The architectural and historical similarities among the temples in Indapur tehsil—specifically the Śrīnātha temple at Vadapuri, the Sṛjananātha Samādhi temple at Reda, the Nāthabābā Samādhi temple at Bedshinge, and the Bhartṛhari temple at Tannu—point toward a shared cultural and religious context. These temples, dated to around the 17th century CE, seem to be intrinsically linked to the Nātha tradition, which is an influential spiritual movement in the region.

Vadapuri serves as a remarkable focal point for the Nātha tradition, especially due to its association with Gorakṣanātha, one of the most revered figures in the Nātha lineage. The village's name itself commemorates the vaḍā and purī given to the saint, encapsulating a local legend that also finds mention in the text ‘Navanāthā Bhaktīsāra.’ Legends surrounding the village also allude to its previous names, Kanakanagari and Shivpuri, revealing layers of cultural and historical significance.

The name Kanakanagari, which translates to "the city of gold," brings to light another fascinating aspect of the Nātha cult—its association with alchemical activities. Given that the sages of this tradition are believed to have performed miracles, including the creation of mountains of gold, it's plausible that the legends and names of places like Kanakanagari could have arisen from these alchemical associations, as suggested by David Gordon White in his 1996 study.

Śrīnātha temple

Śrīnātha temple: The Śrīnātha temple is located on the outskirts of Vadapuri. Although the temple is considered to be a samādhi of an unknown Nāthapanthī ascetic, its association with Gorakṣanātha suggests that it may be dedicated to him. Architecturally, the temple belongs to the late medieval period, specifically between 1700-1800 CE. Some portions of the old structure still exist, despite modern modifications.

Inside the garbhagṛha, there are loose sculptures of Mahiṣāsuramardinī and a yogī. A brass mask of Śrīnātha is placed on a gravestone (turabata) covered with a Galef. The modern śikhara features carvings of Navanātha along with other deities.

In front of the temple, there are more than 11 samādhis. Most are located in the eastern area, with a single, more elaborately decorated tomb in the southern section. At the gateway of the temple, there is an image of an ascetic with joined hands. This temple should belong to the late medieval period (1700-1800 CE) based on its architectural features.

Gravestone (turabata)

A gravestone (turabata)

The Bhartṛhari temple, Tannu: Tannu is a small village on the bank of Bhīmā River about 30 km away from Indapur town. The Bhartṛhari temple here enshrines a cylindrical stone structure with spherical top (like a stupa) that is worshipped as the samādhi of Bhartṛhari. According to tradition, Bhartrahari was the King of Ujjain before renouncing the throne to become a yogī sometime in the 11th century CE. He is variously said to have been a disciple of either Gorakṣanātha or Jālandharanātha (Briggs, 1938). There are many samādhi temples of Bhartṛhari all over India. 

At Tannu, in front of the samādhi, a couple of tiny brass horses are installed by the priest probably signifying the king-hood of the sage. There is an image of Bhairavanātha in the temple. This image, like other images of Bhairavanātha, faces south. There are not many archaeological remains in this temple apart from the tomb itself. Very fragmentary evidence of some architectural elements strewn around makes it difficult to ascertain the exact period of the temple.

The samādhi of Bhartṛhari

A Vishnu image and a Shivalinga, Tannu

There is also an abandoned ruined temple called the Mahādeva temple. 

Mahādeva temple, Tannu

Sṛjananātha temple, Reda: Reda is a small village in the same tehsil, almost 22 km away from Indapur town. There is a small samādhi temple of Sṛjananātha. Altogether 10 tombs of the Nātha ascetics are located in front of the temple. The turabata of Sṛjananātha is made up of stone. There is an image of a devotee and a horse depicted on the doorjamb. Sṛjananātha was an 18th-century Nātha ascetic, who according to the local legend, attained samādhi at this place.

Samādhi of Sṛjananātha

Sṛjananātha temple, Reda.

Nāthabābā Temple, Bedsinge: Bedshinge is a small village approximately 8 km away from Indapur. There is a shrine of an unknown Nātha yogī. Temple has been granted 10 hectares of land for its rites and rituals (divābattī). Another temple, supposedly that of Bhairavanātha, but devoid of any image at present is nearby.

Nāthabābā temple, Bedsinge

Temples of Bedshinge, Reda, Tannu, and Vadapuri have similar architectural features.