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The
State of Maharastra is a typical example of a commendable confluence
of almost all major cultures, and the seat of grand ancient temples
built for all gods, like Vinayaka, Siva, Vishnu, Sakti etc. places
like Pandharpur, Tuljapur, Ganagapur, Kolhapur, Sholapur, Jejuri,
Alandi and Morgaon have attained global importance, and are
beckoning ardent devotees of all creeds and cults. Sivaalayas of
Tryambak, Bhimasankar, Omkareswar, Mahabaleswar occupied highest
place on the tourist map of India even. Among the lesser important
ones, only in points of construction and visitation, - the Sholapur
Siddheswar temple deserves first mention. Though its pull is
comparatively low, its location and divinity exert great influence
on the people of state and its neighborhood. Saivates of all states
visit and are being blessed by the Lord.
This
Siddheswara holy shrine lies in the centre of the flourishing town
of Sholapur and is situated on a higher plinth. Its vast complex
studded to its portals with several Saivate gods in grand,
well-built minishrines, and a large temple Pushkarini in front of
the Archamurti facing east cast enchantment on the visitors. The
sublimity of the environs and divinity of the gods detain the
visitors longer than their allotted time for visit. Saivagama puja
with rituals is offered regularly and the periodical festivals like
Sivaratri are celebrated with unparalleled enthusiasm. The modernity
exuding from the antiquity of the kshetra is heightening its
importance. It is a miss-not Siva kshetra of perpetual significance.
It
lies in the Sholapur town of Maharastra, commanding rail road
facilities.
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