The history of the name of Amalner is interesting and provides some important information. In 11th century Rishi Ambarishi prayed to the god Varun (the god of rain). Varun then built the temple of the god Shiv, called "Varuneshwar", which became famous in the area. Amabarishi then named the village Amalnir, which means "the village with pure water" or "where there is no mal (impurity) in water is Amalnir". Over time, the name changed to Amalner. The hill close to Amalner is called "Ambarishi Tekdi" where there is Fun fare in every monsoon. It is said that Ambarishi fulfills wishes of all who pray. Apart from Varuneshwar, there are two more shiv temples famous in Amalner, named Khaleshwar and Khateshwar Mahadev mandir, which is on the bank of the Bori River.