About Gomukh Temple
Gomukh Temple, locally known as Dhar Temple, is an ancient Hindu shrine situated on the rim of the Lonar Crater Lake in Buldhana district, Maharashtra. It is renowned for a perennial natural water stream called 'Dhar' that flows through a cow-head shaped stone carving into a sacred tank. The temple serves as a primary entry point for trekking down to the crater lake and holds significant religious importance due to its holy water source and Hemadpanti architectural elements.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect to see an ancient temple complex featuring a continuous natural spring emerging from a carved cow mouth into a sacred kunda. The site offers a serene spiritual atmosphere with lush greenery surrounding the crater rim. Devotees often perform ritual baths in the holy water. The temple also acts as a starting point for steep trekking trails leading down to the Lonar Crater Lake, providing opportunities for nature exploration and viewing historic shrines.
Key highlights
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Perennial natural water stream flowing from a cow-head carving
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Sacred Dhar Kunda considered holy by devotees
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Primary entry point for Lonar Crater trekking trails
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Ancient Hemadpanti style architecture
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Serene location on the rim of the meteorite crater lake
History of Gomukh Temple
The temple is part of the ancient Chalukya and Hemadpanti era temple complex surrounding the Lonar Crater, dating back centuries. It is mentioned in local lore and scriptures associated with the sacred geography of the Lonar Lake region.
Culture & Context
The eternal water stream (Dhar) is considered sacred, and devotees believe bathing in the Dhar Kunda has spiritual merit. The temple is an integral part of the pilgrimage circuit around the Lonar Crater, which is referenced in ancient texts like the Skanda Purana.
Route
| By air | Nearest airport is Aurangabad Airport, approximately 140 km away. |
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