Bilkeshwar Mahadev Temple is an ancient shrine dedicated to
Lord Shiva at Haridwar in Uttarakhand. The popular belief is that Goddess
Parvati performed intense Tapas here to get Shiva as her husband. She survived
by eating Bilwa leaves and hence the Shivling here is known as Bilkeshwar.
The temple is located atop the Bilwa Mountain and it is near to Hari-ki-Pauri in Haridwar.
The temple is located atop the Bilwa Mountain and it is near to Hari-ki-Pauri in Haridwar.
The Shivling worshipped in the temple is under the canopy of
Sheshanag.
The Gauri Kund located here was created by Brahma. He created
the pond to quench the thirst of Goddess Parvati. It is considered meritorious
to take holy dip in the pond. Thousands of people arrive here to have a holy
dip in Shravan month and during Makar Sankranti.
There is widespread belief that prayers offered here never
go unanswered. Unmarried girls get good husband after performing abhishek and offering
bilva leaves to the Shivling here.
It is believed that if a devotee offers Bilva leaves here then
the devotee will not suffer after death.
Another unique practice in the temple is to tell desires in
the ears of Nandi bull.