Siddheshwar Temple

Siddheshwar Wadi, Taluka Parner, District Ahilyanagar

Parner is known as the sacrificial land of Sage Parashar. The name Parner was derived from the name of Sage Parashar. There are 12 temples of Lord Mahadev in this area, which are famous as the 12 Jyotirlingas of Parner. Due to this, the village of Parner is also known as ‘Pratikashi’. Among these Jyotirlingas, the Siddheshwar temple, situated in the valley between two hills at Siddheshwar Wadi, is considered an ancient and awakened place.

While traveling from Parner to the village of Siddheshwar Wadi, one encounters the archway of the Siddheshwar Temple. The Siddheshwar Temple, located a short distance from there, is said to be a structure dating back to the Yadava period. The temple attained its current form after the renovation carried out by the Peshwa’s commander, Nagarkar, in the १८th century. On २३ May १७३९, under the leadership of Chimaji Appa, the Marathas won the Battle of Vasai and ended the Portuguese dominance in that region. Brass bells of Portuguese craftsmanship brought back from this campaign are found in some temples of Maharashtra, and one of them is in this Siddheshwar Temple.

The legend regarding the temple states that the Parner region was formerly part of the Dandakaranya forest. Sage Parashara’s ashram was situated here. He used to perform rituals such as yajnas and havans in this area; however, his efforts were constantly hindered by the disturbances caused by the demons residing there. During his period of exile, when Lord Shriram arrived in Dandakaranya, Sage Parashara shared his plight with him. Reassuring the sage, Lord Shriram prepared himself to destroy the demons. Due to the valor of Lord Shriram, the demons were defeated. Thereafter, Sage Parashara’s yajna was successfully completed. At that time, Sage Parashara requested Lord Shriram, “Because of you, my yajna has reached completion. Therefore, you should install a Siddheshwara here, who brings success to all endeavors.” In accordance with the request of Sage Parashara, Lord Shriram established a Mahadeva temple here. This is the very same Siddheshwara Temple that stands today.

The beauty of this temple complex, nestled in the valley between two mountains, appears indescribable during the monsoon season. In the mountains above the temple, numerous towering wind energy turbines are visible. In the valley below them, amidst dense trees, lies the Siddheshwar Temple. With its nature-rich environment and the sound of flowing water nearby, this area feels truly serene. One can reach the temple by crossing the bridge over the river that flows past it. The temple courtyard is paved with stone tiles throughout.

The temple is structured with a Nandi Mandapa, a Sabha Mandapa, and a Garbhagriha. The Nandi situated in the slightly elevated Nandi Mandapa features exquisite craftsmanship. In the mane of this Nandi, there is a depiction of Narada holding a Veena, and both Narada and the Nandi appear to be carved from a single stone. The bells, the garland of small bells, and the ropes on the Nandi are made of stone, yet they appear so realistic that they seem genuine. In the center of the Sabha Mandapa, there is a stone There is an idol of a tortoise. It is said that the seat of Chakradhar Swami was located next to it. Scholars claim that the Shiva Linga in the sanctum sanctorum dates back to the 8th to 9th century. Beautiful craftsmanship is visible on the ceiling of the sanctum sanctorum. The assembly hall and the sanctum sanctorum have separate spires, and the spire of the sanctum sanctorum is unique. It appears as if folded pieces of paper have been stacked one upon another. This entire spire has been constructed by placing small spires over several layers of stone. Only the spire of one temple is visible beside the main temple. This temple of Shiva is located underground, and there are steps near that spire to descend into the temple below. This temple, situated approximately 15 feet below ground level, has several windows in its spire through which sunlight reaches the sanctum sanctorum. There, one finds a Shiva Linga and an idol of Parvati.

In a carved cave located on a high cliff within the temple premises, there is the abode of Lord Dattatreya. Apart from this, there is a dharmashala dating back to the Peshwa era. In the temple courtyard, there are ancient idols of Mahishasuramardini, Shankar-Parvati, Vishnu-Lakshmi, and Ganapati, along with several Shiva Lingas.

There are 18 stone steps leading down from the temple courtyard towards the riverbed. Upon reaching the bottom, another temple carved into the rock is visible in the underground area. It is said that Sage Parashara used to perform penance while sitting in this temple. Currently, a photograph of Sage Parashara, a Nandi, and a Shivalinga are installed in this temple. At the entrance of this temple is the sanctum of Chakradhar Swami. The ‘Leela Charitra’ mentions that Chakradhar Swami stayed at this place for 7 days. Next to the temple is a small sacred pool, which is called ‘Sita Nhani’. Water flows continuously from this pool. Beside Sita Nhani, there is a medium-sized square stepwell with steps on all four sides to descend into it.

On the day of Mahashivratri, religious programs such as Puja and Abhisheka commence here from early dawn. A fair is held here on the third Monday of the month of Shravana. During the festivities on this day, the Nilkantha and Nataraja forms of Lord Shankara are worshipped. Thousands of devotees gather here for this special occasion. The daily Aarti takes place in the temple at 6 o’clock in the morning. Devotees can visit the temple to seek the blessings of Siddheshwar Mahadeva from 5:30 in the morning until 7 o’clock in the evening.

Useful Information:

• Located 3 km from Parner and 45 km from Ahilyanagar
• ST bus facility available from Parner
• Private vehicles can go up to the temple parking lot.
• Accommodation and breakfast facilities in Parner