Moteshwar Mahadev Temple

Moteshwar Mahadev Temple is a famous Shiva temple located in the Kashipur Tehsil of Udham Singh Nagar district in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand. Situated in Chaiti Maidan on the edge of Mahadev Nagar, this temple is believed to date back to the Mahabharata era and is considered to be the twelfth subordinate Jyotirlinga. The Shiva Lingam here is thicker than usual, which is why the temple is known as Moteshwar Mahadev.

Religious Significance and Importance

Moteshwar Mahadev Temple holds deep historical and religious significance. According to the Skanda Purana, Lord Shiva promised that anyone who brings Ganga water from Haridwar and offers it on this Shiva Lingam while carrying it on their shoulder will attain Moksha. Because of this belief, devotees bring Kanwar to the temple as an offering when their wishes are fulfilled. The Shiva Lingam here is so large that no one has ever been able to encircle it with both hands. The depth of the Lingam is estimated to be about 30 feet, which reflects its unique size and shape.

Temple Structure and History

The architectural style of Moteshwar Mahadev Temple is quite unique. The temple is located on the upper floor, where worship is performed. Around the Shiva Lingam, there is a copper floor created by a craftsman from Jageshwar. Initially, the temple’s ground floor was open, but due to a stampede in 1942-43, which led to several deaths, it was closed for security reasons. Now, the temple is situated on the upper floor. The temple’s inner walls are designed in various angles, enhancing its architectural beauty. Over the years, many devotees have contributed to the restoration of the temple. Notably, in 1980, Seth Moolprakash undertook a major renovation after his wish was fulfilled.

Festivals and Maha Shivaratri

Every year, a grand fair is held at the temple on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri. Devotees from various regions such as Moradabad, Rampur, Bijnor, and Thakurdwara in Uttar Pradesh travel to the temple to offer Kanwar. During this time, there are long queues of devotees, and the offerings begin from midnight. Special prayers and rituals are conducted, making it a vibrant and significant event for the temple’s community.

Historical Beliefs and Legends

According to beliefs, the Shiva Lingam here is not installed, but is naturally positioned on the ground. It is said to represent the Bhimasankar Jyotirlinga of Maharashtra. An old legend tells that Guru Dronacharya, while teaching the Kauravas and Pandavas in Govishan, saw this Shiva Lingam. It is said that Bhima built a temple here and offered it as a guru dakshina to Dronacharya. At one time, the temple was surrounded by 120 smaller Shiva temples. A Gujarati Nagar Brahmin family has been serving the temple for nine generations, and according to them, the Buksya tribe considers Lord Shiva as their family deity. It is also believed that this Shiva Lingam existed even before the birth of Lord Ram and that Mata Sita performed penance and worshiped here.

Moteshwar Mahadev Temple is not just a religious site but also a living example of India’s rich history and culture. This temple is a significant pilgrimage spot for Shiva devotees and attracts attention due to its historical importance, religious beliefs, and traditional festivals. If you are interested in religious tourism or historical sites, Moteshwar Mahadev Temple is a must-visit.