Vateswar Mahadev Temple, Dhodambe, Maharashtra

Vateswar Mahadev Temple, Dhodambe, Maharashtra

Vateswar Mahadeva Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Dhodambe Village in Chandwad Taluk in Nashik District in Maharashtra, India. The temple is one of the state protected monuments in Maharashtra declared by Archaeological Survey of India. Dhodambe is situated at the confluence of Kadru and Vinta Rivers and at the foot of the famous Dhodap Fort.

Legends

As per local folklore, the village was named after the Sage Dhaumya, the priest of the Pandavas. It is also said that the village derived its name from the Dhodap fort.

History

The temple was built by the Seuna (Yadava) dynasty of Devagiri in 12^th century CE.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east and stands over a raised platform. This temple follows Hemadpanti style of architecture. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala, sabha mandapa and mukha mandapa. The sabha mandapa has perforated windows on the northern and southern sides. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Vateswar Mahadeva, in the form of Shiva Linga within circular yonipitha. The superstructure over the sanctum and mandapa are of recent origin.

The exterior of the temple is decorated almost exclusively with female figures. Women are portrayed riding elephants, horses and even a large bird and seem to be hunting wild boar or fighting a war using a variety of weapons. The trees in the background are also different. There is a Vishnu temple situated adjacent to this temple. This temple is also facing towards east and follows Hemadpanti style of architecture. This temple stands over the same raised platform of the adjacent Vateswar temple.

The shikara over the Vishnu temple is of nagara style. There is a unique Kaliyamardhana panel on the ceiling of the mandapa. Eight Krishnalila scenes can be seen above the eight pillars of the mandapa. Varaha and Narasimha are seen on the bhadras outside. The exterior of the temple is decorated with sculptures of Hindu deities, celestial dancers, animals, floral motifs, and geometrical patterns. There are several shrines around the temple.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 9 Kms from Vadalibhoi, 26 Kms from Chandwad, 32 Kms from Lasalgaon Railway Station, 41 Kms from Nashik Airport, 57 Kms from Nashik and 64 Kms from Malegaon. The temple is situated at about 9 Kms to the north west of Vadalibhoi on the Nashik to Malegaon route.

Location