Kameshwar Mahadev, or Mann Kamneshwar, is worshiped
in Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the 84 forms of Shiva
worshiped in Ujjain. Those offering prayers to Man Kamneshwar will be
blessed with prosperity.
The temple dedicated to Kameshwar Mahadev is located at
Gandhavati ghat on the bank of Shipra River in Ujjain.
This form of Shiva is associated with God Kamdev.
Kameshwar Mahadev is counted among the
84 Shiva Temples in Ujjain and it is the 13th temple
visited during the parikarama of Shivalayas here.
Story of Kameshwar Mahadev form of Shiva in Ujjain
After the death of Sati at Daksha Yajna, Lord Shiva entered
into deep and intense meditation in the Himalayas. He was no longer
interested in the world.
Demons took advantage of the situation and got the boon that
only a son of Shiva would annihilate them.
Devas were in deep trouble because of this. Devas and saints
took refuge at the feet of Brahma who told that the only solution for this
problem was to bring back Lord Shiva to the world and stop his penance.
Brahma asked the gods to take the help of Kamdev to stop the
penance by creating sexual desire and passion in Lord Shiva.
Kamdev arrived in front of Shiva along with Rati
Devi, and shot five
arrows of flowers at the heart of Shiva.
Shiva’s Tapas was interrupted. He was terribly angry and
from his third eye, a fierce blazing flame appeared and burned Kamdev into
ashes.
Rati Devi was inconsolable at the death of her husband. She
asked Shiva as to what will happen to the world without desire. With the death
of Kamdev there will be no desire or lust on earth. Her lamentations moved
Shiva who realized that total rejection of the world made no sense.
Shiva then consoled Rati that Kamdev will exist without
body. He will be Ananga.
Shiva asked Kamdev to go to Mahkaal Vana (present day
Ujjain) and offer prayers. He will be able to have his wishes fulfilled after
offering prayers here.
The Shivling to which Kamdev offered prayers came to be
known as Kameshwar Mahadev.
It is said that those offering prayers and having darshan of
Kameshwar Mahadev on Chaitra Shukla Paksha trayodasi will be blessed with stay
in heaven.