Shri. Chintamani, Kalamb
One of the Ashtaganesh (8 Ganpati Temples), of Vidarbha, the Chintamani Ganpati, at Kalamb, is unique in that the temple is underground (around 27-30 feet). It is one of the 21 Kshetras of Ganpati in Maharashtra and is considered to have been constructed in the 7th or 8th Century.
Located on the banks of the River Chakravarti, it is said to have been the site where Lord Ganesh blessed Lord Indra, who prayed to Him to get relieved of the curse of Rishi Gautam.
Kalamb Ganesh Mandir finds reference in the Ganesh Puran as well as the Skanda and Mudgal Puranas.
Once in 12 years, in the Hindu month of Ashwin (Sept-Oct), the water from the Ganesh Kund in front of the idol, begins to rise and partially submerges the idol as per the locals.
Temple is well-maintained and requires one to climb down medium height steps to reach the sanctum-sanctorum (Garbagruha). One is blessed with the darshan of a 4.5 feet high Ganesha idol.
Another unique and uncommon feature of the temple is that the idol is dakshinabhimukh, i.e. facing south!
The place has a very spiritual feel. The place is not very crowded except on Special Days and the annual festival during Ganesh Chaturthi.
It is located at Kalamb Village, about 20-22 km from Yavatmal city. The road is motor able right upto the temple parking.
Jai Ganesh!
