Kanthadeshwar Mahadev in Ujjain – Story of Kanthadeshwar Form of Shiva – 34th Shiva Temple in Ujjain
Kanthadeshwar 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 Kanthadeshwar form of Shiva will have long
life.
The temple dedicated to Kanthadeshwar Mahadev is located near
Siddhanath in Ujjain.
This form of Shiva is associated with Rishi Pandav and his
son Harshvardhan.
Kanthadeshwar Mahadev is counted among the
84 Shiva Temples in Ujjain and it is the 34th temple
visited during the parikarama of Shivalayas here.
Story of Kanthadeshwar Mahadev form of Shiva in Ujjain
There lived a Rishi named Pandav. He performed intense
austerities and secured the boon from Shiva that he will have an intelligent
and dutiful child.
In due course of time, Rishi Pandav had a son named
Harshvardhan.
During the yajno pavit ceremony of the son, the other Rishis
present did not bless him with long life as the child was destined to die soon.
Rishi Pandav was in tears. Seeing the tragic condition of
his father, young Harshvardhan decided to perform intense austerities and
attain the blessing of long life.
He then went to Mahakaal Van (present day Ujjain) and
performed austerities and tapas. Pleased with the child, Shiva appeared before
him. As boon, Harshvardhan asked for long life and at the end of his life, he
should become a Shiva Gana. The boon was granted.
The Shivling to which young Harshvardhan performed puja came
to be known as Kanthadeshwar Mahadev.