Trilingi Mahadev Sonai: Rare Trimukhi Shrine in Nevasa

The manifestations of Lord Shiva across Maharashtra’s landscape are as profound as they are diverse. Beyond their varying sculptural forms, each Shivalaya radiates a deeply grounding, contemplative stillness. Revering the divinity that accepts both nectar and poison, birth and dissolution without distinction, these sacred spaces have served as spiritual sanctuaries for centuries. Approximately 40 kilometers from Ahilyanagar lies the prosperous agricultural village of Sonai in Nevasa taluka—home to the ancient and little-explored Trilingi Mahadev Temple.

Legends of Sonai and Ahilyabai’s Stepwell

Local folklore traces Sonai’s name to the Nath tradition: when Acharya Gorakhnath and Machindranath returned from Stri Desha, Gorakhnath discarded a golden brick (Sona) in this fertile soil, bequeathing the settlement its name. At the village entrance rests an ancient, multi-tiered stepwell (Barav) attributed to Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar—a remarkable piece of historic water management that today urgently awaits community restoration.

Guided by local residents Kishor Mhase and Mahavir Chopda, one enters the serene courtyard of the Trilingi Mahadev Temple.

Yadava-Era Architecture & The 24-Pillar Rangamandap

While casually termed Hemadpanthi, closer archaeological examination points to the Yadava era, placing its construction between the 10th and 12th centuries. The east-facing shrine features a classic classical layout: Mukhamandap (porch), Sabhamandap (assembly hall), Antaral (vestibule), and Garbhagriha (sanctum).

The assembly hall is built as an open, wall-less Rangamandap framed by low parapet walls (Vaman Bhint). Its defining architectural feature is a rhythmic array of 24 carved stone pillars arranged symmetrically in a 2–4–6–6–4–2 sequence from entrance to sanctum. In a departure from typical temple exteriors, the sculptural artwork here is concentrated exclusively upon these pillars, which feature geometric banding, floral friezes, and mythical iconography.

The sanctum doorway is a masterclass in classic stonework, carrying auspicious carvings of Dwarapalas, river goddesses Ganga and Yamuna at the jamb bases, protective Kirtimukhas, a central Mandarak, and undulating lotus-and-flower creepers (Kamalveli and Pushpaveli).

The Trimukhi Shivling & Spiritual Confluence

Inside the sanctum rests a rare Trimukhi (Three-Faced) Shivling, venerated as the manifestation of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. Uniting the cosmic functions of creation, preservation, and dissolution in a single stone pedestal, such three-faceted Shivlings remain exceptionally uncommon across western India.

The complex is layered with sacred memory:

• Mahanubhav Footprint: A carved stone seat preserves the sacred presence of Shri Chakradhar Swami, who meditated here while propagating the Mahanubhav philosophy.

• Nath Tradition & Gorakhnath Tunnel: An adjacent Shiva shrine marks the legendary spot where Gorakhnath performed penance, housing a subterranean tunnel believed to connect directly to Gorakhnath Gad.

• Ancient Veergals: Weathered hero stones honor fallen medieval warriors in the courtyard, serving as historic lithic records.

Though modern paint layers obscure part of its vintage stonework, the Trilingi Mahadev Temple endures as an invaluable architectural link in Nevasa’s heritage, waiting for thoughtful, conservation-first restoration.

Author: Vishal Lahoti (Founder, Trekkamp Dharohar | 9422227587)