Mount Abu Shankar Math Shiva Temple, Rajasthan

Address

Mount Abu,

Rajasthan 307501

Moolavar

Shiva

Introduction

Shankar Math is a Lord Shiva temple in Mount Abu. It is known for the 9ft tall Shiva Linga made of black stone which gives it the impression of Lord Shiva’s dreadlocks. Devotees believe his third eye self-manifested on this Shiva Linga making Shankar Math highly revered. The Shiva Linga is automatically bathed by rainwater during the monsoon.

Puranic Significance

In 1977, a large Shiva-temple ‘Arbuda-Vishwanatha-Mahadeva’ was consecrated in the premises. Not only is the installed Lingam with a proportionate Pithika one of the largest observed, its shikhara is also in the form of Lingam complete with a Pithika.

Swami Maheshanand Giri Ji Maharaj had read about a Shiva-Temple in the Puranas that the Shivalinga in it was such that it wore the skin of a tiger and could be seen even without entering the temple. Since then he decided to build such a temple. On finding such a stone, it was available in a mine near Phalna (Rajasthan). Its size also, was so big that a very huge Linga-Jalahari could be made which would be visible from a long distance. Swamiji decided to build the dome of the temple in the shape of “Linga-Jalahari”, so that looking at the temple dome would also mean seeing Lord Shiva. A devotion hall (Lecture Hall) was also built alongside the temple. Outside walls of the temple were decorated with “Chheetar” stone from Jodhpur. The construction of the temple dome started only after the stone for the Linga reached the place of Garbhagraha (room in a temple containing an idol) as, it is believed that Linga should not enter the temple from the door. The length & amplitude of the Jalahari was made according to the Linga and thus an incomparable image was made. Pratishtha (or establishment) of the Linga was done according to the rituals from Samaveda. After the establishment, regulated prayers & worship along with celebration of all the festivals of this era have continued here. After the temple was erected, its garden was revived and decorated, and a well was also dug, whose water is used for the holy-bath of Lord Shiva. Mahadeva was named “Arbudavishvanatha”. Swamiji’s prime respected Guru decided this name, just like Lord Shiva established by him in Delhi was named “Dehlivishvanatha”.

The temple compound houses a lotus pond and some Rudraksha trees. The aarti is conducted here thrice a day while a special bhasm aarti is held every Monday. Shankar Math sees a crowd of devotees during Shivaratri and Shavan Shukla Trayo Dasi festivals. Every day, vedas and upanishads are narrated at the temple which can be attended by anyone.