Siddheshwar temple is a significant temple at Toka, Newasa in Maharashtra. This Hemadpanti temple complex belongs to the period of the Peshwas as per the Devanagari inscriptions placed on the temple’s south gate. It seems that Vishnu Mahadev Gadre built the temple in the year 1767 for the cost of Rs. 93,000. Nana Phadnis contributed further to repairing the temple and also built six steps from the temple to the Godavari River(called as Ghat).

The beautifully carved temple portrays various mythological themes like Ramayana & Mahabharata and elegantly carvings of God & Goddesses.

Vishnu temple is placed on the left side of Shiva’s main abode within the temple complex’s compound. This temple is equally ornamented with various sculptures & carvings just like the main one.

Vishnu’s mount (Vahana) is Garuda, the eagle. Vishnu is commonly depicted as riding on his shoulders. Garuda is sitting in front of the temple on his knees.

The main attraction of this temple is ‘Dikpalas‘ (guardians of the directions) which are placed on all the outer walls. Those include Yama, Kubera, Indra, Varuna, Isana, Agni, Vayu & Nirrti. The shikara (top) of the temple poses amazing sculptures of Gaja-Markatas (Elephant & Monkies) and Lions facing 4 directions. Radha-Krishna is showcased in various poses on the sabha mandapa (dome of the entrance).

Lord Vishnu’s black stone idol with Shankha, Gada, and Chakra looks attractive!