Prayageshwar Mahadev – Story Of Prayageshwar Form of Shiva

Prayageshwar Mahadev is worshipped in Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh and in Varanasi. It is one of the 84 forms of Shiva worshipped in Ujjain. This form is associated with prayag, the holy spot which is the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati.

The temple is dedicated to Prayageshwar Mahadev and is located near the Harsiddhi temple complex.

In Varanasi, the temple is located in the premises of Bandi Devi Temple at Dasaswamedh ghat.

This form of Shiva is worshipped for attaining moksha or liberation.

Prayageshwar Mahadev is counted among the 84 Shiva Temples in Ujjain and it is the 71st temple visited during the parikrama of Shivalayas here.

Prayageshwar Mahadev Story

Before marriage, Ganga had told Shantanu in the Mahabharata that she should not question any of her actions. If she is questioned, she will desert him.

Ganga threw away seven children on birth into the river. The king did not question the action of Ganga as he was smitten by the beauty of Ganga. When she was getting ready to throw the eighth child, King Shantanu questions the cruelty.

Ganga then told the king the story of the Vasus, who were destined to die on birth. She then deserted the king as he had broken his word.

But Ganga was filled with remorse of killing seven children. Sage Narada then advised Her to go to Ujjain and perform prayers to a Shivling located south of Durdureshwar Mahadev. Thus she will be relieved of the sin.

Ganga then performed prayers here along with River Shipra. She was later joined by Yamuna and Saraswati.

As Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati performed prayer together, the Shivling came to be known as Prayageshwar Mahadev.