Day 6: Sinnar (Nashik)

To read the previous blog on Junnar-Jawhar-Nashik Day 5 click here

Day 6: A Journey Back in Time – Sinnar’s Temples

We enjoyed a relaxed morning at Raghunandan Resort, Nashik since it was the last day of this trip. It is surrounded by lush greenery, featuring guava, mango, and various other trees that create a refreshing natural view. It also boasts a stunning swimming pool, adding to its charm. Our stay here was truly enjoyable. Though the resort is located a bit off the main road, it offers a serene and tranquil atmosphere, perfect for relaxation.

After having breakfast, we checked out from Raghunandan Resort, Nashik and started the journey to Pune. Sinnar falls on the way to Pune. So we planned to visit the Aishwaryeshwar Temple and the Gondeshwar Temple in Sinnar.

It took us 1.5 hours to reach Gondeshwar Temple in Sinnar. Sophie was allowed in the premises but not inside the main temple. So she waited with my husband in a cool shaded area in the premises.

The Gondeshwar Temple, dating back to the 11th-12th century, is a remarkable Hindu temple built by the Yadavas and their feudatories. It follows the Panchayatana architectural plan, where the central shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva, surrounded by four smaller shrines devoted to Lord Vishnu, Lord Surya, Goddess Parvati, and Lord Ganesha—an awe-inspiring arrangement.

Constructed in the Bhumija and Hemadpanti architectural styles, the temple is made of locally available black basalt stone. The entrance is adorned with stone carvings, leading to the magnificent Gondeshwar Temple at the heart of the premises. The temple complex, known as Shaiva Panchayatan, consists of five shrines enclosed within a spacious courtyard, all meticulously proportioned. Built on a raised platform, the temple provides an excellent vantage point to admire the sculptures scattered throughout the site.

The Shiva Linga is enshrined beneath a towering ceiling, and the temple is well-preserved. The intricately carved pillars, walls, and roof showcase exquisite craftsmanship. Within the pillared hall, there is a beautifully carved turtle, symbolizing Lord Vishnu’s Kurma avatar, which, though small, is remarkably detailed. The sacred Nandi (Lord Shiva’s mount) is positioned facing the main entrance.

Every carving within the temple narrates different tales from ancient epics like the Ramayana. The Gondeshwar Temple stands as a magnificent example of medieval Deccan and Indo-Aryan temple architecture. Though some of the corner shrines have suffered damage, with only a few idols remaining, the temple remains a site of immense historical and cultural significance.

Recognized as a heritage site, the Gondeshwar Temple in Sinnar has been carefully restored by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), preserving this hidden architectural treasure for generations to admire.

Aishwaryeshwar mandir is pet friendly. It is not very famous amongst commercial tourists. We parked at the main gate and entered the premises. The temple is and its premises are very well maintained by ASI. Entry is free of cost. there is a drinking water tap and some benches under shady trees. Washrooms are not available. There are some indie dogs in the premises. We had carried some cut fruits in a tiffin . We ate those fruits in the premises of the temple so that we don’t have to take a lunch break on the way to Pune.

The Aishwaryeshwar Temple, a Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, is situated in Sinnar City within Nashik District. Dating back to the 12th century CE, the temple is located near the Sinnar Gondeshwar Temple. Oriented towards the east, it stands on a slightly elevated platform. The structure comprises a sanctum, an antrala, and a pillared mandapa, which is upheld by eight intricately carved pillars. The roof connecting the mandapa and antrala is entirely missing. At the entrance of the antrala, a torana features a detailed carving of Nataraja. Inside the sanctum, the principal deity, Aishwaryeshwar, is enshrined as a Shiva Linga set within a circular yonipitha.

The temple of Aeshwar was built during the reign of Seunachandra II or his son Airammadeva between 1075 or 1100 CE. It is inspired by the Chalukyan styel of architecture as it does not correspond to the other temple styles of Maharashtra. This is the most northernly Chalukyan structure reported in the region and can be said to be the best exam of Chalukyan work in the 11th century CE and is possibly older than the Gondeshwara temple. The temple admeasuring 2.30 x 11.40 m consists of an ardhamandapa, nandimandapa, antarala and garbhagriha. The nandimandapa and ardhamandapa are supported on eight lavishly decorated pillars. A very common motif of the Chalukyan temples is the ‘Gajalakshmi‘ which graces the lintel of the door-jamb of the shrine. Above it is an image of Sheshasayi and a frieze of Saptamatrikas, another usual Chalukyan feature. The nine sunken squares of the flat ceiling are the ashtadikpalas which is not a common feature in the temples of Deccan. At the entrance of the antarala is a makara torana which is the most beautiful piece of carving, represents Natesa in the centre of the foliated decoration. garbhagriha is enshrined with Shivlinga. The exterior of the shrine is decorated with rows of mithunas, bharvahak, gajathara, makarathara, vyala, gaavaksha, mini shikharas and panels from Ramayana.

We headed to our journey to Pune which is round 200kms from Sinnar. We reached Pune at 8:00pm. This marked the end of our 6 days road trip to Junnar, Jawhar and Nashik.

This trip to Junnar, Jawhar, and Nashik was an absolute joy, especially with Sophie by our side. These destinations offered a perfect mix of history, nature, and spirituality, and most importantly, were pet-friendly enough for Sophie to enjoy. Whether it was the historical forts, peaceful temples, or scenic walks, traveling with our furry companion made every experience even more memorable.

We can’t wait for our next adventure together! If you’re planning a pet-friendly trip in Maharashtra, these locations are definitely worth visiting !