Navkund Zari Mandir

Navkund Zari is a village in the Chakur tahsil. There is temple of Siddheshwar Nagnath in this village which is famous not only in Chakur but also in India. This place is also known  Kashi of South India. Village is also located towers north west of Chakur. Total area of this village is 1474 hectares. This village is famous as religious place. village is about 34 km away from Latur.
        There are twelve Jotirlings in our country. There are three temples of Siddheshwar in Maharashtra,such as Latur, solapur,and aland. And there is a temple of Nagnath in aundha Nagnath. But joint temples of Siddheshwar and Nagnath are found only in North Kashi and Navkund Zari.
       The experts say that this temple was built in the Treta Yuga. When lord Ram was in exile, he created nine kundas here by calling the navgrahas (planets). Most of these kundas are now ruined. But now only four kundas are in good condition. There are idols of Narsimha, Sheshasai Vishnu, and Mahadev in these kundas. These kundas are always full of water. The water of two kundas is used for drinking, and the other one is used for bathing. One of them is known as 'Chambhar Kund'. Because of these nine kundas, this village is known as 'Nav Kunda Zari

Sidheshwar Nagnath Mandir at Zari is Hemadpanthi. It is based on stone pillars. Cement is not used in the construction of the temple. This temple is built by placing stones one on one. The temple has thirty stone pillars. Each pillar has a beautiful engraving. The temple is in 'Swastik symbol' in shape. At the entrance, we see the 'Nandi' with a curved neck. In front of that, there is the temple of Sidheshwar Nagnath in the East-West direction. Besides the Sidheshwar temple, there are nine 'grahas'. There is a Kunda in the Nagnath temple. The depth of water in these Kundas is nearly five feet. There is the pind of Lord Shiva in this water. It is believed that there is a deep valley under this 'pind'. The water in all the Kundas is always at the same level. The campus of the temple is very big, where there are three temples. Sidheshwar temple is the main temple here, which is north-facing and has two Gabharas. There is a 'Shiv pind' in the left Gabhara. There is a Mukhmandap in front of the temple. The sixteen images are engraved on the four pillars of 'Sabhamandap'. Among those pictures are Vishnu, Krishnalila, Nrisinha, birds, elephants, and there is an image of a man who is playing flute before the snake. The 'Zumbar' (centre of the roof) is engraved with beautiful design, Kirtimukhas, and dancing images. There are also the pictures of Shiv Parvati with Nandi, Saptmatrika patti, and Nagshila. Both the Gabhara have the summits. Nagnath temple has the image of the dancing Lord Shiva instead of 'Ganeshpatti'. There is another Hemadpanthi temple on the campus, but in a ruined condition. There is an idol of Nrisinha in this temple. The idol has the 'Sinhasan' of stone

There is a wroe inscription in the campus of the temple. It is 8 inch in length and 3 feet in height. The third hemadpanthi temple in the campus has the 'Shiv pind'.

Zari is an important religious place in Chakur tahsil. It is in the north-west direction of Chakur. The area of this village is 1474 hectares. This is a centralised type of village. The atmosphere here is beautiful in the rainy season. It is 30 km away from Latur. One has to go via Chakur, Hati (Khurd), and Wagholi to reach this village. The buses, private vehicles, and jeeps are available from Chakur. But the road on this route is in bad condition

The educational facilities are good in this village. The village has primary, secondary and higher secondary schools. The health facilities and made available through maternity and Child Care Center, Child Welfare Centre, Primary Health Care Sub. Station, Nursing Home etc. There are also private dispensaries in the village.

The village has open sewage system. But the dirt and filth is increasing due to the lack of proper management of the drainages. The administration should concentrate at this. The roads in the village are unplanned. The houses and shops are unevenly settled. The electricity is supplied in nearly all the houses of the village.

The drinking water is supplied through taps. Besides, the wells and hand pumps are also used for drinking water. There is a post office in the village, and recently, the telephone facility has been made available. A weekly bazaar is held on Thursday in this village. The people from the nearby village come to this bazaar. The village has no bus stand, and the area where a bus stops is full of filth and dirt. The travellers don't have any shelter in this village, so they have to wait for buses here for a long time, in the open space. The roads are in bad condition; they should be well-maintained. The sewage system needs improvement. The village lacks an accommodation facility. During the fair, people either stay in the temple or prefer to return to Chakur or sleep in the open. The Gram Panchayat should build the inn or the 'math' for the people. There are five - six hotels in the village. The meal available is of medium quality. A good hotel should be made available that will provide good quality meals to the people. The village lacks the facility of a lodge.

