The short answer
Raj Rajeshwar Temple: what visitors should know first
Visit for a working temple in the old city, ideally before the fort. Go in the morning, avoid the Shravan crowds if you dislike queues, and dress modestly.
History and context
The story behind Raj Rajeshwar Temple
Sources describe it as Akola's oldest Mahadev temple but differ on who built it; some credit the Berar Sultanate, others the Marathas. An inscription on the fort claims Govind Appaji built the fort to protect the temple, a claim that conflicts with other inscriptions.
Useful facts
Raj Rajeshwar Temple facts at a glance
- Location
- Old Akola, by Akola Fort on the Morna River
- Faith
- Hindu
- Deity/dedication
- Shiva as Rajeshwar (Mahadev)
- Visitor note
- Dress modestly; remove footwear; busy in Shravan
- Built
- Uncertain; builders differ between sources
Why it matters
Why Raj Rajeshwar Temple is worth your time
The Raj Rajeshwar temple is the religious anchor of old Akola and one of the reasons the neighbouring fort exists, according to one inscription. Its festivals show how the city's devotional calendar works.
Because the city has few major monuments, the temple and fort together provide the clearest picture of Akola before the cotton boom, and they sit within a short walk of one another. A visit takes under an hour, which makes it easy to fit alongside the fort and the lanes of the old city.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The lingam and its legend
Devotees link a crack in the lingam with a story of a queen who vanished into it.
- 02
Shravan festival
River water is poured over the lingam in the Shravan month.
- 03
Neighbouring bridges
The Dagadi and Lokhand pools lie nearby.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Raj Rajeshwar, also called Berar che Rajeshwar, is the landmark most locals will point to when you ask for the fort. Arrive in the morning, take darshan and spend a few minutes in the courtyard. The temple is dedicated to Shiva as Mahadev.
A local story tells of a queen who vanished into the Shiva lingam, and devotees point to a crack in the lingam in connection with the tale. In the Shravan month, devotees bring river water to pour over the lingam, and the temple becomes very busy. Sources also mention an annual Rajeshwar fair in February or March.
After darshan, walk to Akola Fort next door. Two old bridges nearby, the stone Dagadi pool and the iron Lokhand pool built under British rule, are worth a look if time allows.
Plan with confidence
Visit as a guest, not a spectator.
- Dress modestly and remove footwear
- Go in the morning and avoid Shravan Mondays if you dislike crowds
- Confirm darshan timings locally
- Visit the fort on the same trip
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Old Akola, beside Akola Fort on the Morna River
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Best time
- Morning; Shravan month for the festival, other times for a calm visit
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- The temple is in the city and mostly level, with steps at thresholds and little seating. Shravan Mondays and festival days are crowded; an ordinary weekday morning is easier.
- Tickets and access
- No ticket for darshan. Timings are not published; confirm locally. Remove footwear and dress modestly.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Raj Rajeshwar 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 is in the city and mostly level, with steps at thresholds and little seating. Shravan Mondays and festival days are crowded; an ordinary weekday morning is easier.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Who is the deity?
Shiva, worshipped as Rajeshwar or Mahadev.
Is it old?
It is described as Akola's oldest Mahadev temple, though its builders are disputed.
When is the main festival?
The Shravan month, with a fair also mentioned in February or March.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.