Nilkatheshwar Mandir

Overview

The deity of God Shiva is worshipped at Nilkanteshwar Mandir that is located in Nilanga at Latur, Maharashtra. The temple was constructed in the 13th century and depicts the Hemadpanthi style of architecture. The structure of the temple comprises of a sanctum and mandap decorated with various kinds of wall carvings. Portraits of God Shankar and Goddess Parvati are also engraved.

The town, now known as Nilanga was earlier known as Nirlingpur derived from the temple dedicated to God Nilkhantshwara. It is situated 50 kilometres away from Latur district in the Nilanga tehsil.

About The Temple

The architecture of the temple is one of the kinds, representing a rare specimen of excellence of antique architecture as well as art. The walls on the outside are built in such a way that they look like pillars with small niches that have figurines carved on them. The temple is built creatively with various kinds of patterns and designs but some part of the temple is ruined due to weather conditions. The temple is renovated from time to time but its unique structure is still maintained. There are some original carvings that have mutilated due to the repairing.

An open courtyard of 12.19 x18.29 meters has been paved with stony slabs in front of the temple and the entrance consists of two platforms. The first platform is called the sabhamandap hall which is supported by pillars and is 2.787 sq. meters in area. The side walls of the hall consist two engraved rows and the other two rows comprises of seven pillars each. The middle rows have six pillars that consist of extraordinary carvings of Gods and Goddesses.

The Sabhamandap is then divided into two extensions in the form of chambers of 0.557 sq. meters each. The first chamber contains engravings of God Shankar and God Parvati in a single rock while the other chamber contains carvings of deities of God Balaji and God Vyonkoba. Under the pedestal of prime deity, images of God Kartik Swami, God Ganapati, God Nandi, God Hanuman, God Balaji and Goddess Sarawati can be noticed. The image of God Balaji is about 4 feet in height and depicts him armed with a shell and a discus. There are some images of devotees worshipping as well. The entrance of the temple is decorated with beautiful images of God Ganesha. All these carvings are in a symmetry which are admiringly beautiful and depict the excellence of the artists. The walls of main Gabhara and Mandap contain deities of God Ganpati, Goddess Laxmi etc. The Gabhara entrance is decorated with similar designs just larger in dimensions and contains a Svayambhau Linga.

Accessibility

Airport

The devotees can reach the temple by arriving at the nearest airport of Latur that is only 63kms away from the temple.

Railways

The temple is easily accessible from Latur Railway Station.

Road

The devotees can arrive at the temple through road transport as well. Frequent bus service from Latur central bus stand to Nilanga town is available after every 15minutes.

Temple Address

Nilkatheshwar Mandir,
Nilanga, Latur District, Maharashtra,
India, Pincode – 413521.