Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple at Kada Dham Kaushambi, Uttar Pradesh, is noted for the worship of a broken Shivling. The belief associated with this temple is that during their period of exile (Agyatavasa) in the Mahabharata era, Dharmaraja Yudhisthira established this Shivling, offered prayers to Lord Shiva, and consecrated it with the water of the Holy Ganga River. Later, during the Mughal period, invaders, intending to loot, damaged (broke) this Shivling, evidence of which can still be seen today. Today, the very same broken Shivling is worshipped in the temple, which is considered to be of very great significance. Symbolism and Meaning of Worshipping a Broken Shivling In Hinduism, especially in temple worship (Murti Puja), a broken or damaged idol (murti) or deity symbol (like a Shivling) is generally considered unsuitable for worship and is typically immersed in water or replaced. However, the Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple presents a profound exception, highlighting the difference ...