Kaleshwar Temple

Vishnupuri, Taluka Nanded, District Nanded

Hindu temples have primarily developed along the banks of rivers. In this context, the Ganga River in North India holds unparalleled significance. In the South, this same importance is attributed to the Godavari River, which originates at Trimbakeshwar and merges into the Bay of Bengal. For this reason, the Godavari is known as the ‘Dakshin Ganga’ (Ganga of the South). The city of Nanded is recognized as the navel (center) of the Godavari River. Located near this city, in the village of Vishnupuri on the banks of the Godavari, stands the ancient and renowned Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple.

The legend of this 16th-century temple tells of a Brahmin in the village who was a devout worshipper of Lord Shiva. He was so deeply longing for a vision of Mahadev that he renounced food and water, chanting the name of Shiva day and night. In this state, he received a divine vision from Mahadev, who revealed that He was residing in the form of a Linga buried in the earth on the banks of the Godavari and asked to be unearthed. Following the vision, the Brahmin dug the ground and discovered a Shiva Linga made of black stone. He unearthed the Linga and built a Shiva temple on that very spot. This is the Kaleshwar Temple. Because the Shiva Linga here is made of black stone, it received the name ‘Kaleshwar’ or ‘Kaloba’.

On the road leading to the temple, there is a grand welcome arch. The arch features four ornate circular pillars on each side, with five dome-shaped spires atop the balcony. All the pillars are connected by arched gateways. A short distance away is the two-story entrance gate of the temple. There are sculptures of gatekeepers (Dwarapalas) on both sides of the entrance. The entrance features ornate circular pillars with square bases connected by arched gateways. On both sides inside the entrance are guard rooms, and a staircase leads to the Nagarkhana (drum house) above. The Nagarkhana has four windows on each side, which feature balconies, pillars, and domes on the exterior. The roof of the Nagarkhana is surrounded by a parapet. In the central niche of this parapet, there is an idol of Lord Ganesha. There are ten small spires on this parapet.

Through this entrance, one enters the temple courtyard, which is paved with paver blocks. The courtyard houses several shops selling prasad and worship materials. The temple’s assembly hall (Sabhamandap), which is elevated above the courtyard, has a total of three entrances—one in the front and one each on the left and right sides. In front of the main entrance stands a sacred tree with a platform built around it. The side entrances have five steps each, with stainless steel safety railings on both sides. The assembly hall is semi-open and contains 24 square pillars. The pillar bases and shafts are square. The upper parts of the pillars are gold-plated and adorned with lotus and peacock motifs. The ceiling features a circular lotus petal design. In the center of the assembly hall, on a Vajrapitha (diamond pedestal), is a black stone idol of Nandi. In front of the Nandi idol is a narrow passage leading to the entrance of the sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha). The first two door frames are carved with floral patterns. The third door frame features sculptures of Ganga and Yamuna at the bottom and four Shiva Linga sculptures on each side at the top. The lintel (Lalatbimba) features a sculpture of Shiva-Parvati, and the architrave (Lalatpatti) has four peacock and two Nandi sculptures. The pillar branches feature balconies, and the lintel above the entrance has a decorative arch (Torana) depicting a spire. The entrance is covered with metal sheets embossed with motifs and symbols like Om, Swastika, and Mangal Kalash.

Inside the sanctum sanctorum, the Shiva Linga rests on the floor. The Shalunka (base) of this original black stone Shiva Linga is covered in silver plating. Around the Linga is a brass serpent, and nearby is a sculpture of a five-hooded serpent made of black stone. The hexagonal ceiling of the sanctum is decorated with floral patterns and features a circular design in the center. There is a circumambulation path (Pradakshina Path) around the exterior of the sanctum. The roof of this temple, built in the Southern architectural style, is surrounded by a parapet containing about 24 niches with idols of various deities. The roof of the sanctum features a five-tiered spire (Shikhara). The first two tiers are square, and the upper three are circular, containing niches with Shiva Linga sculptures. At the pinnacle of the spire is a Stupi topped with a Panchakumbhi Kalash. Adjacent to the temple is a Dhuni (sacred fire) chamber. It is said that the sacred fire has been burning here continuously for hundreds of years.

The temple premises include a children’s park with various rides. Adjacent to the temple is a Ghat on the Godavari River, where paid boating facilities are available. Various peace rituals, funeral rites, and religious ceremonies can be performed at the Ghat.

Mahashivratri and the holy month of Shravan are the main annual festivals celebrated here with great enthusiasm and devotion. The temple organizes programs such as Bhajans, Kirtans, music, and discourses, and Mahaprasad is distributed to the devotees. During annual festivals, thousands of devotees from the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana visit to seek the blessings of the deity and fulfill their vows. There is a large influx of devotees every Monday and on public holidays.

Useful Information:

• 7 km from Nanded city
• Bus and train facilities available to Nanded from many cities in the state
• Private vehicles can reach up to the temple
• Many options for accommodation and breakfast in the area
• Contact: Narayan Dhamane Swami, Chief Priest, Mob: 9175581278
• Temple Office, Mob: 9325610990