This Diwali, I had the privilege of leading a Heritage Walk for the students of the Department of Architecture, GIT. We explored a remarkable little street — Vitthaldev Galli in Shahapur. It stretches barely 100 meters, yet houses eight temples. Naturally, that raises curiosity.
Within this compact stretch stand two Vitthal temples, one Venkateshwara temple, two Shiva shrines, a Balaji temple, and temples for Hanuman and Garuda — the latter located inside one of the Vitthal temples.
A humble stone plaque at the Naik family Venkateshwara temple records a proud heritage:
“The Almighty got the renovation done at the hands of Shrinivas Swamirao Naik in Shaka 1843 (1921 CE).”
That is my great-great-grandfather — restoring what was then already a 300-year-old shrine. The land opposite still belongs to the deity, and beside the ancient banyan tree rests the temple’s wooden ratha (chariot), safely housed inside a shed.
Nearby, at the Namdev Vitthal temple, another floor stone commemorates the construction of the pradakshina marg funded by Gangabisan Bajaj and Kisanlal Mundada in memory of Lachmandas Bhaiyya Bairagi in 1942. A striking feature here: Saint Namdev, Vitthal’s ardent devotee, is enshrined right at the feet of Lord Vitthal.
Architecture That Tells Stories
The architectural faculty and INTACH members — Dr. Rupali Kavilkar, Prof. Yamuna Kadolkar, and others — shared insights on the unexpected European influences embedded in these temples.
Three temples — Muralidhar, Venkateshwara, and Vitthal — share a similar plan:
• A large hall with carved wooden ceilings
• Magnificent pillars
• A secondary wooden-framed structure inside the main hall
• A compact Garbhagriha, likely the original ancient shrine
Their idols are notably small, suggesting the shrines once stood much more modest in scale. The temples are interconnected by interior doorways. The Venkateshwara temple even has its ancient well still in daily use.
The Muralidhar temple is the crown jewel — ornately carved in solid teak, with elephants perched atop pillars. Lord Krishna stands elevated on a raised platform, reminiscent of Peshwa-era temple design ( Similar to Sangli’s Ganapati or Pune’s Dagdusheth). New tile flooring and glass chandeliers now accompany original artwork and prints.
One delightful surprise in the Vitthal temple is an Italian floor tile near the sanctum which depicts a Roman soldier surrounded by European vine motifs — a reminder of global trade influences long ago.
Here, Vitthal is flanked by Rukmini and Rahi (Radha). The temple has been tended by the Deulkar family — originally Puraniks who migrated from Goa in 1751 — making the temple older than that date. The temple walls are clad in marble slabs etched with all 18 chapters of the Bhagavad Gita — a pilgrim’s dream for an uninterrupted recitation.
Within the same premises are shrines for Hanuman and Garuda, much like in Pandharpur. The glowing Deepmal is ceremonially lit on Ashadhi and Kartiki Ekadashi.
Why So Many Temples Here?
Historically, Shahapur–Angol–Vadgaon fell under the Patwardhans of Sangli, separate from Belagavi district. Communities worshipped in their own shrines and seldom mingled. With limited spaces and scope for social life, temples became vibrant centres of gathering, with designated areas for both men and women. Even today, both the Vitthal temples host weddings and community functions.
This walk reminded us that heritage often lives quietly — in small lanes, in chiseled beams, in the devotion of families who protect traditions across centuries.
(All pictures courtesy: Swatee Jog, Girish Naik and students of GIT- Dept. of Architecture)
Would you like to experience this heritage?
INTACH Belagavi Chapter regularly organizes guided heritage walks through Shahapur temples and Belagavi Fort. Contact: 7760251949
Excellent article. Dear Swateeji keep going !