The short answer
Sharangdhar Balaji Temple, Mehkar: what visitors should know first
A reasonable add-on for pilgrims on the way into or out of Lonar. It is a town temple with an assembly hall and little walking. Check the distance and timings locally, and treat it as an optional half-day.
History and context
The story behind Sharangdhar Balaji Temple, Mehkar
According to a secondary source, the monolithic Vishnu image was found on 7 December 1888 during excavation near the Painganga, and a temple was built later with public donations. The same source says copper plates found with it were taken by British officials.
These accounts are not independently verified here.
Useful facts
Sharangdhar Balaji Temple, Mehkar facts at a glance
- Location
- Mehkar, Buldhana district
- Faith
- Hindu
- Deity/dedication
- Vishnu as Sharangadhara (Balaji)
- Visitor note
- Shoes off; modest dress; check timings
- Known for
- A monolithic dark-stone image about 10-11 ft tall (reported)
Why it matters
Why Sharangdhar Balaji Temple, Mehkar is worth your time
The image is said to have been found on 7 December 1888 during excavation near the Painganga, together with copper plates. One account says British authorities wanted to remove the image, and local officials performed a consecration ritual that prevented its removal; this is reported in secondary sources and should be treated as local tradition.
For Vishnu devotees, it adds a living temple to a region whose older temples are mostly ruined, and it fits naturally with the Daitya Sudan temple.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The monolithic image
A large dark-stone Vishnu carved from a single block, reported at about 10-11 feet.
- 02
A living temple
The temple has an assembly hall and facilities for devotees.
- 03
Other Mehkar sites
Hemadpanthi temple remains and other shrines are nearby in town.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Treat Mehkar as a short outing from Lonar, not a destination in itself. The Balaji temple is in town and is built around a large dark-stone image of Vishnu as Sharangadhara, reportedly 10-11 feet tall and carved from a single block.
Visit in the morning, remove your shoes, and follow local custom inside the hall. Sources say the temple was built with public donations after the image was discovered, and it has facilities for devotees.
If you have time, ask about other sites in Mehkar, including remains of Hemadpanthi temples and a temple linked to the Mahanubhav tradition. Confirm distances and conditions locally before setting out.
Plan with confidence
Visit as a guest, not a spectator.
- Check the road distance and timings before you go
- Dress modestly and remove shoes
- Avoid festival days if you dislike crowds
- Combine with the journey in or out of Lonar
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Mehkar, Buldhana district, near the Painganga river
- Time needed
- 1 hour plus the road
- Best time
- Morning; October to March
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- A town temple with an assembly hall and level movement for most of the visit. Expect crowds on festival days and stone floors that are hot at midday.
- Tickets and access
- No ticket is known. Dress modestly, remove shoes and check current darshan timings locally, as temple schedules vary.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Sharangdhar Balaji Temple, Mehkar
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
A town temple with an assembly hall and level movement for most of the visit. Expect crowds on festival days and stone floors that are hot at midday.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
How far is Mehkar from Lonar?
It is the nearest larger town; confirm the current distance and road conditions locally.
Is it open to non-Hindus?
Temple customs vary, so ask locally and observe the posted rules.
When was the image found?
A secondary source gives 7 December 1888, near the Painganga river.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
