Satgaon Group of Temples, Maharashtra

Satgaon Group of Temples, Maharashtra

Satgaon Group of Temples are group of Hindu Temples and Jain Temples located at Satgaon Village in Chikhli Taluk in Buldhana District in Maharashtra, India. The temple complex is situated on the western side of the village. The village is locally known as Satgaon Bhusari to distinguish it from another village on Buldhana – Dhad road with the same name. 

History

The temples are believed to have been constructed during the reign of Later Chalukyas. The Temples are considered as state protected monuments in Maharashtra declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple Complex

The temple complex consists of four temples. Out of four temples, two temples are dedicated to Lord Vishnu, one temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the other one temple is dedicated to Jain Tirthankara. All the temples are in dilapidated state. One temple is completely in ruined state.

Vishnu Temple 1:

This temple is considered as the principal shrine of the temple complex. This temple is facing towards west. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala and sabha mandapa. The sabha mandapa is open pillared mandapa. The sabha mandapa is enclosed by a parapet wall on all three sides. The sabha mandapa can be entered through west, south and north side.

The superstructure over the sanctum, antrala and the sabha mandapa have been lost completely except the lower portion. The image of Lord Vishnu enshrined in the sanctum is broken and lost. Only his feet above the image of Garuda can be seen in the sanctum. The exterior walls of the temple and the ceilings of the mandapa are intricately carved.

Shiva Temple:

This Shiva temple situated at the back side of the Vishnu Temple 1. This temple is facing towards east and is in ruined state. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala and mukha mandapa. Nandi can be found in the mukha mandapa facing towards the sanctum. The dedicatory block in the lintel of the sanctum doorway has a carving of Lord Ganesha. Images of Vaishnavi, Brahmi and Parvati in miniature niches can be seen above the lintel. The sanctum enshrines a Shiva Linga within circular yonipitha.

Vishnu Temple 2:

This temple is situated to the north of the Vishnu Temple 1. This temple is facing towards south and is in ruined state. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala and mukha mandapa.

Jain Temple:

The fourth temple in the temple complex is Jain Temple. The temple has been lost completely except the four standing pillars. There is a large Peepal tree situated to north west of this temple. There is raised platform around this tree. This platform houses few ancient sculptures. One of the sculpture is Jain Thirthankara Parshvanatha with an inscription dated to 1251 CE. This image might have been enshrined in the sanctum of this temple. There is a broken image of Jain goddess found in this platform. She is having a flower crown at the top of her head with a carving of seated Jain Thirthankara.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 10 Kms from Chikhli, 11 Kms from Chikli Bus Stand, 20 Kms from Buldhana, 20 Kms from Buldhana Bus Stand, 65 Kms from Khamgaon, 65 Kms from Malkapur Railway Station, 136 Kms from Aurangabad and 139 Kms from Aurangabad Airport. The temple is situated on Chikli to Buldhana route.

Location