Guheshwar Mahadev is worshiped in Ujjain in
Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the 84 forms of Shiva worshiped in Ujjain.
Those offering prayers to Guheshwar Mahadev will attain various Siddhis.
The temple dedicated to Guheshwar Mahadev is located at Ram
Siddhi (Ramghat) on the banks of Shipra River – near Pishachamukteshwar.
This form of Shiva is associated with Mangkanak Rishi.
Guheshwar Mahadev is counted among the 84 Shiva Temples in Ujjain and
it is the 2nd temple visited during the parikrama of Shivalayas here.
Story of Guheshwar Mahadev form of Shiva in Ujjain
Mangakanak Rishi did intense penance and tapas for attaining
various Siddhis. One day with his Siddhi, he was able to produce a child. He
became so happy that he started to dance. His dance created problems in the
universe.
Devas complained to Shiva about Mangakanak Rishi.
Shiva asked Mangakanak Rishi to stop his dance. The Rishi
then told Shiva about the Siddhi he had gained. Shiva then moved the tip of his
finger and ash, or Bhasma, started flowing from it.
Shiva then told Mangakanak Rishi when am not proud of the
Siddhi why should you be so much elated about a single Siddhi.
Mangakanak Rishi stopped his dance and asked Shiva to impart
true knowledge.
Shiva then asked him to go to Mahakaal Vana (present
day Ujjain) and perform Tapas. He was told that he will find a Shivling near
Saptakul and he will get self-realization on offering prayers to the Shivling.
The Rishi found the Shivling near a cave and after offering
prayers to it, he attained self-realization.
The Shivling later came to be known as Guheswar Mahadev as
it was found near a cave or Guha.