Indreshwar Mahadev is worshiped in Ujjain in
Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the 84 forms of Shiva worshiped in Ujjain. It
is believed that those worshipping Indreshwar form of Shiva will get redemption
from sin.
The temple dedicated to Indreshwar Mahadev is located at
Anantapeth in Ujjain.
This form of Shiva is associated with Indra, the king of
Devas, defeating Vritasur and regaining his celestial world.
Indreshwar Mahadev is counted among the
84 Shiva Temples in Ujjain and it is the 35th temple
visited during the parikarama of Shiavalayas here.
Story of Indreshwar Mahadev form of Shiva in Ujjain
There was a pious prince named Kushdwaj. He was the son of
Prajapati Twashta. One day for some reason, Indra, the king of Devas, killed
Kushdwaj. An angry Prajapati Twashta, removed a strand of hair and threw it
into fire. From it appeared Vritasur, who defeated Indra and made him a
prisoner.
Vritasura now ruled heaven.
Brihaspati, the guru of Devas, secured the release of Indra.
Indra asked his Guru how he could get back his position as
the king of Devas.
Brihaspati asked Indra to worship a particular Shivling
located in the southern direction at Mahakaal Van (present day Ujjain).
Indra performed intense austerities and pleased Shiva by
performing puja to the Shivling. Shiva then blessed Indra with powers to
overcome Vritasura.
Indra then defeated Vritasura and regained his position as
the King of Devas.
As Indra offered prayers to the Shivling, it came to be
known as Indreshwar.
It is believed that those who offer prayers to Indreshwar
Shivling will attain heaven after death.