Vateshwar-Vishnu Temple,

Dhodambe, Taluka Chandwad, District Nashik

The village of ‘Dhodambe’ is situated at the confluence of the Kadru and Vinata rivers, at the foothills of the famous Dhodap Fort in Chandwad Taluka. It is said that the village derives its name ‘Dhodambe’ from the residence of Sage Dhaumya. There are two ancient temples in this village dating back to approximately the eighth to ninth centuries. Both these temples are adjacent to each other; one is dedicated to Vateshwar Mahadeva, and the other is a Vishnu temple.

These Vateshwar Mahadeva and Vishnu temples, which speak to the antiquity of Dhodambe village, are considered important heritage sites of Nashik district along with the village itself. The construction of these temples, which are excellent examples of sculptural beauty, shows the influence of the Nagara style. In front of the Vateshwar temple, there are two stone samadhis and a deepmala (lamp pillar). Further ahead is the Nandi Mandapa. The door frame of the temple appears adorned with a series of dwarapalas (gatekeepers) and female deities. On the two pillars near the entrance, one can see sculptures of yakshas supporting the roof of the temple. Kirtimukhas are carved on the temple doorway. There is an image of Ganesha on the door lintel, and the panel above it features the Saptamatrikas (seven mother goddesses). The Sabha Mandapa features a circular shikhara that tapers as it rises, with a chandelier hanging in the center. There are many sculptures on the walls of the Sabha Mandapa. While moving from the Sabha Mandapa towards the sanctum sanctorum, there are shrines on both sides. The door frame of the sanctum sanctorum is adorned with numerous figures and sculptures. Inside the sanctum, there are two masks, one made of copper and the other of lacquer. In front of them is the Mahadeva pindi. During festivals, the copper mask is placed on the Shiva pindi.

Adjacent to the Vateshwar temple, at a distance of one and a half feet, stands the Vishnu temple. This temple is structured with a Sabha Mandapa, Antarala (vestibule), and Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). The door frame of the Vishnu temple features sculptures of dwarapalas. On the panel above it are five matrikas. A unique sculptural spectacle can be experienced in the Sabha Mandapa of the Vishnu temple. The ceiling of this Sabha Mandapa is more refined than that of the Mahadeva temple and resembles a floral chandelier. In the area connecting the wall of the Sabha Mandapa to the ceiling, there are dancers playing musical instruments and depicting the Krishna Leela. Near them are small images of female deities. The Krishna sculpture of Kaliyamardana in the Antarala, the ६४ female figures (Yoginis), and the sculptures depicting the life of Lord Krishna must be called the uniqueness of this temple. Furthermore, on the ceiling of the Sabha Mandapa, yakshinis are shown engaged in various activities along with supporting the roof. Among them, one yakshini is depicted standing while balancing the ceiling, while two other unique sculptures show yakshinis nursing their babies with both hands. The door frame of the Vishnu temple’s sanctum sanctorum is also decorated with intricate carvings and sculpted figures of gods and goddesses. The threshold features kirtimukhas. Inside the sanctum, there is an idol of Vishnu in black stone, along with some other idols.


The exterior walls of both these temples feature four times as much sculptural work as the interior. The number of female sculptures is higher in these carvings, which includes the Surasundaris. The Surasundaris are shown riding camels and elephants, engrossed in hunting. Additionally, sculptural forms of Vishnu’s Varaha and Narasimha avatars, Shiva, Kubera, and Surya can be seen on these temples. The shikhara portion of the temple has been reconstructed.

There are many small and large temples around these temples. In the local Devi temple, there is a refined idol of the Goddess with १८ arms, carved from a single piece of wood. Apart from this, there are many temples dedicated to Ganpati, Vitthal-Rukmini, Shriram, Hanuman, Shri Datta, Shri Gorakshanath, Shri Bhairavnath, and Shri Jalalnath. The Vateshwar Yatra is held in the village on Datta Jayanti. ‘Dhodambe’ is also known as a village of freedom fighters. It is also recognized as a ‘Land of Saints’. Preserving the heritage of ancient sculpture, both these temples have been declared as protected monuments by the State Archaeology Department.

Useful Information:

• ५८ km from Nashik and २६ km from Chandwad
• ST bus service available from Chandwad
• Can be reached directly to the temple by private vehicle
• No accommodation and breakfast facilities available in the area