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Moteshwar Mahadev

Moteshwar Mahadev is an ancient temple located in the Kashipur area of Uttarakhand and is dedicated to a form of Lord Shiva known as Bhima Shankar Mahadev. It is basically an abode of Lord Shiva in Kashipur. In ancient days, this place was also known as the Dakini state. Even today, Kashipur is located as an historical place located in the district of Nainital. At a distance of about 1 Km from Kashipur, there is a place which is known as Ujjanak. This is the place where lord Shiva resides in his full face in the form of a Jyotirlingam popularly known as Bhima Shankar.

Primarily, Lord Shiva is worshipped in this temple, but there are some other deities as well, who are worshipped in this ancient temple. This includes Ganesha, Kartikeya, Parvati, Kali, Hanuman and Bhairav. This temple holds great religious significance and thus, is frequently visited by pilgrims during different festivals dedicated to lord Shiva. Located at a mere distance of 3 Km from Kashipur town’s bus station, this temple can be easily reached through buses.

History

As per Shiva purana, the jyotirlingam avatar of Bhima Shankar is the Kama roop of lord Shiva. During the period of Mahabharata, this place was famous by the name of Dakini. The existence of this place has also been described by famous poet Kalidasa in his creation “Raghuvansh”.

This place acquired the name of Dakini due to the forests spread from Saharanpur to Nepal and consisted of a devil named Hidimba who took birth in the Dakini yoni. Hidimba got married to the victorious Pandava Bheem. Though she was a Dakini, but since she lived in a devil posture, people knew her as a devil only.

The lingam based in this temple is quite large and it is impossible for two human hands to touch the whole ling at a time. The fact that this lingam is very fat, this temple got its name as Moteshwar Mahadev. This temple possesses one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. This is one of its kinds and is not present in any other part of India. It is believed that this lingam rises continuously and till now it has reached a height same as second floor. It is believed that this temple was constructed around 302 AD.

Architecture

This temple is quite old and includes a Kund, named as Shiva Ganga Kund located in the front of river Kosi and a Bhairavnath temple. On the west side of this temple, there is a temple of Maa Jagdamba Bhagvati Balsundari. During the Chaitra month of Hindu calendar, a huge fair is organized at this temple. In the close proximity, there is a place named Kila that describes the historic significance of this place. It is believed that at this place, Guru Dronacharya gave education to Pandavas and Kauravas. It is also said that Guru Dronacharya motivated Pandava brother Bheem to reconstruct this temple and this is why, this temple is known as Bheem Shankar.

On the west side of this Kila, located is Drona Sagar which is also believed to be built by Pandavas for their Guru. Also, there is a Shiv Manokamana Kund located adjacent to the temple.

Timings

The Moteshwar Mahadev temple opens with an aarti at 6am in the morning and is open till 12 noon. Then it closes for lunch, and then reopens at 4pm in the evening till 8pm.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit this temple is between April – October except the monsoons. The place is quite cold in the winter and thus, summers are the best time to pay a visit to this temple.

How to Reach

Shri Moteshwar Mahadev temple located at Ujjanak in Kashipur at a distance of about 3 Km from the bus station of Kashipur. Kashipur is well connected to a large number of cities of north India by road and it possesses rail connectivity with cities including Varanasi, Ramnagar, Moradabad, Lucknow, Delhi and many more.

The nearest airport is located in the Pantnagar situated at a distance of about 72 Km from Kashipur.

Festivals

Since the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, thus, the festivals which are celebrated here with grandeur include Shravan Mela, Chaiti Mela and Maha Shivaratri.

Related Image

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