With the preparations for the 2027 Nashik Kumbh Mela gaining momentum, spiritual and cultural leaders are voicing their vision to widen the scope of this ancient pilgrimage. One such voice is that of Satish Kate, a retired employee of the Indian Oil Corporation, Nagpur. He has proposed that Lonar town in Buldhana district of Vidarbha region be included in the ‘Spiritual Corridor’ being planned for the upcoming Nashik Kumbh Mela 2027. Kate informed ‘The Hitavada’ that the committee formed under the Maharashtra Government to plan the 2027 Kumbh Mela, is exploring ways of developing the regions nearby of Nashik from a tourism and spiritual perspective. “Lonar is renowned for its meteoric lake, but is not widely known for its spiritual significance. The Markandeya Puran also refers to Lonar in its Viraj Mahatmya chapter,” said Kate. Kate explained that just as the region around Nashik featured several important Jyotirlings, such as Ghrishneshwar

 

Temple in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Parli Vaijnath and Aundha Nagnath, Lonar too should be included in the proposed Spiritual Corridor connecting Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar and Lonar. Kate noted that such a decision would not only boost tourism but also lift the local economy. “People visit Lonar for its famous crater lake, but very few know that the story of Lonar is deeply connected to Lord Vishnu.” He mentioned Daitya Sudan Temple, built in honour of Lord Vishnu’s victory over the demon Lonasur. Another important site, the Gomukh Temple, has a perennial stream from which water flows continuously.

 

This spot is also referred to as the Sita Nahani Temple or Dhara. Kate stated that while the local population is familiar with these stories, they remain largely unknown to the general public. To support this vision, Kate has submitted a formal proposal to the Lonar Development Committee under the jurisdiction of the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court. “Lonar is not well-developed at present, but with proper arrangements and effective promotion, people will become aware of its religious significance and be inspired to visit,” he said and added that visitors travelling to Lonar could also explore nearby sites like Sindkhed Raja, the birthplace of Rajmata Jijau, mother of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. “Lonar needs better approach roads, improved internal roads and streets, and decent hotels. Even the temples in Lonar require proper care and maintenance,” he said. Kate believed that integrating Lonar into the Kumbh Mela’s spiritual corridor will bring much-needed attention and development to the region.