Siddheshwar Temple, Akole, Maharashtra

Siddheshwar Temple, Akole, Maharashtra

Siddheshwar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Akole City in Akole Taluk in Ahmednagar District in Maharashtra, India. The temple is situated on the southern bank of Pravara River. The temple is one of the state protected monuments in Maharashtra declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The temple is believed to be built in 13^th century CE by the Shilahara dynasty. The temple was buried till 1780 CE under the deposits of Pravara River and then was excavated and cleaned.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and stands over a low raised platform. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala, sabha mandapa and mukha mandapa. Nandi can be seen in the mukha mandapa facing towards the sanctum. The sabha mandapa has entrance porches on the southern and northern sides. However, these entrance porches are closed by parapet walls. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Siddheshwar, in the form of Shiva Linga within circular yonipitha.

The sanctum can be entered from the back side through a mukha mandapa. This mukha mandapa is reconstructed with typical Peshwa style cusped arches and stocky cypress pillars. The niches on the northern and southern walls of the sanctum have dilapidated images of Chamunda and Nataraja. The pillars of the temple are intricately carved with figures of Hindu deities, dancers, floral motifs, and geometric patterns.

The doorframes of the sabha mandapa, eastern and western entrances of the sanctum are intricately carved. The exterior of the temple is decorated with figures of Hindu deities, dancers, animals, kirtimukhas, Samudramanthan, floral motifs, and geometric patterns. Sculptures of camels can be found rarely in Maharashtra, but it is found in this temple. Shrine for Hanuman, Lingas, Nandis, Loose sculptures of Hindu deities, Hero stones and architectural fragments can be seen in the temple premises.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 1 Km from Akole Bus Stand, 24 Kms from Sangamner, 35 Kms from Bhandardara, 72 Kms from Nashik, 86 Kms from Nashik Airport, 118 Kms from Ahmednagar and 161 Kms from Pune Airport. The temple is situated at about 1 Km to the north-east of Akole Bus Stand on Bhandardara to Sangamner route.

Location