About Temple

The one and only temple — the unique Mandir of Lord Shiva in the universe — where you will not find Nandi sitting before the Shiva Linga, is the Kapaleshwar Mahadev Mandir Nashik. This sacred temple symbolizes the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The story of this rare temple is narrated in the Padmapurana by the holy saint Markandeya Rishi, one of the most respected sages of ancient times.

According to the legend, Lord Brahma had five faces. Four were used to recite the Vedas, while the fifth often criticized Lord Vishnu. During a divine assembly, when Brahma began to insult both Vishnu and Shiva, Lord Shiva became furious. He snatched Brahma’s weapon and cut off his fifth head. This act, however, made Lord Shiva uneasy as it was considered the sin of Brahma Hatya (killing a Brahmin). Seeking redemption, Shiva began a journey across the universe to find penance for his action.

During his quest, Lord Shiva arrived at Panchavati in Nashik — now the sacred location of the Kapaleshwar Mahadev Mandir Nashik. He chose to rest at the home of a Brahmin named Dev Sharma. While resting, Lord Shiva overheard a conversation between a cow and her calf, who was none other than Nandi reborn. The calf told his mother that Dev Sharma had mistreated him and that he would take revenge. His mother warned him that killing the Brahmin would be a great sin — Brahma Hatya. The calf replied that even Lord Shiva had committed the same sin but would surely find a way to atone for it. Hearing this, Lord Shiva realized that his own penance would soon be revealed.

The next morning, Nandi attacked Dev Sharma, killing him and thus committing Brahma Hatya. To purify himself, Nandi bathed in the holy Godavari River at Panchavati. Upon emerging from the water, his color turned from black back to milky white — a sign that his sin was forgiven. Witnessing this, Lord Shiva followed the same path of purification and then established himself at this sacred place, which became the Kapaleshwar Mahadev Mandir Nashik.

It is believed that Lord Vishnu himself established the Shivling here and named it “Kapaleshwar,” meaning “the Lord who removed the head (Kapala).” Praying at the Kapaleshwar Mahadev Mandir Nashik is said to cleanse one’s sins and lead the soul toward Moksha — ultimate liberation.

This temple stands as the only one in the universe where Nandi is not present before the Shiva Linga. Lord Shiva accepted Nandi as his Guru — a reminder that even the greatest divine powers bow to wisdom and humility. Panchavati, the home of the Kapaleshwar Mahadev Mandir Nashik, remains a sacred confluence of the Aruna, Varuna, and Saraswati rivers merging into the Godavari. This holy site offers peace, divine energy, and eternal spiritual comfort to every devotee who visits.