Somnath Mahadev Temple

Dongrashevli, Taluka Chikhli, District Buldana

There are many ancient temples of Lord Mahadev in Buldana district. One such ancient temple is located at Dongrashevli in Chikhli taluka. Situated adjacent to the Dnyanganga Sanctuary, this temple was originally built in the Hemadpanti architectural style. During a renovation carried out some years ago, the original structure was dismantled and a new temple was erected in its place. True to its name, the village is nestled in the hills, and thousands of devotees from the surrounding five-village radius come to seek the blessings of the ‘Jagrut’ (awakened) Shiva Linga of Somnath Mahadev. A grand fair is held here on the auspicious occasion of ‘Aamli Baras’ in the month of Chaitra. The main attraction of this fair is the ‘Devi che Song’ (a traditional divine impersonation) performed during the ‘Shilya Yatra’ held on the second day of the fair.

There are no written records available regarding exactly when this temple, nestled in the lap of nature, was built. However, it is said that the temple was constructed in the Hemadpanti style during the Yadava dynasty. As this place is located in a valley, it was once surrounded by dense forest. Many years ago, an ascetic named Somnath Maharaj performed penance in the vicinity of this temple. Because of this, the temple came to be known as the Somnath Mahadev Temple. There is also a legend that Gajanan Maharaj of Shegaon visited this temple to seek the blessings of the Shiva Linga. As the old structure of the temple had become dilapidated, it was dismantled some years ago and a new temple was built. Information about this temple is provided in the ‘Buldana District Gazetteer’. The state government has granted this temple the status of a ‘B’ grade pilgrimage site.

The temple is located about 1 kilometer away from the village. The path leading to the temple is surrounded by lush green fields and trees. The temple premises also feature various types of trees, including Ajan and Tembhurni. There is an ancient Banyan tree in the stone-paved courtyard in front of the temple. One of the pillars from the old temple stands in front of the new one, with a stone tortoise sculpture placed upon it. The temple structure consists of a Sabhamandap (assembly hall), Antaral (vestibule), and Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). The Sabhamandap here is semi-open, and the outer pillars of this hall are connected by arches. Paintings of the twelve Jyotirlingas are depicted on the ceiling area. There is an idol of Lord Shiva above the entrance of the Antaral. Near this entrance, inside the Antaral, there is a stone idol of Nandi placed on a pedestal. One descends about eight steps from here to enter the deep Garbhagriha. There is a sculpture of Lord Ganesha above the entrance of the Garbhagriha. In this spacious sanctum, the Shiva Linga of Somnath Mahadev is placed in the center. A brass mask of Lord Shiva with five faces adorns the Linga. The Shalunka (base) is also covered with brass plating, which is engraved with conch shells and serpents. A large serpent hood provides a canopy over the Shiva Linga. In the niche on the wall behind the Shiva Linga, there is an idol of Mother Parvati.

The Garbhagriha of the temple is topped by a beautiful Shikhara (spire). There are two large square tiers on the parapet of the roof. The niches contain idols of Lord Shiva, and the upper part features a replica of a Kalash (finial). A Kalash is placed atop a large Amalaka in the center. To the right of the temple, there is a small temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Railings have been installed along the circumambulation path around the temple for crowd management. There is a Dharmashala and a Bhakta Niwas (pilgrim accommodation) in the area. Some remnants of the old temple are embedded in the stone boundary wall of the temple premises. The niches on the boundary wall contain idols of various deities, including Ganesha and Hanuman. There are stone steps in the middle of the boundary wall to go up. A small temple of Goddess Durga is located here, where the eight-armed Goddess is depicted riding a lion, holding various weapons, with one hand in the Abhaya Mudra (gesture of fearlessness). To the left of the temple, there is an ancient Kund (water tank). A well is located right next to this stone-built tank. A Gomukh (cow-mouth spout) is also carved into the tank. A small stream of the Dnyanganga river flows near this tank. Beyond the tank, there is a cave, and it is said that one can reach the village of Varvand through this cave.

Devotees believe that the Shiva Linga of Somnath Mahadev is ‘Jagrut’ and that their wishes are fulfilled by seeking His blessings. Therefore, the temple is always bustling with devotees. A grand festival is celebrated here on the occasion of Mahashivratri. Hundreds of devotees from the surrounding five-village radius come here for Darshan on this day. ‘Mahaprasad’ is distributed to the devotees on this day. A large fair is held on the day of ‘Aamli Baras’ in the month of Chaitra. Dindis (processions) from nearby villages also arrive here for the fair. Bhajans and Kirtans are performed in the temple at night. On this day, devotees are served a Mahaprasad consisting of 21 quintals of wheat puris, eggplant curry, and Shira. The ‘Shilya Yatra’ takes place the next day, featuring the ‘Devi che Song’. The Sawale family of the village has been given the honor of performing this tradition. After the worship of the Goddess in the morning, a procession of the ‘Song’ is taken through the village. Many devotees visit to seek the blessings of Somnath Mahadev on every Monday of the Shravan month. A grand Deepotsav (festival of lights) is held on the occasion of Kartik Purnima, when the temple premises are illuminated by thousands of lamps.

Useful Information:

• 22 km from Chikhli
• 20 km from Buldana
• GSRTC bus service available from Buldana and Chikhli
• Private vehicles can reach up to the temple
• Accommodation and food facilities are available in the vicinity