NANDURBAR

Aadimata Mandir is a religious site located in Girye-Vijaydurg village. It is dedicated to Aadimata Devi, who is venerated as a guardian and motherly figure in local tradition.

The Mandir is especially known for its Gudi Padwa celebrations, during which a ceremonial carriage (gadi) is taken out in procession. Local legend tells of this gadi appearing for the first time during the time of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, at a festival. Since then, it has remained a part of the annual celebrations, drawing individuals who gather to witness the age-old tradition.

Akrani Mahal, also known as Akrani Fort, is a historical fort situated in the Satpura mountain range. Estimated to be over 500 years old, the fort is linked to local accounts involving Akkarani, who is believed to have been the sister of Maharana Pratap. Following the Battle of Haldighati in 1576 (which was fought between the Mewars and the Mughals), it is said that she, along with a group of Rajput soldiers, sought refuge in the hills of Akrani. The fort was established during this time.

Spread across approximately 2.5 acres, the fort has a rectangular layout and retains portions of its outer walls, gateway entrances, and five memorial structures associated with members of the royal family. Though much of the structure has weathered over time, these remains continue to draw visitors and locals alike.

Today, the fort stands in a state of gradual decay, affected by both natural erosion and neglect. Local organizations, including the Birsa Kranti Dal, have called for its restoration and have put forward proposals aimed at preserving what remains of the site for future generations.

Asthamba is a peak in the Satpura mountain range, located in Akrani taluka of Nandurbar district. The site is closely associated with Ashwatthama, also known as Drauni, a warrior whose mentions can be found in the epic Mahabharat. He is the son of Drona, a revered teacher and military commander, and Kripi. Ashwatthama is said to have been cursed with immortality, condemned to wander the earth for eternity.

In Nandurbar, Asthamba is believed to be one of the places where Ashwatthama resides, and the peak is regarded as a spiritually significant site. Every year during Diwali, tirth yatris from Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat undertake a three-day trek to Asthamba. The route passes through villages such as Kothar, Devnadi, and Naktyadev, concluding at the Mandir dedicated to Pavba Rishi in Nashinde.

Dandpaneshwar Ganesh Mandir is located in Devmogra and is dedicated to Bhagwaan Ganesh. The origins of the Mandir are associated with the 17th century, when Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his army are believed to have camped in Nandurbar during their return from Gujarat. It is said that the foundation of the Mandir was laid during this time.

In 1982, Dada Maharaj of Dhar established a small Mandir on the site. This was later expanded by Kanhaiyalal Raojibhai Vani and his sons, Ashok and Kishore, who also initiated social welfare activities, including organizing wedding ceremonies for underprivileged families.

Kedareshwar Mandir is an ancient Mandir that is situated in the village of Prakasha. Dedicated to Bhagwaan Shiv, the Mandir holds a central place in local tradition and is known for its distinctive architectural feature, which remains deliberately incomplete.

According to a well-known legend in the region, the incomplete state of Kedareshwar Mandir is intentional and carries significance tied to a unique event in the distant past. It is said that the area once experienced an extraordinary period of six months of continuous night followed by six months of uninterrupted daylight. During this unusual time, many Shiv mandirs in Prakasha were decreed to be built, and Kedareshwar Mandir was among them. However, unlike the others, this Mandir was left unfinished.

Machhindranath Caves are natural rock formations located in Toranmal. These caves are associated with the yogi Matsyendranath, also known as Machhindranath, who is believed to have meditated there.

Matsyendranath, active during the 9th–10th century, is regarded as one of the eighty-four Mahasiddhas and the guru of Gorakshanath. Notably, he is also known for his role in the founding of the Hatha Yoga tradition.

Martyrs Memorial in Nandurbar, also called Quit India Smarak, commemorates five locals who lost their lives during Quit India Movement protests held there.

