The tale of Brishabhadwajeshwar Shiva at Kapildhara in
Varanasi is deeply entrenched in Hindu mythology, carrying profound
significance for devotees. It revolves around the divine encounter between Lord
Shiva and Sage Kapila Muni, set against the backdrop of Kapildhara, a sacred
site revered for its spiritual energy.
According to legend, Shiva graced Kapila Muni's ashram with
his presence, prompting a celestial atmosphere of reverence and awe. In a
gesture of profound devotion and hospitality, Kapila Muni's divine cow showered
Shiva with her milk, an act of pure adoration and homage. Overwhelmed by this
divine offering, Kapila Muni bathed Shiva in the sacred milk, an act
symbolizing purification and divine communion.
As the milk cascaded from the cow and pooled on the earth,
it formed a serene pond, now known as Kapildhara Khund, which became imbued
with the sanctity of this divine encounter. This tranquil pond stands as a
testament to the profound connection between the earthly and the divine, a
sacred space where devotees seek solace and spiritual rejuvenation.
Following this celestial bath and divine worship, Shiva,
adorned with the reverence of Kapila Muni and his cow, mounted a bull and
embarked on his journey back to Kashi, the ancient city of Varanasi. It is
during this departure, riding atop the bull, that Shiva earned the epithet
"Brishabhadwajeshwar Shiva," symbolizing his association with the
bull, a sacred animal revered as his mount.
The Shivling enshrined at Kapildhara serves as a tangible
symbol of this divine encounter, a focal point for devotees to connect with the
transcendental energy of Shiva and the sacredness of Kapila Muni's ashram. It
stands as a reminder of the enduring bond between the earthly realm and the
divine, inviting devotees to partake in the mystical journey of devotion and
spiritual awakening.