Kapaleshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located in Nashik district and is near the Godavari River and Ramkund. The temple is different from other Shiva temples, because as in usual Shiva temples, there is no Nandi at Kapaleshwar Temple. Nandi is Lord Shiva’s vehicle and its idol is placed at the entrance of all Shiva temples.

A local legend says that once Shiva happened to kill a cow by mistake. Killing of a cow or ‘gohatya’ is regarded as a sin amongst Hindus because cow is worshipped as a God by Hindus. Nandi advised him to take a bath in Ramkund to wash off his sin. Lord Shiva obeyed him and after taking a bath at the Kund, he did penance here and it is believed that the temple is located at the same place where Lord Shiva did his penance.

Because Nandi gave him a valuable advice, it is believed that Lord Shiva regarded Nandi as a Guru or teacher and hence, there is no Nandi to guard the Kapaleshwar Temple.

The best day to visit the temple is Monday, considered to Lord Shiva’s day but every Saturday, too, special prayers are held here which is attended by hundreds of devotees. On Mondays and during Shivaratri, there is a huge rush of devotees and the queue can be quite long.

How to Reach

By Air

The nearest airport, just 7 km from the Temple, is the Gandhinagar Airport.

By Rail

Nashik railway station is just 2 kms away from Kapaleshwar Temple.

By Road

One can take buses to Nashik from all major cities. Taxi services from Nashik railway station are also available.