The 'Gondeshwar Temple' is in Sinnar dating back to the 11th-12th century CE, gives us a magnificent view of the artistic achievements of the Yadava Period. It is one of the best surviving examples of the dry masonry style of architecture.

Districts/Region

Sinnar, Nashik District, Maharashtra, India.

History

Gondeshwar Temple is one of the finest specimens of the dry masonry of architecture. It was built during the reign of the Yadava dynasty in Maharashtra. 
According to literary sources, the town of Sinnar was founded by RaoShinguni, a chief of the Gavalis (Yadavas), and his son RaoGovind built this temple. The temple was called ‘Govindeshwar’ or ‘Gondeshwar’. The exact year of construction is unknown. 
The entire premise is known as 'Shivpanchayat' as there is a central shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva surrounded by four shrines dedicated to Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesh, Lord Vishnu and Lord Surya. The intricate patterns and symmetry these shrines behold are mind-blowing. It is built by using the naturally and locally available black basalt stone and lime. The central shrine consists of a Sabha-Mandapa with a dome of the height of around 6 meters high supported by four amazingly carved pillars. 
A unique feature within the temple is the carving of Vishnu in his Kurma Avatar (Tortoise form)  which is very elegant yet eye-catching. The temple is currently a protected monument under the Central Government. It is on a raised platform with half hall (Ardhamandapa / MukhaMandapa), Hall (Mandapa), the passage linking Hall with Sanctum (Antarala) and Sanctum (Garbhagruha). It is the best surviving example of the Bhimija style superstructure (Shikghara) above the sanctum. The exterior of the temple is ornamented with sculptural panels and motifs. The cluster of five temples on the same raised platform (Panchayatana) is a unique feature of this temple.

Geography

The temple lies 2.7 KM from the Sinnar bus stand in Sinnar, 29.8 KM South-East from Nashik city on the Nashik - Pune highway.

Weather/Climate

The average annual temperature in the regionis 24.1 degrees Celsius.
Winters are extreme in this region, and the temperature goes as low as 12 degrees Celsius. 
The sun is very harsh during summers. The region gets more rain during summer than winters. The temperature during summer goes above 30 degrees Celsius.
The average annual rainfall is around 1134 mm.

Things to do

After visiting all the shrines one must see:
●    The temple tanks to the East from the shrine.
●    Witnessing the sunset over here as the temple shines in gold while the sun sets.

Nearest tourist places

The nearby tourist attractions include:
●    Gargoti - Mineral Museum - 5.6 KM 
●    MuktidhamMandir - 22.6 KM
●    SitaGufa (Caves) - 31.4 KM
●    Sundarnarayan temple - 30.6 KM
●    ShriSaibabaShirdi Temple - 55.5 KM 
●    Pandavleni Buddhist Caves - 34.1 KM

Special food speciality and hotel

Traditional Maharashtrian cuisine, mouth-watering street food, and amazing and original wine serve the best for your tastebuds in this area.

Accommodation facilities nearby & Hotel/ Hospital/Post Office/Police station

Affordable accommodation facilities, basic amenities are available nearby.
●    Sinnar Police station is the closest at a distance of 0.8 KM.
●    Sinnar Municipal Hospital is the nearest hospital at a distance of 0.8 KM.

Visiting Rule and Time, Best month to visit

●    The timing of the temple is from 10:00 A.M to 10:00 P.M
●    One can visit the temple throughout the year. 

Language spoken in area 

English, Hindi and Marathi.