Sundar Narayan Temple Nashik

Shrine’s History

In 1756, the Sundar Narayan temple was built by the Gangadhar Yashwant Chandrachud. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Vishnu with Goddess Shri Lakshmi and Goddess Shri Saraswathi who are placed in the sanctum of the temple. The main deity is Lord Vishnu ? also called Narayana. To the left and right are Shri Lakshmi and Shri Saraswathi respectively. Fine designs are carved on the stones of the temple. On the road leading towards Godavari river, there is Badarika Sangam pond. It is said that the king of Devgiri bathed and performed rites in this pond. We also find a mention of this pond in the holy book Dnyaneshwari.

One remarkable thing about this temple is that it is built at such an angle, that on 21st March, rays of the rising Sun first fall exactly upon the idols. It’s a Lord Vishnu’s temple and the reason for the name “Sunder” is that he once became ugly by the curse given by Jalandhar’s wife Vrinda . Due to the curse, Lord Vishnu turned black and ugly. He then took bath in the Godavari and thus was relieved from the curse. Hence Lord Vishnu is called as Shri Sundar Narayan here.

Architectural Relevance of This Shrine

There are small carvings of Hanuman, Narayana and Indira on the walls. The east-facing temple has three porches with balcony seating, lobed arches and globular domes. The temple presents imposing architecture especially the vaulted niche, which strikes a chord with the Mughal sculpture.

Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There

By Road

The nearest bus stop is Nasik

By Rail

The nearest railway station to Sundar Narayan temple is Nasik Road Train Station which is 2 km away from Sundar Narayan Temple.

By Air

The nearest airport to Sundar Narayan Temple is Chhatrapati Shivaji international airport , which is 140 km away from Sundar Narayan Temple .

Shrine Timings

06:00 to 12:00 All days of the week Morning 17:00 to 21:00 All days of the week Evening