Mysterious Shiva Temple in Haridwar Where the Shivling Grows and Shrinks
In Haridwar, Uttarakhand, there are many ancient temples
that still hold deep mysteries within them. Tilbhandeshwar Mahadev Temple, is a
unique shrine of Shiva in this holy city that houses a self-manifested
(Swayambhu) Shivling, which is believed to grow for 15 days every month and
then shrink for the next 15 days.
Located in Daksh Nagri, Kankhal, the Tilbhandeshwar Mahadev
Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated on the banks of the holy Ganga at
Sati Ghat in Kankhal, this temple holds immense religious significance.
Devotees from far and wide visit with their wishes and firmly believe that Lord
Bholenath here has never sent anyone away empty-handed.
Shivling That Changes Size Every Month
The Shivling at Tilbhandeshwar Mahadev Temple increases
gradually—grain by grain (til-til)—for 15 days during the Shukla Paksha (waxing
moon phase). Then, during the Krishna Paksha (waning moon phase), it decreases
in the same gradual manner for the next 15 days.
The temple is associated with an important legend. It is
believed that when Goddess Sati sacrificed herself by jumping into the sacred
fire (havan yajna), Lord Shiva became furious with King Daksha and came to
Kankhal in his fierce Mahakal form. Upon reaching Sati Ghat on the banks of the
Ganga, Lord Shiva is said to have reduced his enormous form.
40 Days of Continuous Water Offering Fulfills Wishes
The Shivling at Tilbhandeshwar Mahadev Temple is considered
Swayambhu (self-manifested). It is believed that the sorrows of devotees who
pray here with a pure heart begin to diminish little by little just like the growth
of Shivling.
It is believed that if a devotee offers water to the
Shivling and performs puja and worship continuously for 40 days, all wishes are
fulfilled.
The temple doors open daily at 5:00 AM and close at 7:00 PM after the evening Aarti.