The short answer
Naroshankar Temple: what visitors should know first
Worth ten to fifteen minutes if you are already at Ramkund, mainly for the bell and the temple's blocky, fort-like exterior. It is not a long stop and has no separate ticket, so add it to a Panchavati walk rather than making a special trip.
History and context
The story behind Naroshankar Temple
Naroshankar Rajebahaddur, a Maratha commander and administrator, built the temple in 1747 on the banks of the Godavari in Panchavati. Its thick, largely unornamented walls follow a defensive style typical of temples built in this period along exposed riverfronts.
The temple's bell is traditionally said to have come from the Portuguese fort at Vasai, captured by Chimaji Appa's Maratha army in 1739; the bell was reportedly carried to Nashik and mounted at the temple entrance as a war trophy, where it remains today in a small chhatri-style structure.
Useful facts
Naroshankar Temple facts at a glance
- Location
- Panchavati, on the Godavari, near Ramkund
- Faith
- Hindu, Shaivite
- Deity/dedication
- Shiva
- Visitor note
- Fortress-style exterior; the bell is the main feature at the entrance
- Built
- 1747, by Naroshankar Rajebahaddur
Why it matters
Why Naroshankar Temple is worth your time
The temple was commissioned in 1747 by Naroshankar Rajebahaddur, a Maratha nobleman and administrator whose name it carries, and represents the Peshwa-era pattern of fortified riverside temples along the Godavari in Panchavati. Its plain, thick-walled exterior reflects genuine defensive concerns of the period rather than a stylistic choice made after the fact.
The bell gives the temple a specific place in Maratha military history: it is said to have been carried from the Portuguese fort of Vasai after Chimaji Appa's forces took it in 1739, transported to Nashik as a trophy, and installed at the temple entrance rather than melted down or repurposed elsewhere. That detail connects a fairly small local temple to a much larger campaign against Portuguese possessions on the western coast.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The Vasai bell
A large bronze bell said to have been brought from the Portuguese fort at Vasai after its capture by Maratha forces in 1739.
- 02
Fort-like exterior
Thick, largely blank walls give the temple a defensive look unusual among Panchavati's more decorative shrines.
- 03
Riverside setting
Standing directly on the Godavari, it makes a good photo stop on the walk between Ramkund and Kalaram Temple.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Naroshankar Temple is easy to spot from the riverside path by its blank, fortress-like walls, built defensively rather than decoratively, a reminder that temples along this stretch of the Godavari were sometimes designed to double as strong points. The main draw for most visitors is the large bell hanging in a small chhatri-like structure at the entrance, cast in bronze and, according to temple tradition, brought from the Portuguese fort at Vasai after its capture by Maratha forces in the late 1730s.
Inside, the sanctum is dedicated to Shiva and is modest compared to the temple's imposing exterior. Most visitors spend their time at the bell and the courtyard rather than lingering inside, and that is a reasonable way to see the place: read the short history at the entrance, look closely at the bell's casting and inscriptions if you can get near it, and move on.
It sits close enough to Ramkund and Kalaram Temple that it slots naturally into the same short walk, rather than needing its own outing.
Plan with confidence
Visit as a guest, not a spectator.
- Combine with Ramkund and Kalaram Temple in one walk
- Look closely at the bell's casting; ask a local if any inscription details are pointed out
- Remove footwear before entering the sanctum
- Visit in daylight; the temple has no dramatic evening lighting
- Keep the stop brief; ten to fifteen minutes is typical
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Panchavati, on the Godavari, near Ramkund
- Time needed
- 10-15 minutes
- Best time
- Any time of day; morning light suits photographs of the riverside facade
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- The temple sits at ground level with a level approach from the riverside path; there are no long staircases to see the exterior and bell, though the inner sanctum has a modest step up.
- Tickets and access
- Free to visit, no ticket. As with any working temple, footwear comes off before the inner areas.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Naroshankar Temple
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
The temple sits at ground level with a level approach from the riverside path; there are no long staircases to see the exterior and bell, though the inner sanctum has a modest step up.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
What is special about the bell at Naroshankar Temple?
It is a large bronze bell traditionally said to have been brought from the Portuguese fort at Vasai after its capture by Maratha forces in 1739, and mounted here as a trophy.
Who built Naroshankar Temple?
Naroshankar Rajebahaddur, a Maratha commander and administrator, built it in 1747 on the Godavari in Panchavati.
Is the temple worth a special trip?
Not on its own. It is best seen alongside Ramkund and Kalaram Temple, both a short walk away, as part of one Panchavati visit.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
