Kapardikeshwar Temple

Otur, Taluka Junnar, District Pune

The village of Otur is situated on the banks of the Mandvi River in the Junnar taluka, a region that bears the imprint of history dating back to the Satavahana era. In Otur, a place rich in historical and mythological heritage, stands the Kapardikeshwar Temple, which is famous throughout the district. As the temple houses a Swayambhu (self-manifested) Shiva Linga, it is considered a spiritually awakened (Jagrut) site.

According to the legend associated with the temple, in the fifteenth century, Raghav Chaitanya Swami performed penance (Anushthan) on the riverbank for twelve years to seek the vision of Maharishi Vyasa. While creating a Shiva Linga on the bank, he found a cowrie shell. In Sanskrit, this is called ‘Kapardika’. Inside that Kapardika, he found a radiant and beautiful Swayambhu Shiva Pindi. It was thus named Kapardikeshwar. Raghav Chaitanya Swami built this temple at that very spot. This is the present-day Kapardikeshwar Mahadev Temple.

The temple is surrounded by a grand stone fortification. Like ancient architecture, it features niches and arched windows. Inside the entrance stands a tall stone lamp pillar (Deepmal). Inside the fortification, the presence of Banyan, Peepal, Bel, and Gulmohar trees, along with many fragrant flowering plants, creates a sense of serenity as soon as one enters. Replicas of the twelve Jyotirlingas have been installed near the lamp pillar. In the outer courtyard of the temple, on a two-and-a-half-foot-high square stone platform, there is a square slab upon which these Lingas are placed. After viewing the Jyotirlingas, one sees a beautiful idol of Nandi carved in black stone, directly facing the main entrance. Upon entering the temple, there is a large, old brass bell. After descending the steps, the sanctum sanctorum (Gabhara) comes into view. A continuous ritual of water offering (Jalabhishek) is performed on the black stone Shiva Pindi there.

The fair held every Monday during the holy month of Shravan is famous throughout the taluka. The rice-flour Pindis and the wrestlers who come from across the state to compete in the local wrestling arena (Akhada) are the two main attractions here. On the day before the fair, rice is collected from the villagers and brought to the temple with great fanfare. The temple priest creates Pindis from this rice using a lemon, while his eyes remain blindfolded. The number of these Pindis increases each week—one on the first Monday, two on the second, and so on. On the day of the fair, a grand ritual bath (Mahabhishek) and Aarti are performed, and they are then opened for public viewing. The villagers believe that vows made here for the blessing of a child are fulfilled. These vows are redeemed by performing a Mahabhishek on the Mondays of Shravan.

Devotees from every corner of the state come here for the fair. Stalls for the fair are set up starting from the Rohokad gate of Otur village. On the way, one passes the temples of Tukaram Maharaj and Gadge Maharaj. The temple of Tukaram Maharaj is said to be historical. There is a special arena (Akhada) there for wrestlers. During the renovation of the ancient Kapardikeshwar temple, many ancient sculptures were discovered, including stone offering vessels (Darshankalash) and hero stones (Veergal). It is estimated that these sculptures belong to the Chalukya or Shilahara period. Devotees can have the Darshan of Kapardikeshwar from 5:00 AM to 7:30 PM. Aarti is performed in the temple at 7:30 AM and 7:00 PM. The official website of the temple is www.kapardikeshwar.in.

Useful Information:

• 100 km from Pune and 16 km from Junnar
• ST bus services available to Otur from many regions
• Private vehicles can reach directly up to the temple
• Accommodation and breakfast facilities available in the vicinity
• Contact: President, Kapardikeshwar Devdharma Sanstha: 9860404444