Siddheshwar Temple,

Kaigaon Toka, Pravarasangam, Taluka Nevasa, District Ahilyanagar

The confluence of the Pravara River, which originates in the Ahilyanagar district, and the Godavari River, coming from the Nashik district, takes place at Nevasa. Located on the border of the Aurangabad and Ahilyanagar districts at this Pravarasangam in the village of Kaigaon Toka, stands the ‘sculpture-adorned’ Siddheshwar Temple, dating back to approximately the १२th century. Built in the Hemadpanti architectural style, this temple is famous as an excellent example of ancient sculpture.


It is said about the temple that Lord Rama killed the demon Maricha, who had taken the form of a deer, at this very spot. Having accomplished his task, Lord Rama established this Siddheshwar Temple. In the courtyard of the Siddheshwar Temple, there are three temples dedicated to Mahadeva, Vishnu, and Lakshmi (Gajaradevi). A high stone fortification surrounds all these temples. Inside this fortification are cloisters (small arched rooms within the walls), and there is a path from the temple courtyard to ascend the fortification. From the fortification, one can observe the countless sculptures on the walls and spires of these temples.

Among the three temples here, the large central one is that of Siddheshwar. Facing east, the structure of this temple consists of a Nandi Mandapa, a Sabha Mandapa, and a Garbhagriha. The craftsmanship on the magnificent Nandi, carved from a single monolithic stone in the Nandi Mandapa, is distinctive. The ropes, chains, nose-ring, ornate straps, and strings of small bells on the back of the Nandi are beautifully carved. There are sculptures of gatekeepers at the entrance of the main temple. On the dome-shaped ceiling of the Sabha Mandapa, various idols of Radha-Krishna are carved. On the pillars of the Sabha Mandapa, load-bearing Yakshas can be seen at the top. A treasure trove of sculptures can also be seen on the door frame of the Garbhagriha. Inside the Garbhagriha, there is an ancient, slightly elevated Shiva Linga made of black stone, with an idol of Parvati in front of it.

On the outer walls of the Siddheshwar Temple, some episodes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and the Puranas are carved. These include the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu: Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Narasimha, Vamana, Parashurama, Rama, Krishna, Buddha, and Kalki. In addition, there are many unique sculptures such as a king arriving to visit the temple seated in a howdah on an elephant, the Sita Swayamvara, episodes of baby Krishna in Gokul and his pastimes with the Gopis, the humbling of Arjuna’s pride, the humbling of Bhima’s pride, and the meeting of Hanuman and Sita in the Ashoka Vatika. On the lower panel of the outer walls, various expressions and dance postures of women are carved.

To the right of the Siddheshwar Temple is the Vishnu Temple. The structure of this temple consists of a Sabha Mandapa, Antarala, and Garbhagriha. There is an idol of Garuda on a pedestal in front of the temple, while inside the Garbhagriha is an idol of Vishnu made of black stone. In every direction of this temple, there are idols of deities (Ashtadikpalas). Distinctive sculptures are carved: Varuna with his elephant mount in the west, Agni with a ram in the southeast, Yama with a buffalo in the south, Nirriti holding a severed head of an enemy in the southwest, Vayu standing with a bull and holding a flag in the northwest, Devraj Indra with Airavata in the east, Ishana with Nandi in the northeast, and Kubera with a crocodile in the north. On the back wall of the temple, sculptures of elephants and monkeys are carved with such skill that even the teeth in their jaws are clearly visible.

To the left of the Siddheshwar Temple is the Gajaradevi Temple. A special feature of this temple is that its construction is in the shape of a hexagonal star. Many idols of goddesses are carved on this temple as well, and there are elephant sculptures in the area near the spire. The temples of Ghateshwar, Mukteshwar, and Rameshwar are at a walking distance of १० to १५ minutes from this temple. The Archaeological Department currently manages the Siddheshwar Temple.


Useful Information:

• १५ km from Nevasa, ६७ km from Ahilyanagar
• ST bus service available from Nevasa
• Private vehicles can reach directly up to the temple
• There are no lodging and boarding facilities in the temple premises