Bisaldeo Gokarneshwar Shiva Mandir – Rajasthan

Address

Bisaldeo Gokarneshwar Shiva Mandir Bisalpur Dam, SH 37A, Rajasthan 304804

Diety

Gokarneshwar

Introduction

Bisaldeo Temple is one of the major famous temples of Rajasthan which is situated on the banks of Bisalpur Dam in Tonk district. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is also known as Gokarneshwarm Mahadev Temple. The Bisaldev temple has a deeply religious and social significance. Thousands of devotees visit this temple on the occasion of Maha Shiva night. The temple has also been considered as a ‘Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey. The temple was constructed with ancient Hindu-style architecture and was built on the sacred site of a Pancharatha. There is a Chakor mandapa which has an akhada and portico called Shikhar. The temple is built in a semicircular dome, supported on eight high pillars with bells hanging and floral designs with decorations.

Puranic Significance

This temple was built in the 12th century by King Chahaman’s ruler Vigraharaja VI. Also known as Bisal Dev. This temple has been named Bisaldev Temple due to Bisaldeo. This temple is located on the Bisalpur Dam of Banas River. The courtyard of the temple is partially submerged in the present day. The architecture of the temple and the designs carved all over clearly shows the historical significance of the place. There is a big hall in the temple with a domed ceiling. Every wall, every pillar and even are ceilings have carvings all over. These carvings not only make the places beautiful but also tell a story or represents its history. The city Bilaspur in which the temple exists was established by the King Vigraharaja the IVth. The sanctum of the temple has a ‘Shivling’ in it, A shivling is a representation of the mythological god ‘Lord Shiva’ also known as ‘Mahadev’. He is known as “The Destroyer”, who destroys the evil beings. There are several gods and goddesses in mythology but ‘Lord Shiva’ is considered to be the greatest god and the most supreme god. People contemplate him to be everywhere and anywhere on earth. He is picturised as having a snake spiralled around his neck, holding a “Trishul” (Trident) and a “Damru” (small Drum) in hands and having a third eye on his fore-head.

Special Features

The ancient Bisaldeo temple built near gate number one of Bisalpur dam, which is one of the major dams in Rajasthan, is associated with the Ramayana period. It is said that Ravana did penance at this place to place Lord Shiva. It is also mentioned in Shiva Puran.