Nagzari Temple Near Shegaon: Sant Gomaji Maharaj Samadhi Guide
Visit the sacred Nagzari temple near Shegaon honoring Sant Gomaji Maharaj. Explore the 12 km rural pilgrimage route, peaceful samadhi, and visitor tips.
While millions of pilgrims visit the holy town of Shegaon in Buldhana district to experience the divine presence of Sant Shri Gajanan Maharaj, few realize that just 12 kilometres to the southeast lies another deeply revered spiritual gem: Nagzari. Nestled amidst tranquil farmlands and ancient groves, the sacred hamlet of Nagzari is sanctified by the holy Samadhi of Sant Gomaji Maharaj, a revered 19th-century ascetic and contemporary saint who lived in deep spiritual harmony with the Vidarbha saint tradition.
For devotees undertaking an extended stay at Shegaon Bhakta Niwas, an afternoon excursion to Nagzari offers a quiet, unhurried, and soul-stirring retreat away from town crowds. This comprehensive pilgrim guide explores the history of Sant Gomaji Maharaj, the sacred architecture of the Nagzari temple, travel logistics from Shegaon, and practical excursion advice.
1. Quick Facts: Nagzari Temple Excursion
| Parameter | Details & Practical Highlights |
|---|---|
| Location | Nagzari Village, Khamgaon/Shegaon Taluka, Buldhana District |
| Distance from Shegaon Mandir | Approximately 12 km (approx. 20–25 minutes drive) |
| Presiding Shrine | Sacred Samadhi of Sant Gomaji Maharaj |
| Temple Timings | 06:00 AM to 08:30 PM daily |
| Key Attraction | Natural freshwater spring (Nag-Zari), peaceful rural sanctum |
| Nearest Railway Station | Shegaon (SGO / SEG) or Nagzari rural railway halt |
| Ideal Time for Visit | Early morning or late afternoon (04:00 PM to 06:30 PM) |
| Recommended Base | Shegaon Bhakta Niwas |
The drive to Nagzari meanders through peaceful rural fields of cotton, soybean, and jowar, presenting a pure and authentic picture of pastoral Vidarbha life.
2. Who Was Sant Gomaji Maharaj?
Sant Gomaji Maharaj was an enlightened saint who flourished in the 19th century in the Vidarbha region. Renowned for his extreme austerity, intense devotion to Lord Vitthal and Lord Shiva, and compassion toward all living beings, Sant Gomaji Maharaj drew devotees from surrounding rural villages through his selfless spiritual healing and divine teachings.
Spiritual Ties with Sant Gajanan Maharaj
Local oral histories and devotional traditions recount that Sant Gomaji Maharaj shared deep mutual spiritual reverence with Sant Shri Gajanan Maharaj of Shegaon. Both holy masters were wandering avadhutas who shunned worldly recognition, materialism, and caste distinctions, preaching universal brotherhood, naam smaran (chanting the divine name), and humble service to the needy. Devotees who visit Shegaon consider their spiritual pilgrimage enhanced when they pay homage at the samadhi of Sant Gomaji Maharaj in Nagzari.
3. The Temple Sanctum & The Sacred Freshwater Spring
The name Nagzari is derived from two sacred Marathi words: Nag (serpent or sacred divine energy) and Zari (a perennial underground freshwater spring).
Key Highlights of the Temple Complex
The Samadhi Mandir:
- The central shrine houses the sanctified Samadhi stone of Sant Gomaji Maharaj, adorned with fresh chandan (sandalwood paste), tulsi garlands, and fragrant marigold flowers.
- Devotees can sit in deep meditation directly in the inner hall (sabhamandap), which resonates with remarkable silence and devotional vibrations.
The Perennial Spring & Sacred Kund:
- Within the temple precincts flows the historic natural water spring that has supplied sweet, pure drinking water for generations without ever drying up, even during peak Vidarbha summer months.
- Devotees reverently sip this sacred water (Tirth) and sprinkle it on their heads before offering prayers at the samadhi.
