Shankar Ghat Shiva Temple

Getting there

• By air

  Jabalpur, about 180 km away, and Nagpur, about 200 km away, are the nearest airports. Reach Balaghat by road from either city.

• By train

  Balaghat Junction is the nearest railway station. Local transport is available from the station to the temple.

• By road

  The temple is about 3 to 4 km from Balaghat city. Taxis, auto-rickshaws and private vehicles can reach it.

Why devotees come here

Shankar Ghat is a Shiva temple on the banks of the Wainganga River, near Balaghat city in Madhya Pradesh. Devotees widely revere it as a centre of faith. Local belief also links it to a mysterious priest and an underground tunnel.

Shankar Ghat sits on the Wainganga riverbank in Balaghat district. Devotees widely revere the Shiva temple here as a powerful centre of faith, and believe Shiva fulfils the wishes of those who come with a pure heart. Local belief also holds that a mysterious priest once came through an underground tunnel at this site, appearing only during the sacred Brahma Muhurta to worship.

The temple is built above an ancient sanctum, or garbhagriha, that houses antique idols of Shiva and Parvati. Beside the Shivlinga stand two Nandi statues. One is notably ancient, and it was kept during the temple's restoration and raised for display.

Each year, the temple sees a massive gathering on Maha Shivratri. Thousands of devotees come to worship on that festival.

Festivals

• Each yearMaha Shivratri

  A massive gathering of devotees, with thousands coming to worship at the temple.

Tips for your visit

• Two Nandi statues sit beside the Shivlinga, and only one of them is ancient.
• The riverside setting is calm and suited to quiet reflection, with the sound of flowing water, chirping birds and ancient trees around you.

Questions people ask