Anarkeshwar 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 Anarkeshwar Mahadev will have their sins
cleansed and will attain moksha or liberation.
The temple dedicated to Anarkeshwar Mahadev is located at Gada
Lot Kund near Makoria Am – Indira Nagar in Ujjain.
This form of Shiva is associated with King Nimi.
Anarkeshwar Mahadev is counted among the
84 Shiva Temples in Ujjain and it is the 27th temple
visited during the parikarama of Shivalayas here.
Story of Anarkeshwar Mahadev form of Shiva in Ujjain
Due to his piety and holiness, King Nimi, after his death, was being taken to
heaven directly by the soldiers of Yama. On his way, he happened to witness
people suffering in hell. When Nimi passed through the hell, the living beings
in it found some relief.
So they asked Nimi to stand there and give them relief.
King Nimi then asked Lord Yama how he is able to give relief to
the people suffering in hell.
Yama told King Nimi that he had worshiped Anarkeshwar
Mahadev at Mahakaal Vana (Ujjain). The punya that he had earned due to the worship
is helping the people suffering in hell.
King Nimi then gave away all the punya that he had attained
through the worship of Anarkeshwar Mahadev. He was thus able to save all of
the people in hell.
The popular belief is that those who offer prayers to Anarkeshwar
Mahadev will get sin redemption and will attain heaven.