Siddheshwar Mandir and Laxmi Narasinha temple in Dhom village

If you love ancient temple architecture in India, then you must visit these two quaint old temples. The Siddheshwar mandir and the Laxmi Narsimha temple are located right next to each other, near the dam in Dhom village, Maharashtra.

These temples are just 10 km away from Wai and in close proximity to the popular hill stations of Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani. You must include them in your trip around this region. This was the first day out of my 21 days solo trip across Maharashtra. And almost every person I met in Wai, told me that I must visit these temples because they are so beautiful.

Quick details

• Best time to visit: Any time of the year, but monsoon will definitely be more beautiful.
• Where to eat: Nothing much available near the temple as it is located inside a village. You can get some authentic Maharashtrian food in Wai, or head over to Mapro garden in Panchgani for food like sandwiches, fries, pizza and strawberries with cream.
• Entry fee: None. But donations as you wish.
• Parking space: Available near the temples.
• Accessibility: These temples are not accessible to wheelchairs as the ground is uneven. There are a few stairs inside the temple.

How to reach

Both of these temples are located right next to each other, and it is easy to visit both in a single trip. In order to reach these temples, you should first reach the town of Wai. And then head towards the Dhom village that is located around Dhom dam.

You can follow google maps, but also keep asking the locals for directions. It was a bit difficult for me to find this temple as it is hidden away from the main roads. A farmer from Dhom village showed me the right way.

Below are a few distances from the cities of Maharashtra, so that you may get an idea of how far these temples are from your home.

• Wai to Siddheshwar mandir distance: 10 km or 20 minutes
• Pune to Siddheshwar mandir distance: 97 km or 2.5 hours
• Mumbai to Siddheshwar mandir distance: 240 km or 5 hours
• Panchgani to Siddheshwar mandir distance: 22 km or 40 minutes
• Mahabaleshwar to Siddheshwar mandir distance: 41 km or 1.5 hours
• Satara to Siddheshwar mandir distance: 45 km or 1 hour

Laxmi Narasinha temple in Wai

This temple is a popular pilgrimage place for several people from Maharashtra and Karnataka. It is said to be built by the Pandavas. The temple has two statues of God Narasinha on a raised platform. One of them is in a fierce form of a Lion, which is why it’s called Narasinha.

‘Nara Sinha’ roughly translates to Lion Man and is a fierce form of god Vishnu in Hindu mythology. On the other side is the Soumya Roopa or the normal form of God Vishnu. When I visited this temple, several locals were circumambulating (pradakshina) the idol with a lot of devotion. The priest here told me that these idols were bought here from the southern parts of India.

Siddheshwar mandir in Wai

Right next to the Laxmi Narasimha temple is the Siddheshwar temple. Now you might be thinking what is so special about these temples anyway? They are just old temples after all, right?

First of all, this temple is located in an extremely peaceful and scenic location. You will surely forget all your worries once you reach this place. And secondly, among the several temples in Wai, the Siddheshwar mandir has the most alluring architecture and sculptures. Its unique feature is the Nandi Mandap. And I have never before seen something like that anywhere else.

Nandi Mandap outside the Siddheshwar temple

The highlight of this temple is the Nandi Mandap. This is the most beautiful piece of architecture I have ever seen. A large elaborate lotus-shaped pushkarni (pit) is carved into the floor just outside the temple. Inside this pit, on a cylindrical stage, a tortoise is placed. And this tortoise carries an elaborate Nandi Mandap on its back.

The elements of a lotus, tortoise and the Nandi are widely found in ancient Hindu architecture. But this temple has the most unique arrangement where all these three elements make one extremely alluring sculpture. Moreover, the pushkarni (pit) inside this lotus automatically fills up with water that circulates below the temple. When this pushkarni (pit) is filled with water, it gives an illusion as if the tortoise is floating on the water, with the Nandi mandap on its back!

Ancient water system at Siddheshwar temple

The entire temple runs on a unique water system. A beautiful lake is located just behind this temple and its called Dhom Kunda. Many devotees find this lake to be of spiritual importance. You will find water falling from a Nandi (or cow) face sculpted in black stone. Nobody knows how or where this water comes from. There are several idols of gods and goddesses close at the banks of this lake. Much of this area is neglected now, but the whole place has a heavenly vibe.

The water from this lake is circulated all around and below the temple. Moreover, this water system is automatic, unique and works all around the year, without the help of any modern-day technology. There is also an old stepwell below this temple. It was full of water when I was visiting.

The inner sanctum of Siddheshwar temple

Few small steps will lead you to inside the temple, which is on a raised platform. If you look carefully at the intricate designs and arches here you will find some amazing sculptures. The pillars are adorned with designs of banana flowers. This is a popular art form found in the western region of Maharashtra, particularly in the temples of Konkan.

If you look at the top of the stone walls around here you will find thick borders full of flower designs. This was a popular art form during the period when this temple was constructed. The Siddheshwar temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. So, the inner sanctum has a beautiful Shiva linga and some more artwork in the black stone.

Samadhi of Dhomi Rushi at Siddheshwar temple

Just below the steps that lead to the inner sanctum of this Shiva temple, you will find the samadhi place of Dhomi rushi (sage). Dhomi rushi is said to be the guru (teacher) of the Pandavas. And it is said that the Laxmi Narasimha temple located nearby was built by the Pandavas. So it makes total sense that these two temples are located next to each other.

Places to Visit nearby

• Nana Phadnavis Wada and Menavali Ghat
• Satara
• Temples in Wai
• Dhom Dam
• Panchgani
• Mahabaleshwar