India, a land of spirituality, is home to countless temples dedicated to various deities. Among these, the ancient Shiva temples found in remote hills, forests, and rivers are particularly revered. One such magnificent temple is the Sri Rupeshwar Mahadev Temple located in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. This ancient temple ranks 62nd among the 84 powerful Mahadev temples. The temple houses two Shivalingas, believed to impart positive energy and destroy negativity.
People who face obstacles in their work or experience continuous losses are believed to receive positive results by worshipping at the Sri Rupeshwar Mahadev Temple. Devotees believe that worshipping Mahadev here helps resolve life problems and brings positive energy. The temple is located on the eastern side of the Kumbheshwar Mahadev Temple, along the route from Magar Muh to Singhpuri.
The two Shivalingas in the Sri Rupeshwar Temple are made of black and white stones. The white Shivalinga, located in a pond, is believed to radiate positive energy, while the black Shivalinga is said to eliminate negative energy. Simply visiting the deity is thought to clear negative energy and bring positivity. Daily, special rituals and water abhishekam (anointing) are performed for the deity, along with regular harati, pujas, and naivedyam (food offerings). The temple complex also features an ancient Varadani statue, depicting Mahishasura Mardini.
Other Temples in the Complex:
Before entering the sanctum, there is an ancient statue of Shiva-Parvati and other ancient deities. In front, there is a weathered stone circle with statues of Vishnu and other deities. On the remaining walls, there are artistic and attractive statues, including a 5.5-foot-tall Mahishasura Mardini, depicted wearing armor and wielding weapons on a single white stone. The walls on either side of the temple feature statues of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva's family.
Mythological Story:
According to mythology, Mahadev narrated the story of King Padma to Parvati Devi during the Padma Kalpa. The king, who was hunting in the forest, entered a beautiful ashram and encountered a young girl meditating. The king inquired about her, and she revealed herself as a daughter of Sage Kanva. Enchanted by her beauty, the king proposed marriage, which she accepted, asking him to wait until her father returned. The king married her in Gandharva style.
When Sage Kanva returned, he cursed the couple to live with deformity. However, the girl professed her love for the king and her choice to marry him. To lift the curse, Sage Kanva sent them to the temple in Ujjain. After worshipping the beautiful Shivalinga there, the couple's beauty was restored. Since then, the Shivalinga has been known as Sri Rupeshwar Mahadev.
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