Gondeshwar Temple

The Gondeshwar temple has been the prime attraction in the northeast of the Sinnar town, since centuries. It is built on a vast area and consists of numerous shrines built in an architectural style called Hemadpanthi style. This black stone and lime temple is the most complete, largest and best preserved temples belonging to medieval times of the Indo-Aryan style of Deccan. Gondeshwar temple is not just a single temple; it is a group of 5 temples in a large enclosure. Such enclosures are termed as Shaiva Panchayatan and in Gondeshwar, the main shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva while four around it are dedicated to Ganpati, Parvati, Lord Vishnu and Surya.

Location:Sinnar,Nashik.

Architecture:
The temple of Lord Shiva is beautifully proportioned and consists of an assembly hall called sabhamandap and the Shiva Linga is enshrined by a towered ceiling called the gabhara. Central shrine consists of three impressive and pillared porches at the entrance. The design of this temple is unique consisting of beautiful stone carvings and shikhara different from any other Indo-Aryan temples. The pillared hall of Lord Vishnu’s temple is elegant, small and one of the finest in this part of the region. The striking specialty of this temple is the alcove and deep projections on the wall surfaces. The facilitated platform of the temple enables devotees to give pradakshina, also enables a wonderful view of the various stone sculptures around the shrine.

The restoration work performed by the Archaeological department of India has helped restore this architectural wonder and its past glory. This temple weathered by sun and wind for centuries, is a glorifying example of local craftsmanship and a treasure trove of history.

How to reach:
Pune to Sinnar 181 km
Mumbai to Sinnar 189 km
Shirdi to Sinnar 54 km
Daman to Sinnar 174 km
Bhimashankar to Sinnar 197 km