The village also lacks recreational facilities like sports, a garden etc. The garden or sports ground should be made available so that people will take rest during the fair.

Nilkanteshwar Mandir

    Nilkantheshwar mandir is one of the famous ancient temple in Latur District. This temple is in Hemadpanthi Style and it  is carved beautifully. This temple is situated in Nilanga town. Nilanga town is taluka place of nilanga  tahsil.
               Nilanga town is 50 km away from Latur. The area of Nilanga town is 1676 sq km. The total population of this town is 31660. Out of which 16472 are male and 15188 are female. The density of this town is 995 persons per square kilometer. The literacy rate of this town is 65.87.
               The climate of this town is hot and dry. The average rainfall of the town was just 711.70 mm in 2001. The average temperature of this town is 28 *C. There is no land under forest in Nilanga tahsil. Nilanga town is in the west of the tahsil. Nilanga is a historical and ancient town in latur district. Where, the historical Nilkantheshwar Temple is situated.
               In ancient times, Nilanga Town was known as Nirlingpur. Nirlingpur derives its name from the Temple of Lord Nilkhantshwara. Onward Nirlingpur has changed his name to Nilang. This temple is in Hemadpanthi style and was built during the time of 12th or 13th century. This temple is a rare specimen of the perfection of ancient art and architecture. Outside walls give the appearance of a pillar-like formation, having small niches fixed with excellently carved human, animal, and divine figurines. Every part of the temple, except the terrace, has unique patterns or designs. The main entrance and some pillars of the temple were ruined. So to maintain the antiquity of this temple, ruined parts have been repaired with white cement. And because of that, original carvings have been totally erased. Some carvings have been mutilated. In front of the temple, there is a 12.19 * 18.29 meters open courtyard paved with stony slabs. While entering through the main gate, there are two platforms. One is the sabhamandap hall, which is 2.787 square meters in area and supported by the side rows of pillars. Two rows are embedded in the side walls. The remaining two rows have seven pillars each. And the middle rows have six each. Pillars are the unique gift of carving and art. Each pillar is ornamented with rich and unique carvings. Such as beautiful images of the Gods and goddesses. Some pillars are not carved. The sabhamandap has two extensions, one each on either side forming two 0.557 sq mt chambers, The one to the left containing images of Lord Shankar and Parvati carved in single block of stone and the other to the right containing the idols of Lord Balaji and Vyonkoba with an artistically designed provably round it, carved in a single block of stone. In the first of these chambers, just bellow the pedestal, the principal deity is installed. There are so many images of Lord Kartik Swami, Nandi Ganpati, Hanuman, and Saraswati around the deity. There is an image of Mongoos and Lord Balaji.  The image of Lord Balaji is four feet in height, it is armed with a discus and a shell. There are images of devotees depicted in the act of praying. The jambs of the entrances are exquisitely decorated with various types of Ganpati images. The breadth of the entrance is covered with small temple replicas bearing some divine images delicately engraved on the stone blocks similarly, the base of the entrance bears ingeniously carved divine figures admirably proportionate in measurement. The absolute symmetry of designs on both entrances depicts par excellence the architectural skill of the time when the temples were constructed. The Main Gabhara and Mandap walls have four niches in all, housing idols of Lord Laxmi, Ganpati, etc. Identical design and patterns of those on the chambers' entrances also decorate the main Gabhara entrance, with the only exception that here the designs are large in dimensions. it contains the Svayambhau Linga, held deeply in reverence by the people. There is a spacious terrace above,
 Nilanga town is in the south of Latur City. The buses are available from Latur per 15 min. from the central bus stand of Latur city. These buses are called Janta Express. The private luxuries and Jeeps, taxis also convey the travelers from any part of the district to Nilanga. This town is well connected to all the towns in the Latur district. There is a lack of Railway facilities in this town. The buses charge Rs. 21 per person ot Nilanga from Latur. Nilanga town is located between the regions of Terna and the Manjra River. The rainfall is recorded here as 711.70 mm in 2001, which is 696.10 mm. The climate in this town is hot and dry in summer, and it is cool and dry in winter. But the climate in this town is very salubrious in the winter season. In the rainy season, the atmosphere in this town is cool and green, but because the town is not kept clean, the atmosphere here is very unhygienic in the rainy season.

