Barabanki Lodheshwar Mahadev Mandir – Uttar Pradesh

Address

Barabanki Lodheshwar Mahadev Mandir – Lodhaura, Ram Nagar Tehsil, Barabanki district, Uttar Pradesh 225201

Deity

Lodheshwar Mahadev

Introduction

• Location: The temple is located in the village of Mahadeva, Ram Nagar tehsil, in Barabanki district, Uttar Pradesh, India, situated on the banks of the Ghaghra River.
• Presiding Deity: The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva with a rare Shivling, which is one of the 52 Shivlings found on Shakti Pithas across India.
• Historical References: The temple has been mentioned several times in the Mahabharata and holds great significance in various scriptures and holy books.
• Age: The temple is believed to be around 1000 years old.

Puranic Significance

• Origin Story:
  • Pandit Lodheram Awasthi, a learned and devout Brahmin, had visions of Lord Shiva in his dreams. He was directed by Lord Shiva to establish a temple at the spot where his irrigation water was being absorbed into the earth.
  • Upon digging, Pandit Lodheram discovered a Shivling, which bled when struck by his tool. The same mark is still visible today.
  • He could not unearth the entire Shivling and built the temple at the same location, combining his name ‘Lodhe’ with ‘Ishwar’, creating the famous name Lodheshwar.
  • Pandit Lodheram was later blessed with four sons, who became namesakes for nearby villages: Mahadeva, Lodhaura, Gobarha, and Rajnapur.
• Mahabharata Connection:
  • The Pandavas performed a Mahayagya at this temple after the Mahabharata war. A well, known as Pandav-Kup, still exists and is believed to have healing properties. Those who drink its water are said to be cured of various ailments.

Special Features

• Exotic Shivling: The Shivling at Lodheshwar is one of the rarest and most sacred among the 52 Shivlings found in India.
• Bam-Bhole Chants: Devotees often chant Bam-bhole, Bam-bam-bhole, particularly during pilgrimage, carrying Kanwars (containers of holy water) on their shoulders.
• Miraculous Powers: The temple is known for fulfilling the wishes of devotees since ancient times, and this tradition continues today.
• Annual Pilgrimage: Lakhs of devotees visit the temple, especially during Phalgun (March) every year to offer water to the Shivling on Mahashivratri.

Festivals

• Mahashivratri Fair (March–April):
  • During Mahashivratri, millions of devotees gather at Mahadeva to worship and offer water to the Shivling.
• Local Fair (November–December):
  • This fair is primarily for the local population and involves the sale and purchase of cattle on a large scale.

Century/Period/Age

1000 Years old

Nearest Bus Station

Ramnagar

Nearest Railway Station

Budhwal Junction

Nearest Airport

Lucknow

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