Sunder Narayan Temple is one of the legendary temples of Nasik which is known for its fabulous architecture. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu this temple rests on some of the most popular legends. With some well decorative corridors and entrance this temple is known as one of the popular sights of Nasik. With its unique architecture it allows the first sun ray to fall directly on the idol of Lord Vishnu. This is one of the unique features of the temple that attract the tourists from all over India.

According to the legend the place was once haunted by a notorious demon called Jalandar who was a worshiper of Lord Shiva. Though he was a wicked demon but he had a faithful wife who was known for her virtuousness and piousness. Impressed by his devotion and his wife`s chastity the demon received a boon from Lord Shiva which made him immortal. After receiving such a boon Jalandar began to create havoc in the area and challenged all the gods of the heaven. He also entered into a conflict with the Lord Shiva directly and even challenged him as well. He created such menace that it became necessary to kill him in order to save the mankind. This was against his boon and so it became a matter of concern for the lords who had to save mankind. As a solution Lord Vishnu decided to adopt the look of Jalandar and live with his wife in his place. This would challenge the chastity of Jalandar`s wife which was the biggest protection for Jalandar. As such the chastity of the innocent wife was challenged and Jalandar was killed by Lord Vishnu. When this came to the knowledge Devi Vrinda the wife of Jalandar, she cursed Lord Vishnu who turned dark loosing all his glamour and enchanting looks.As a result Lord Vishnu took a holy bath in River Godavari and regained his earlier look. This time he was known as Sundar Narayan or Sundar as is known in Maharashtra which means beautiful. Following this legend the temple which was created and dedicated to Lord Vishnu was named as Sundar Narayan Temple.

Sunder Narayan Temple is one of the exemplary temples which is known for its unique architecture. Surrounded with a number of decorative pillars the temple consists of two mandaps and an ornamental corridor. Facing the east the temple has some unique arches that resemble with the Mughal architecture. The temple is surrounded with a number of frescos. The most striking feature of this temple is the temple was built in such a manner that on 21st March the idol of the temple receives the first ray of the sunrise. Inside the temple it has the main deity of Lord Vishnu accompanied by the idol of Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Sarawati placed on the right and left side of Lord Vishnu. Elaborately decorated with stone curvatures and surrounded with a pond this temple provides one of the most attractive sights in Nasik.

Thus with well connected roads and bus services this temple is included as one of the most prominent sights in Maharashtra. With the attractive idols of Lord Vishnu, Goddess Saraswati and Goddess Lakshmi this temple receive a number of devotees from all over India.