Ancient Banyan & Peepal Trees:
- The temple courtyard is shaded by massive, centuries-old sacred trees where holy mendicants and yogis have historically performed penance.
- A peaceful stone parikrama path circles the inner sanctum, enabling yatris to perform peaceful circumambulation.
4. How to Reach Nagzari from Shegaon
Travelling to Nagzari from Shegaon is quick, straightforward, and highly accessible:
Option A: Private Auto Rickshaw (Most Convenient)
- You can easily hire an auto rickshaw from the Shegaon Temple Main Gate or Shegaon Railway Station.
- Round-Trip Fare: Expect to pay approximately ₹300 to ₹450 for a complete round trip, which includes the 12 km journey to Nagzari, waiting time of 45 to 60 minutes for darshan, and the return drive to Shegaon.
- Negotiate and confirm the waiting fee with the driver before boarding.
Option B: Private Car or Taxi
- If you have driven to Shegaon or rented a private cab, take the Shegaon–Paras rural road heading southeast.
- The 12 km road is paved and passes through quiet village settlements. The drive takes barely 20 minutes under normal traffic conditions.
- Ample open vehicle parking is available outside the Nagzari temple entrance.
Option C: Rural MSRTC Buses & Passenger Trains
- Periodic MSRTC rural state transport buses depart from the Shegaon ST Bus Stand heading towards Paras and Balapur via Nagzari.
- Additionally, select slow passenger trains operating between Shegaon and Akola make a brief scheduled stop at the rural Nagzari Railway Station (NGZ), located about 1.5 km from the temple.
5. Suggested Half-Day Excursion Itinerary
To make the most of your spiritual day, you can comfortably combine Nagzari with nearby regional attractions:
- 07:00 AM – 09:30 AM: Attend morning darshan and enjoy breakfast Mahaprasad at the Shegaon Samadhi Mandir.
- 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM: Take an auto rickshaw or car to Nagzari. Spend an hour in quiet prayer, meditation, and darshan at the Sant Gomaji Maharaj Samadhi Mandir.
- 12:30 PM – 02:00 PM: Continue 20 km further along the road to explore the scenic Paras Lake Reservoir for birdwatching and tranquil waterside views.
- 02:30 PM: Return to Shegaon for an afternoon rest at Anand Vihar before attending the evening musical fountain show at Anand Sagar.
6. Pilgrim Etiquette & Facilities at Nagzari
When planning your visit, keep these practical points in mind:
- Dress Code: Modest traditional attire (dhoti/kurta or trousers for men; sarees or salwar suits for women) is strongly recommended, following general Vidarbha temple customs. Read our Shegaon Temple Dress Code Guide for decorum tips.
- Food & Refreshments: Nagzari is a peaceful village with limited commercial shops. Small local stalls outside the temple sell tea, packaged water, biscuits, and puja offerings (coconuts, incense, flowers). For complete wholesome meals, return to the Sansthan Annachhatra in Shegaon.
- Quietness: The temple maintains an atmosphere of deep tranquility. Devotees are requested to keep mobile phones on silent mode and avoid loud photography inside the sanctum.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Nagzari temple from Shegaon Gajanan Maharaj Mandir?
Nagzari is approximately 12 kilometres southeast of Shri Gajanan Maharaj Temple in Shegaon. The drive takes roughly 20 to 25 minutes by car or auto rickshaw.
What are the daily darshan timings at Nagzari temple?
The temple is open daily from 06:00 AM to 08:30 PM. The best time for peaceful prayer is during the morning hours (07:00 AM to 10:00 AM) or late afternoon (04:30 PM to 06:30 PM).
Can I get an auto rickshaw from Shegaon to Nagzari easily?
Yes. Auto rickshaws are readily available outside the Shegaon temple gates and railway station. Devotees can easily book a return trip with 45 minutes of waiting time for around ₹350 to ₹400.
Are there stay facilities in Nagzari village?
Nagzari does not have commercial hotels or extensive pilgrim guest houses. Devotees universally stay at the comfortable, clean facilities of Shegaon Bhakta Niwas and visit Nagzari as a short half-day excursion.
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