Siddheshwar Ratneshwar Mandir

Overview

Siddheshwar and Ratneshwar Temple is situated about 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) from Latur City. The temple was built by King Tamradwaj. There are temples of Ramlingeswar, Bhuteswar, Keshavraj, Ram, Dutta present which add to the ancient cultural heritage of Latur city. The temple has been dedicated to Lord Siddharameshwar Swamy Siddarama of Solapur. He was a prophet of the Lingayat Veerashaivism sect of Hinduism. He was a spiritual leader and poet who belonged to the Kulla Kadigi community. The poet wrote beautiful verses in Kannada in the 12th century. At this time, he was also a part Basavanna's Veerashaiva rebellion of 12th century.

About The Temple

This temple is situated towards the north east of the town. It is believed that this temple have been built during the reign of lord Tambradhwaja a king presumed to have lived during puranic times. It is the Gram Daivat (The Presiding Diety) of the town. Except the main Shrine of the temple, the sabhamandap and other extensions are later additions. Temple is circled by a solid missionary wall. Having three gates towards the west , north and the southern side. In front of main gate (Mahadwar) there is a big sabhamandap which built in 1988.This sabhamandap is built on cement concrete having 18 big pillars. The Sabhamandap a later addition and capable of 3000 persons is open on the sides having only arch formation. This Sabhamandap hall is frequently used for performing marriage ceremonies.Against the inside along the course of missionary wall nearly 52 cloisters (Convents) for the convenience of the visiting pilgrims have been provided. Through one of the cloisters near the southern gate a passage leads to a Teertha beyond. Today the water of this teertha is used for Puja and it is also used by the pilgrims during the time of fair.

Inside the Missionary wall there is another sabhamandap, which is built in stons. There are ten or more columns inside the sabhamandap. Here is installed an idol of Lord Nandi in traditional posture. The Gabhara which is an original construction. Which is 25*15 feet in area. Inside the Gabhara copper facial plaque of Lord Siddheshwar are placed on a pedestal and below this pedestal there is a small Kund where the Linga established. Coloured marble tiles embossed design of flower and peacock figures fixed inside the vestibule. On the other side of the entrance to the vestibule the idol of Lord Gajanan is fixed on the wall. Towards the left of the Gabhara there is a block of stone bearing finely engraved and burnished images of some deities. Behind the Gabhara there is a staircase leading to the terrace. The idols of Lord Shankar and Parvati are housed in a small riche at its base. Towards the southern side of the Inner Sabhamandap there is an Underground Temple Which is known as Atmaling Temple. There is a big Shivling and Nandi statue inside this Atmaling Temple.

A beautiful Shikhar (Top) is about 9.14 mtr.s high from the terrace level. It is decorated with figures filled riches and four Nandi statues in four corners. Among the figures the most striking are Shankar ,Parvati, Ram, Saraswati, Dattatraya, Laxmi and Lord Vishnu.

Siddheshwar temple is one of the oldest temple in the town. In this temple the most important most imporant thing is SheelaLekh (Epigraph, Inscription).Which tells the story about the temple. It is carved in Devnagri lipi (script).

Festivals

Shri Siddheshwar fair at Latur is held every year in the month of June/July.

Accessibility

The nearest airport to Siddheshwar Temple is. The nearest railway station is Latur Road Railway Station which is 28 km away from Siddheshwar Temple. It is fairly well connected by road.

Temple Address

Siddheshwar Ratneshwar Mandir,
Hatte Nagar, Latur, Maharashtra,
India, Pincode – 413512.