Kedareshwar Temple

Kedareshwar Temple is an ancient Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Prakasha village, Shahada taluka, Nandurbar district, Maharashtra. Situated on the banks of the Tapi River near its confluence with the Gomai River, it is one of the most visited among 108 Shiva temples in the area. The site is historically significant with Chalcolithic period remnants dating back approximately 4,500 years and is popularly known as Dakshin Kashi or Prati Kashi.

Visitors can expect to see a historic Hemadpanti-style temple complex featuring intricate stone carvings, a multi-tiered circular deepmal (lamp tower), and a spacious sabha mandap with carved pillars. The main sanctum houses a Shiva pindi with a five-hooded brass serpent canopy and silver abhisheka vessel. The temple precincts include adjacent shrines like Kashi Vishweshwar and Gautameshwar, and a ghat on the Tapi River used for rituals. Devotees frequently visit for darshan, shraddha ceremonies, and during festivals like Mahashivratri and Shravan Somvar.

Archaeological excavations in 1955 revealed Chalcolithic period remnants at Prakasha, indicating human settlement dating back approximately 4,500 years. The temple is mentioned in the Tapi Mahatmya and is associated with legends of 108 Shiva lingams being installed in a single night. It has been a prominent center of faith historically linked to the former Narsinghgarh State and features Hemadpanti architectural elements.

Prakasha is revered as Dakshin Kashi, and tradition holds that pilgrims completing the Kashi yatra must visit Prakasha to attain full spiritual merit. The site is a major center for shraddha and shanti rituals, especially during Uttarayana. A Simhastha jatrotsav is held once every twelve years, drawing thousands of devotees nationwide. Festivals like Mahashivratri and Shravan Somvar are celebrated with special rituals.