Though the town has most of the tar roads but the conditions of most of the tar roads is not so good. They should have to be enlarged and maintained well, which will help to improve in transportation facilities in this town. Though the town is not well recognized in the field of education like Latur and Udgir towns, i.e., some schools and colleges in the town are providing good educational facilities to the people. Lal Bhadur Shastri Vidyalaya, Maharashtra Mahavidyalya, and Shivaji Mahavidyalya are the famous educational institutions that provide the facilities of secondary and higher education. There are 15 to 20 important, well-known computer centers in Nilanga town, which provide modern knowledge of computers in their training period.

The facilities of health are good in Nilanga town. There are three big hospitals near about 86 dispensaries and family planing centers in the town. Where the patients are receiving better treatment. The private hospitals are providing better facilities than the government hospital But the fees and charges by the private hospital are not appropriate for poor people. Therefore they likes to prefer government hospital rather than private hospitals.

The drinking water is supplied through taps. The municipal council has provided the borrowers of the important plates in the town. The water is also supplied by river infiltration gallery, but these means are not sufficient for fulfill the need of the town. The water is supplied by tankers in most of the parts of the town in summer. Water supply provided in temple is quite good and sufficient.

The sewage system is managed through open surface drains in Nilanga town but most of the parts of the town are full with filth & dirtiness. The campus around the temple should be kept clean, which will retain the beauty of temple. The open surface drains around this temple should be covered so that the filth & dirt will hot be spread around the temple.

The electricity supply is supplied through thermal power station to Nilanga town. Most of the electricity is used for domestic purpose and then for industry purpose. The roads and the important places in the town have tubes and marquries. Electricity supply is good in the temple. The temple is beautified by lighting on special occasions. At that time the temple bathes in the lighting. The electricity facilities are good in town.

The lodges are available for accommodation in the town. There are 7 big lodges and 28-32 small loges in town. For example, Amith Lodge, Shishkati Lodge, Vicaram Lodge, etc. The facilities in the lodges are better than those of Mathas and Dharmshala. The beds for sleeping, hot water, TV, and telephone facilities are provided in the lodges. The big lodges charge Rs. 250-350 per day per person. Whereas the smaller lodges charge Rs. 25-30 per day per person, the poor & economically backward class people prefer to live in Mathas, rather than the lodges. Some temples provide accommodation without any charge.

There are 120-130 hotels in Nilanga town. The meals of high quality are available in high-quality hotels, but the rates are also high. Medium-quality hotels are providing good meals at medium prices. There are some stalls where breakfast & tea are available.

The bus stand is not so big in Nilanga town. The campus of bus stand is full with filth and durth. The facility of parking is not available.

The atmosphere around the temple should be kept clean. The coconuts should be broken outside the temple. The electricity, the accommodation facilities, head the of improvement. The roads near the temple and in the town should be in large. There are two three reading rooms in the town. The number of books should be increased in it. The municipal council should develop new park for citizens & the travelers, which well help this place to develop as a tourist center.

Surat Shahawali Dargah

             Shri Surat Shahawali Dargah is situated in patel chowk, old Ram Galli. This Dargah is attached with shri Chintamani Parshwanath digambar Jain Mandir. This Darga is famous not only in Marathwada region but also in Maharashtra. It was build in A.D. 1939. It is said that Saint Saifulla Shaha Sardari took Samadhi here. He was a resident of Katak, Gujrat. It is mentioned that they are masquerading as tiger while sleeping. It is said that Surat Sahawali had appeared for blessing to grand father Nanhesab Hasanoddin Mujawar son of Yusuf Namijoddin Mujawar before 110 years ago.
  Fair is held here for five days in the month of jun/july every year, according to muslim months fair start from Jamadeel Awal. During the fair Shri Siddheshwar Mandir Comity honoured coconuts and chaddar of flowers , in the procession the Green flag is given to this Dargah. At the same time of Siddheshwar fair Surat Sahawali Dargah also honoured same to Shri Siddheshwar Mandir, and in the procession the Saffron Bhagwa flag is given to Shri Siddheshwar Mandir. This old tradition bitween these two set a good example of unity bitween Hindu and Muslim Community.

