Mandsaur Sri Pashupatinath Temple, Madhya Pradesh

Address

Mandsaur Sri Pashupatinath Temple, Pashupatinath Mandir Road, Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh 458001

Diety

Sri Pashupatinath Amman: Parvati

Introduction

Pashupatinath Temple is one of the prominent shrines where Lord Shiva is worshipped as a prime deity in the form of Pashupatinath. Pashupatinath temple stands on the banks of the Shivna River, in Mandsaur city of Madhya Pradesh. The idols of other deities such as Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesh, Kartikeya, Goddess Ganga, Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi and Sage Adyashankaracharya can be seen within the temple complex along with a huge idol of Nandi.

Puranic Significance

Mandsaur was known as Dashpur in the ancient times. It lies on the Tropic of Cancer and when the sun is in winter solstice, its rays are less potent and hence this place earned the name Mand Surya, which later became Mandsaur. This place has been mentioned in many ancient epics like the Mahabharata, Megdoot, Puranas, Kadambari and Bruhatsamhita. The history and heritage are mingled in its religion, art and literature. This place has also been referred to in the old Jain writings. Amleshwar inscription of the second century B.C. was among the earliest to mention this place. The temple has its deity made during the Gupta period. It is actually distinct, the only other comparison being the Pashupatinath deity in Nepal. What makes it all the more interesting is that both the idols were mentioned by Kalidasa in his works. Pashupati means ‘the lord of the beats’ and it is derived from the Sanskrit words, ‘pashu’ referring to animals and ‘pati’ meaning the protector. It is as the incarnation was considered among the eight Rudras, the one who holds the place of fire. It has been said that Lord Vishnu along with other gods had named Lord Shiva as Pashupati during the time of Tripura Samhar. Lord Shiva became the lord of all the demons and demolished Tripura, the three cities of illusion, which were being administered by the asuras Kamlaaksha, Taarakaaksha and Vidyunmaali. This three pashus were creating destruction by assaulting gods and sages. Shiv Purana states that any individual who is in the clutches of his own ego, ignorance and wants is an animal or pashu. And under such circumstances, only the Pashupati can provide relief to them. The deity of the temple has a striking history in the year 1961. It is said that Udaji, a laundry person was washing clothes on a stone along the banks of the Shivna River. One night, he dreamt of the Lord saying him that he was washing clothes on his idol. Alarmed by this, the person discussed the matter with the society people and the stone was found out to be the deity of Lord Pashupatinath. As it was a small city, the idol was planned to be taken to Ujjain to build a temple but the bullocks of the cart with transportation refused to move. The person again dreamt of the Lord telling him that a temple should be constructed there itself which paved a way to the formation of this famous shrine.

Special Features

• Mandsaur’s main attraction is the Pashupatinath Temple. This temple has been built many decades ago. It has beautiful effigy that is built-up smooth, with a glowing dark coppery fiery rock-block. • The idol of this temple is divided into two parts and there are four faces on the upper section of the deity and the remaining four faces on the lower section. • The famous shrine has four doors which pave the way to four different directions, for example, north, south, east and west. Each direction consists of two faces displaying the eight rasas namely, the east stands for peace and concentration, the west for the Rudra form or angry, the north full of snakes and hairs and the south for gentle and artistic. • Additionally, the Shivalinga of this holy place of worship consists of eight faces. Every part has four faces which portray the four stages of life. It is a unique sculpture of Lord Shiva in the world. • The temple is 90 feet in length and is 30 feet wide and 101 feet tall. In addition, it has one golden pitcher of 100 kg each placed on the top of the shrine. • The Shivalinga of this popular and sacred place of worship is 2.5*3.2 meters and weighs 4.6 tons. • The idol is believed to be found during the summers of 1940 when the water level was declining from the Shivna River. Many people find it strange but till now, the water level in the Shivna Riverrises to 90 feet to touch the holy Shiv Ling of lord Shiva. This phenomenon during the monsoon is termed as “Jalaabhishek” which means worshiping the Almighty through the water. • Mondays are considered very auspicious by the devotees as it is said that the idol of Lord Shiva had emerged from the waters of Shivna River on this day. It reached the Tapeshwar Ghat of the river on Sunday and was positioned there. After exactly, 21 years, 5 months and 4 days the deity was incarnated. This day of the incarnation is celebrated with great pomp by the pilgrims.

Festivals

• Mahasivaratri festival is the most important festival that is observed in this temple. Thousands of pilgrims gather in the premises of this temple with utter devotion to pray and seek blessings of the Lord. It is celebrated with great zeal and people fast and offer pooja on this occasion. This festival is celebrated every year on the 13th night/14th day in the Krishna Paksha of the month of Maagha according to the Hindu calendar. The festival is principally distinguished by offerings of Bilva leaves to Lord Shiva, all day fasting and an all night long vigil. • Kartik Ekadashi festival.