On 9 September 1942, marking a month since Mahatma Gandhi’s arrest, a massive march took place in Nandurbar. Notably, the procession was led by schoolchildren who moved through the town with chants of Bharat Mata Ki Jai and Vande Mataram. As they gathered near the government office, police attempted to disperse the crowd. When a British officer tried to seize their flag, the children resisted, passing it among themselves.

Tensions escalated when the officer aimed his gun at the girls in the group. At that moment, fifteen-year-old Shirish Kumar, holding the tricolour flag close to his chest, stepped forward with unwavering courage. Facing the officer, he declared, “Shoot me if you dare, my chest is bare.” His words hung in the air, defiant and fearless. Then, in a tragic instant, gunshots rang out, and Shirish was struck and fell, still clutching the flag. The firing didn’t stop. As chaos unfolded, four more young lives were lost: Shashidhar Ketkar (around 20), Laldas Wani (14), Dhansukhlal Shah (12), and Ghanshyam Shah (8).

The Martyrs Memorial stands today in remembrance of these young lives, preserving their legacy and sacrifice for India’s independence.

Toran Devi Mandir is situated atop a hill in Toranmal in Nandurbar district. It is dedicated to Torna Devi, and her murti in the Mandir is believed to be over 600 years old.

Torna Devi is associated with fertility and is linked to the natural richness of her surroundings. Her presence is connected to a tree known as tor, which was once abundant in the area and is held in high regard. Over time, this tree and the Devi became closely connected in local belief, and she came to be seen as a protective force tied to the land’s fertility.

Interestingly, this connection between the Devi, the land, and the tree is also reflected in the name of the place. “Toranmal” has two commonly cited origins. One derives from the Marathi words toran (welcome arch) and mal (garland), describing the arch-like formations of the surrounding hills. The other links the name to the tor tree, highlighting its cultural significance and its association with Torna Devi.

Prakasha is a village which is located along the banks of the Tapi River in Shahada Taluka. It is regarded as an important stop along the Kashi Yatra route and is often referred to as Dakshin Kashi (South Kashi). This association highlights the village’s importance for many visiting pilgrims, especially those devoted to Bhagwaan Shiv.

Notably, it is said that at least 108 mandirs dedicated to Bhagwaan Shiv stand within the village of Prakasha. Many of these are ancient, and their origin is linked to a well-known local account that also relates to the village’s name. Prakasha comes from the Sanskrit word prakāśa, meaning “light” (sunlight, moonlight, or brightness in general). This idea of light is tied to an unusual event in the distant past, when the region is believed to have experienced six months of night followed by six months of continuous daylight. During this prolonged period of brightness, it is said that a decree was given for 108 Shiv Mandirs to be built, linking the name of the village to this event and to its enduring association with the Bhagwaan.

In addition to its spiritual and religious importance, Prakasha has a long and documented history of human settlement. In 1955, excavations conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India uncovered remains of a settlement dating back over 4,500 years. These findings belong to the Savalda culture, an early agricultural society that flourished during the Copper Age between 2500 and 2000 BCE. The discovery of tools, pottery, and other artifacts indicates that Prakasha was a center of agrarian activity during this period.

Further historical records come from ancient inscriptions found in the area. One notable inscription from 1156 CE refers to Prakasha as a Vishay (district) during the rule of King Singhan of the Yadava dynasty of Devagiri. This provides insight into the village’s role within the regional governance of medieval Maharashtra.

Unapdev Hot Water Spring is located 6 km from Adavad village in Shahada Taluka, Nandurbar. The spring flows from a stone structure shaped like a cow’s mouth at the base of the Satpura hills. The water, which remains warm throughout the year, is used locally for the treatment of skin ailments.

Yashwant Lake is situated in Toranmal and is known for its natural surroundings and biodiversity. The lake supports a rich ecosystem, home to a variety of bird species as well as aquatic life. Fish species commonly found in the lake include Pomfret, Golwa, and Lal Pari.

Notably, in 2018, a Lokmat news report recorded the catch of a silver fish weighing 45 kg from the lake. The presence of diverse aquatic life makes Yashwant Lake a destination for both recreational use and ecological observation.