Pashupateshwar Mahadev in Ujjain – Story of Pashupateshwar Form of Shiva Worshipped at Jansapura in Ujjain
Pashupateshwar Mahadev is one of the 84 forms of Shiva
worshipped in Ujjain
in Madhya Pradesh. Glory of Pashupateshwar form of Shiva is mentioned in the
Skanda Purana. This is form is associated with king Pashupal.
The temple dedicated to Pashupateshwar is located on the
banks of Shipra River in Jansapura area of Ujjain city.
This form is worshipped for peace and prosperity. It is believed that those who offer prayers will never be reborn in the form of animal.
Pashupateshwar Mahadev is counted among the 84 Shiva Temple is Ujjain and it is the 64th
temple visited during the parikarama of Shiavalayas here.
Story of Pashupateshwar Form of Shiva
Story of Pashupateshwar Form of Shiva
Legend has it that here once lived a king named Pashupal. He
was great king loved by his subjects. He used to take care of animals.
Once he happened to see a woman and five men on seashore. The king fell unconscious on seeing them. When he gained consciousness, he was in a fort and he saw the five men standing around him. The king thought them to be his enemies and started fighting them. Another five men joined the battle. However, the king was not able to defeat any of them.
Once he happened to see a woman and five men on seashore. The king fell unconscious on seeing them. When he gained consciousness, he was in a fort and he saw the five men standing around him. The king thought them to be his enemies and started fighting them. Another five men joined the battle. However, the king was not able to defeat any of them.
After awhile, the 10 men and the woman merged into the body
of the king.
The king did not know what had happened and was stunned by
the events.
Meanwhile Sage Narada reached there.
When the king wanted to know what had happened here. Sage
Narada told that the ten men were five Jnanedriyas and five Karmedriyas and the
lone woman was intellect.
Sage Narada told the king that they had come in anger, as
one of the ancestors of the king did not offer seat, food and water to Shiva
when he performed a yajna.
Shiva punished the Devas for partaking in such a yajna. All
were born as animals (Pashu yoni).
Devas then asked for forgiveness.
Shiva asked them to go to Mahakal forest and offer prayers
to Pashupati Mahadev.
Devas performed prayers to Pashupateshwar Shivling and
escaped from Pashu yoni or animal form. It is believed that offering prayers
here will help the person and even his/her ancestors from not being born in
Pashu Yoni.