Nashik Sri Kapaleshwar Mahadev Mandir – Maharashtra

Address

Nashik Sri Kapaleshwar Mahadev Mandir – Maharashtra

Panchavati, Nashik,

Maharashtra 422003

Moolavar

Sri Kapaleshwar Mahadev

Introduction

• Location: On the banks of the Godavari River near Panchavati in Nashik, Maharashtra
• Deity: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, known here as Kapaleshwar Mahadev
• Unique Aspect: No statue of Nandi, Lord Shiva’s gatekeeper, in this temple due to a unique legend associated with Nandi’s role as Shiva’s guru

Puranic Significance

• Establishment: Built in the early 18th century
• Legend of Nandi:
  • Lord Shiva removed Brahma’s fifth head in anger, which caused the sin of “Brahmahatya” (killing a Brahmin).
  • Nandi, in the form of a calf, advised Shiva to bathe in the Ramkund of the Godavari River to absolve his sin.
  • Shiva followed Nandi’s advice, and upon liberation from the sin, considered Nandi his guru.
  • As a mark of respect, Shiva chose to establish the temple without Nandi guarding it.

Special Features

• Unusual Absence of Nandi: Reflects the unique story of Nandi as Lord Shiva’s teacher.
• Similar Temple: The Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple in Jamnagar, Gujarat, also lacks a Nandi statue for its own distinct reasons.

Festivals

• Maha Shivaratri
• Kartik Masam

Century/Period

18th century

Nearest Bus Station

Nashik

Nearest Railway Station

Nashik Road Station

Nearest Airport

Nashik

Location on Map

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