Ramlingeshwar Mandir

              Ramlingeshwar Mandir is situated towards the west of Siddheshwar Mandir in latur town. It is believed that! Ramlingeshwar Mandir to have built during the reign of the legendary king Tamradhwaja. In the center of courtyard there is a cloister surrounded by masonry compound wall against its inner course. The temple has a 44.20 * 10.67 meter Mandap hall. Mandap Hall was added later date. Its middle portion is paved with colored marble tiles. Herein is the statue of Nandi and on the other side two small ling on vestibule entrance. Two more ling are housed in the vestibule! one is on pedestal and other bigger one is on the floor. On the top of the larger linga there is a creative fissure. And it is supposed to represent the wound the king received from the sword in the battle. King was devout of Raamlingeshwar. He was a worshiper of him. A shikhar crowns the temple. 

Datta Mandir Latur

       Shri Datta Mandir is situated in latur town. It is another famous datta mandir in Latur town. It is situated on latur ausa road. In 1964-65, head of Sadanand Peeth, shri Balgovindanand Saraswati considered that Latur is the place Where the Guru is living invisibly. Shri Balgovind Saraswati Maharaj is the resident of Basav Kalyan a small town in Karnataka. Shramati V G Kulkarni from Kolhapur was the deciple of Balgovind Saraswati. She had come in latur in 1966. She purchased the land from poor farmer. she established Swayanbhue Paduka here. And from that day, the function of Datta Jayanti is being celebrated here, for the erection of this mandir. She has given good contribution in it. first it was a small temple, by the by it is recreated as a big mandir. In  front of main Gabhara there is a Big Sabhamandap. In this Sabhamandap, there is a platform which is about 40 fit long and broad. This platform is divided into four parts. In the first part, there is a idol of Slivling and Vitthal Rukumai. In the second part, there is a idol of Shivpind, Ganpati and Maruti. And in the third and fourth part, two types of idols of Lord Datta is established. There is a cell under the platform.Many agnikundas are found inside the cell. There are five Holly trees inside the Mandir.

Shwetambar Jain Mandir

Another attraction of Latur town is Shri Shwetambar Jain Mandir. Located on Chapsi road. It is a place of worship of Jain community. This Mandir was constructed in 1950. At that time it was very small in size. In1970, it was reconstructed again and the idol of shri Shantinath Bhagwan is established. It is double storied edifice of stone, moderately decorated with some excellent carvings. On the first floor there is a big hall (sabhamandap). It is near about 1800 sq ft. It is used for dining also. There are 6 rooms are available here also. The main idol of Shantinath Bhagwan is instoled here also. Vishvasen was the fathar of shantinath bahgwan and Achira was his mother. They were the residents of hastinapur. Shantinath bhagwan was known as Thirthkar also. His race was Eshwaku. It is mentioned that the duration of his life is one Lakisha years, There are the images of yaksha and yakshani inside this temple. The Shikhar of this Mandir is recently constructed. It is very beautiful place.

Bada Balaji Mandir

   Bada Balaji Mandir is the first Balaji Mandir in Latur town. It is also known as Shri Ram Panchayatan. 

Keshavraj Mandir

             Keshavraj Mandir is situated at the south west of Shri Siddheshwar mandir. The ancient sanctum sanctorum (Gabhara) of this mandir is built in stone masonry. Sanctum sanctorum of this temple is having a few monolithic pillars for its cornerstone. This shrine is in more or less Hemadpanthi style. In this sanctum sanctorum a 1.129 mtrs tall idol if lord Keshavraj is in standing position. The mandir is facing towards the east. There is a short connecting passage linking the inner and outer shrine. This Mandir has two entrances gates one is on east and other one is on north side. Towards the right of the temple few cloisters have been provided. It appears that it had a protective wall. Internal Sabhamandap of this mandir is very big around 65*60 ft approximately. There are some dilapidated remains scattered here and there.

  

 The idol of lord keshavraj was found in deep forest in 12th Century to some Shepherds and they established and worshipped the idol. The idol is different than rest of Keshavraj idols found in the country. This idol has all 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu carved on it. The idol also has carvings of Lakshmi (wife of Lord Vishnu) on left bottom and Brihaspati (Teacher of all Gods) and Narada (a divine Sage). Even though exact timeframe of this idol is not known, historians say it is atleast 1000 years old.

