Akrureshwar Mahadev is worshiped in Ujjain in
Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the 84 forms of Shiva worshiped in Ujjain. It
is believed that worshipping Akrureshwar form of Shiva will help in attaining
Shivalok.
The temple dedicated to Akrureshwar Mahadev is located in
the Ram Janardan temple complex.
This form of Shiva is associated with Akrur Shiva Gana.
Akrureshwar Mahadev is counted among the
84 Shiva Temples in Ujjain and it is the 39th temple
visited during the parikarama of Shiavalayas here.
Story of Akrureshwar Mahadev form of Shiva in Ujjain
Akrur was a Shiva Gana but he never worshipped Goddess
Parvati. He constantly meditated on Shiva. Goddess Parvati tried to make him understand
that it she who nourishes all beings. But Arkur was not ready to listen to her.
One day, an angry Goddess Parvati cursed him to be born on
earth. Akrur immediately fell from the Kailash.
On earth, he performed intense austerities. Shiva then
appeared before him and asked him to offer prayers to Goddess Parvati as only
she can relieve him from the curse.
Akrur then offered prayers to Goddess Parvati. She appeared
before him and asked him to go to Mahakaal Vana (present day Ujjain) and
worship a Shivling there.
The Shiva Gana went to Mahakaal Vana and offered pujas to a Shivling
he made. Soon Shiva appeared in the form of Ardhanarishwara and gave him mukti.
As Akrur got moksha, the Shivling he worshipped came to be
known as Akrureshwar Mahadev.
It is believed that those who offer prayers her will attain
moksha and will have all their sins cleansed.