a higher level than the courtyard, has five steps. There are stainless steel safety railings on both sides of the steps. In the rectangular Sabha-Mandapa, there are seats for devotees along both walls. The enclosed Sabha-Mandapa has ventilators for air and sunlight. In the Sabha-Mandapa, there is a black stone idol of Nandi on a pedestal.

Further ahead is the circular Garbhagriha. The entrance to the Garbhagriha has ornate wooden doors. In the Garbhagriha, the Shiva-Pindi is in the center on the floor. On the Linga stone of the Shiva-Pindi, there is a brass mask of Mahadeva and a brass serpent holding a canopy over it. A copper Abhishek vessel is hung from the ceiling to pour a stream of water onto the Shiva-Pindi. Beside the Shiva-Pindi are a brass Trishula and Damaru. The Garbhagriha has ventilators for air. There is a door on the right to exit the Garbhagriha. There is a circumambulation path (Pradakshina Path) around the outer side of the Garbhagriha. On the roof of the Garbhagriha, there is a Shiva-Linga-shaped spire. Beside it, on the temple roof, is a brass Trishula and Damaru about ten feet high.

Mahashivratri, the main annual festival here, is celebrated with great enthusiasm. On this occasion, the day begins with a Laghurudra Abhishek to Mahadeva. Programs like Bhajans, Kirtans, discourses, and Mahaprasad are organized in the temple throughout the day. Thousands of devotees from the surrounding area come for the Darshan of the Lord and to fulfill their vows. During the month of Shravan, there is a crowd of devotees throughout the month. On days like Monday, Purnima, Amavasya, and Ekadashi, there is a special crowd of devotees in the temple. Since the temple is adjacent to the main road leading to the airport, devotees visiting this busy area make it a point to come for the Darshan of the Lord.

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.