The 18th century Naroshankar temple dedicated to lord Sankara (Lord Shiva) is a beautiful temple, situated at Panchavati on the banks of river Godavari.
It was constructed in 1747 by Naroshankar Rajebahaddur in a unique style of architecture called Maya architecture. The main temple is built on a platform and its interiors as well as exteriors are adorned with stunning carved structures and ornamental works that contains elaborate laceworks, peacocks holding bead garlands etc. The temple also have carving of animals like tigers, monkeys, elephants etc. which denotes that Hindu culture is not limited only to human beings but also the entire universe comprises birds, animals trees and nature. The four directions of the temple are adorned with statues of the saints in Padmasana and its four corners are decorated with umbrellas, commonly known as ‘Meghadambari’ or ‘Barasati’; of which only three are existing, the other being washed away in Godavari floods.
The temple is surrounded by a 11 feet fortification with a huge bell house in its center which houses the famous Naroshankar Ghanta bell. The bell house is a memorial to celebrate the victory over the Portuguese by the Maratha Ruler Bajirao Peshwa’s younger brother Chimaji Appa who won the fort of Vasai from the Portuguese. Naroshankar Rajebahaddur had played a vital role in this war and the bell is awarded to him for his bravery. The ringing of this bronze bell measuring six feet diameter can be heard up to about 5 kilometers.