Prakasha: Difference between revisions

To the east of the village, on the banks of the Gomai river which downstream unites with the Tapi, is the antique shrine of Gautameshvar Mahadev, said to have been built by one of the Holkars probably Rani Ahilyabai Holkar who is known to have built many temple all over Maharashtra. The whole edifice is 12.80 metres X 4.88 metres (42 ft. X 16 ft.) and stands on an elevated dais with flights of steps on three sides of it giving access to the twelve pillared mandap, two of which are embedded in the gabhara walls. These pillars in all form eleven arches on the three open sides of the mandap. On the upper most step of the frontal flight of stairs one comes across two large ling symbols, installed on cement platforms flanking a crudely shaped image of nandi which faces the ling inside the vestibule . The door frame of the vestibule containing the ling of Gautameshvar Mahadev bears some insignificant carvings. On its lintel a few images are also sculptured. A shikhar adorns the top of the gubhara. Though virtually uncared for in recent years, the masonry structure of the temple is still in a solid condition. Outside an images of Hanuman could be seen installed on a pedestal and mother image of deity kept leaning against the trunk of a pipaltree. Every twelve years on the entrance of the, planet jupiter, Guru, in the constellation of the Leo, Simhasta, a fair is held in honour of this Mahadev.