Weather: 17 - 32°C
Tags: Temple, Lord Vishnu, Spiritual, River
Category: Religious, Heritage
Time Required: 1-2 hours

Sundarnarayan Temple Overview

Nestled near the Ahilyabai Holkar Bridge in Nashik, the Sundarnarayan Temple is a sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This revered temple is rich in mythology and historical significance, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking spiritual fulfillment.

According to ancient legends, Lord Vishnu was once cursed by the wife of a sage, which caused his beautiful form to turn charcoal black. In an effort to restore his divine appearance, Vishnu bathed in the holy waters of the Godavari River at this very spot. It is here that Vishnu regained his beautiful form as Sundarnarayan, meaning the "beautiful" or "charming" deity. This fascinating myth is an integral part of the temple’s spiritual significance.

The temple is a prominent place of worship throughout the year but sees larger crowds during the spring equinox, when the sun's rays directly fall on the idols of Lord Vishnu, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. The alignment of the sun with the temple during this time is considered a highly auspicious and sacred event, attracting devotees from far and wide.

How to Reach Sundarnarayan Temple

  • By Rail: The Nashik Road Railway Station is the nearest major railhead, located about 10 km from the temple. Taxis and local transport are readily available from the station to the temple.

  • By Road: Nashik is well connected by road with major cities in Maharashtra, including Mumbai and Pune. The temple is easily accessible by local taxis or rickshaws from any part of Nashik.

  • By Air: The closest airport is the Nashik Airport, located around 20 km from the temple. From there, you can hire a taxi or a private vehicle to reach the temple.

Best Time to Visit Sundarnarayan Temple

The spring equinox is the most popular time to visit this temple, as the sun directly aligns with the idols. However, the temple is open throughout the year, and it’s best to visit during the cooler months (October to March) to avoid the summer heat.