On my recent trip to Trimbakeshwar, I visited the Gondeshwar Mahadev temple. I hadn’t heard of Gondeshwar temple before my visit. Now, I’m glad I went. Through the Gondeshwar temple guide, I hope more people discover this unsung beauty.

The Gondeshwar temple guide includes the temple’s history, location, how to get there, travel tips and more.

ABOUT GONDESHWAR TEMPLE

Gondeshwar Mahadev temple is a well-preserved Nagara-style temple built by Rav Govinda in the 12th century.

The temple is on a raised platform with the central Shiva temple, surrounded by Parvati, Surya, Vishnu and Ganpati’s shrines. This form of architecture is known as Shaivya Panchayatana. Also, there is another raised mandap where a mighty stone Nandi sits facing the entrance.

All five shrines have a mandap and gabhara (inner sanctum). Also, sculptures of gods and goddesses and scenes from Ramayan decorate the walls of each temple.

The temple complex has two entrances, but one is closed. The closed entrance behind the Nandi is a must-visit. It has a circular open roof and makes for instagrammable pics. From here, you have a clear view of the Nandi and the Mahadev temple.

The best thing about Gondeshwar temple is it is known to locals and a few outsiders. Therefore there are few to no people in the temple. As a result, you can explore the temple complex leisurely.

LOCATION OF GONDESHWAR TEMPLE

Gondeshwar Mahadev temple is in Sinnar, 30 km from Nashik. You can travel to Gondeshwar Mahadev temple en route or on a day trip from Nashik.

The temple is a few minutes from the main road in Sinnar. It is a narrow tar road. There are a few fading signboards pointing you in the temple’s direction. Follow Google maps for an accurate location. Or go old-school and ask locals to direct you to the temple.

Now, you know where’s Gondeshwar Mahadev temple. Next, let’s find out how to get there.

HOW TO GET THERE?

As I always say, the best way to explore India is by road. I took a road trip to Nashik and stopped by Gondeshwar temple en route to the city.

There are two roads leading out of Pune and merge at Alephata. One route is via Chakan, and the other is via Shikrapur.

The road via Chakan is 184 km and takes 4 hours, whereas the route via Shikrapur is 205 km and takes 4½-5 hours.

Pune – Wakdewadi – Dapodi – Bhosari – Moshi – Alandi Fata – Chakan – Shiroli – Rajgurunagar – Manchar – Narayangaon – Alephata – Sangamner – Sinnar.

Pune – Wagholi – Lonikand – Koregaon Bhima – Sanaswadi – Shikrapur – Malthan – Alkuti – Rajuri – Alephata – Sangamner – Sinnar.

Besides self-driving, there are other ways to get to Sinnar. There are direct buses from Pune to Sinnar. Or you can board a bus heading to Nashik with a stop in Sinnar. Both luxury and government buses run on this route.

The nearest train station is 30 km away in Nashik. You can take the train to Nashik from Pune. Then hop on a government or luxury bus or hire a taxi to Sinnar.

PLACES TO VISIT NEARBY

When travelling somewhere, I research all the must-visit sights in the vicinity. This way, I don’t miss out on anything.

Numerous temples and caves near Gondeshwar are worth visiting. Trimbakeshwar temple, Pandav Leni caves, Ram Kund, Kala Ram temple, Gora Ram mandir and Sula vineyards are a few of them.

*NOTE:- You can refer to my Trimbakeshwar temple guide for elaborate details.

GONDESHWAR TRAVEL TIPS

• The temple has no specific timings. However, early morning is the best time to visit Gondeshwar temple because there are few people.
• There is no strict dress code for visiting the Gondeshwar temple, but it is expected you dress appropriately.
• There are no flower shops or stalls outside the temple. Therefore, if you want to offer flowers at the shrine, bring flowers.
• Outsiders often get confused with the main temple’s entrance. Follow the Nandi because it faces the main door.
• There were no pandits and pujaris inside the temple during my visit. So if you wish to perform a Puja consult with the locals.
• Most visitors travel to Gondeshwar on a day trip or en route to Nashik. Or you can travel to Sinnar separately.
• Depending on your itinerary, you can stay either in Nashik or Sinnar. Both cities have several accommodation options.

CONCLUSION

Gondeshwar Mahadev temple is a beautiful example of India’s art and architecture and a must-visit temple. The Gondeshwar temple guide includes the temple’s history, location, how to get there, travel tips and more. I hope the Gondeshwar temple guide was helpful and it ignites your wanderlust.