         

         

Papvinashi Mandir

    Papnashi mandir situated at the northern part of the city. As indicated by an inscription found in the temple, This Mandir seems to have been built during the period of Someshwar III of the Chalukya dynasty. This inscription is dated in the saka year 1049 (1128 AD), which comes in the empire of Someshwar III. The inner shrine of the temple containing the Linga formation. Which is known as Bhuteshwar. The inner shrine is 10*10 with a 3 feet wide circumambulate passage. A 20*20 tin roofed sabhamandap hall has recently been added to it. It is very important temple in Latur. Tourists visiting this temple after siddheshwar temple.
     Papvinashi teerth is situated towards the north of this temple. It is also known as Pushkar Teerth. It is one of the most important teerth in Latur town. It has a great historical background. Teerth is surrounded by a beautiful sight.
   Once upon a time, a cow was accidentaly got killed by the Bhatadwaj rushi. so he wanted to be free from his sin. So, he asked his father that is there any way? to got free from his sin. His father told him that he should go to Siddhakhetra and get bath in Papvinashi Teertha. So, as per his fathers Suggestion  he went to Siddhakshetra and bathed in Papvinashi Teertha.  He was free from his sin. He himself got satisfaction. That is the resion why this Teeerth named as Papvinashi Teertha. People living here also believed that one who bathe here become free from all his sins.
     Towards the south of this Teertha there are the temples of Lord Bhuteshwara And Lord Hanuman. There is a Sati Samadhi found right behind the Bhuteshwar Mandir. It is believed that a women get Sati here.

Bhimashankar Mandir

  Shri Bhimashankar Mandir is located in Mali Galli, out of the town and surrounded by a green fields. It is said that This temple was built by only stones in hemadpanthi style. But old temple is not available here. Now some monuments are existing here. The masonry roof covering the gabhara might have been built before 200to250 years ago. There is a shivling shining like a granite. Its arc is about 1.5 feet. There is a samadhi of garibnath baba. Garibnath baba was always starving and keeping mum. He has been died in 1948 during the time of police action. Behind the shivpind there is a idol of Lord Vishnu. It is near about 3.5 feet high and having four arms. The arms hold various weapons like club, shell, chakra and lotus. Now a days new sabhamandap has been recently constructed in cement concrete. In front of this beautiful mandir there is a rectangular shaped small Teeth having some steeps. There are tow virgals having some idols on it. New statue of Nandiis established inside the sabhamandap.

Vaidyanath Mandir

Hanuman Mandir Hanuman Chowk

Central Hanuman Mandir

Gouri Shankar Mandir

                       Gouri shankar mandir is located in market yard latur latur. This mandir was built under the guidance of pre MLA shri Shivajirao Patil Kavekar. It is not a regular cement concret structure, it is built in sangamrawar tiles. There is a garden on the both sides of the temple. All the marchants in market yard have given good co-ordination to it. Its base is five to ten feet high from the floor. The sabhamandap is occupied the area of 20*30 feet. In the inner part of the gabhara, there is a shivling and to the back of it, there are the idol of Shankar, Parwati and Lord Ganesh, both the idols are carved in sangamravar stone. The atmosphere arround the temple is very natural. The Shikhar of this temple is in south indian type.

Ashtavinayak Mandir Latur Town

           Shri Ashtavinayak mandir is located in shivaji nagar latur. It is new and very famous mandir. This mandir has been erected in 1989. It has become due to his beauty. There is a garden on the both  sides of the temple. garden is kept fresh and clean every time. There are some artificial fountains in front of this temple. Facing towards the front there is a 8 to 9 feet tall statue of Lord Shiva. The statue is in standing position. Every one is feeling pleasant while entering this temple. While inside the main gabhara there are eight idols of Lord Ganesha usually known as Ashtavinayak setup inside the wall. The main Sabhamandap of this Mandir is in rectangle.In side the gabhara there is a idol of lord Ganesha which is about 4 fit high. The idol is carved in sangamravari stone. The shikhar of this mandir is in south indian style. Every thing in this temple is fresh and clean.

Virat Hanuman Mandir Latur Town

Shri virat hanuman mandir is located in parivar housing society near ausa road latur. The construction of this temple is quit diffrent from other temples. this temple is also sorrounded by beautiful garden. the base of this temple is near about 12 fir high. The bae is covered by sangamravari floors. Beautiful and coloured steps are arrenged to dimp on. on the first platform the second rectangular platform has been built and on this platform the idol of shree Hanuman is estblished. This idol is neary 25 fit high. It is very big in size and is coloured in scarlet (shenderi) colour. The idol is in standing position and looking very calm, The idol holds gadha in his one hand and another hand is on its loin. There are two big artificial lamps built in concret. The atmosphere arround this temple is very delightful. 

Sai Baba Mandir Latur Town