Sundarnarayan Temple
Nashik, Maharashtra
Sundarnarayan Temple is an 18th-century Vishnu temple near the Godavari ghats in Nashik. It is built in stone, with arched niches that show Mughal influence, and is known for its simple, graceful design.
What to see and do
- Have darshan of Sundarnarayan, Vishnu in the form of 'the beautiful Narayan'
- Admire the arched stone niches and the carving
- Walk to Ramkund and the other ghats, which are very close
Good to know
- It is a short, easy stop on the Panchavati walk
- Early morning and the March sunrise days are especially pleasant
Spiritual significance
The temple was built in 1756 by Gangadhar Yashwant Chandrachud, a devotee of Vishnu.
Why it matters
- A legend says Vishnu was cursed to turn dark and regained his beauty by bathing in the Godavari, which is why he is called Sundarnarayan
- Around 20 and 21 March, the first rays of the sun are said to fall on the idols
- A fine example of 18th-century temple building in Nashik