Gonda, Feb 26: On this occasion of Maha Shivaratri, devotees throng towards the tallest Shiva Lingam in Asia. It is said that this Shiva Lingam was established by Bhima. This temple is the finest example of architecture. This temple is known as the Prithvinath Temple." People are making their Maha Shivaratri Special with a Visit to This Sacred Temple In the Gonda district of Uttar Pradesh.

Temple with a history that will amaze you

This temple is the Prithvinath Temple, located about 35 kilometers from the Gonda district headquarters. The history of this temple is connected to the Dvapara Yuga.

Exploring the Pirthvinath Temple of Gonda

The history of the Prithvinath Temple in Gonda district is quite fascinating. According to an archaeological survey, the Shiva Lingam in the temple is believed to be around 650 years old. What's even more intriguing is that, according to historians, the history of this temple is linked to the Dwapar Yuga, which is one of the four Yugas or ages mentioned in Hindu mythology.

Temple Founded During the Period of Exile It is believed that during the Pandavas' exile in the Dwapar Yuga, this temple was established. According to the belief, visiting and worshiping here removes all pain and suffering. The temple priest also mentioned that the temple was built by Bhima. Maha Shivaratri Sees an Overflowing Crowd Many devotees from nearby districts come to this temple to seek blessings of Lord Shiva. During Maha Shivaratri and the month of Sawan, the temple sees a huge crowd of millions daily.

A Towering Shivling

A Symbol of Strength and Devotion This place holds special significance for the ritual of Jalabhishek. The Shiva Linga installed here is so tall that one has to raise their heels to perform the water offering. The Linga is about 5 feet tall above the ground, but it is said to extend about 64 feet below the earth.

The Mythological Significance of the Prithvinath Temple According to the priest and local people, the five Pandavas, along with their mother Kunti, came to this place during their exile and lived here. Legends say that it is also the place where Bhima killed the demon Bakasura.

Brahmahatya and Its Redemption:

A Spiritual Journey of Repentance After killing the demon Bakasura, Bhima incurred the sin of Brahmhatya (killing a Brahmin). To attain liberation from this sin, as per the order of Lord Krishna, Bhima established a Shiva Lingam approximately 600 years ago during the Dvapara Yuga. At that time, the temple was called Bhimeshwar Mahadev. Later, the temple came to be known as Prithvinath Temple.

According to historians, during the Mughal emperor's reign, a commander worshipped here and renovated the temple. It is said that the Shivling, established by Bhima, gradually sank into the ground. Later, with permission from King Man Singh of Khargapur, a person named Prithvinath Singh started digging here for house construction.

It is said that on the same night, Prithvinath Singh dreamt that there was a Shiva lingam buried under the ground in seven sections. After that, the Shiva lingam was excavated, and worship rituals began. This is when the temple came to be known as the Prithvinath Temple.

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