Shri Kaleshwar Mandir, Hindu temple in Nerur, Sindhudurg district, India.
Shri Kaleshwar Mandir is a Hindu temple in Sindhudurg district featuring a central sanctum where a black Shivling rests on a raised platform called Shalunka. The space is surrounded by stone-carved deities that form part of the temple's architectural design.
The temple was founded around 700 years ago following the discovery of a natural Shivling in the forest, which locals attributed to divine will and prompted construction of this sanctuary. This origin story established the site as a significant place of worship for the region.
The temple becomes a focal point during Maha Shivaratri when religious rituals, local fairs, and traditional music performances transform the space into a center of spiritual gathering. Visitors witness how the community expresses its faith through these seasonal celebrations.
The temple can be reached via Kudal railway station or the Mumbai-Goa Highway, with various accommodation options available in the surrounding area. Plan your visit during the dry season when paths are easier to navigate.
Water poured onto the Shivling mysteriously drains away from the platform without accumulating, a phenomenon that has puzzled observers for generations. Many visitors find this drainage mystery one of the most intriguing aspects of the temple.
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