Kaal Bhairav Temple is counted among one of the most religious temples of Madhya Pradesh. It is located in the town of Adegaon and is a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva linked with annihilation. Temples that are related to Bhairava are present within or near most Jyotirlinga temples. Out of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, there are 5 Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra State (Get details here). There are also the sacred twelve shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva which can be found all across India. Additionally, Lord Shiva is counted among the important deity of the Hindu religion and his name is referred in many forms in the ancient Hindu mythology too.

Kaal Bhairav Temple History

There is a legend surrounding the evolution of Bhairava. People say that this can be traced back to the conversation between Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu in ‘Shiv Maha-Puran’. When Vishnu asked Brahma about who can be the supreme creator of the Universe, the later considered himself and said that everybody should worship him.

This angered Lord Shiva who then took the form of Bhairava to punish Brahma. It is said that Lord Shiva beheaded one of the five heads of Lord Brahma and since then the later has four heads. Kala Bhairava in its form is seen carrying the severed head of Lord Brahma.

Lord Shiva later was guilty of the crime of killing a Brahmin and hence carried the disembodied skull for twelve years. He roamed as Bhikshatana, a mendicant until he was released from the sin.

In the form of the frightful Bhairava, Lord Shiva is said to be protecting each of the Shakti peeths in the sub-continent. Each of the Shakti peeth temples is accompanied by a deity which is dedicated to Bhairava.

It has been said that the nature of Bhairava is Tamasi which refers to the fact that he can take you from Tamas to Moksha. Pilgrims believe that he has the power to remove all of the human sufferings which is a serious pain that an individual feels in their body and mind. Apart from that, he also eradicates all difficult problems, anxieties, and greed.

With regard to the mythological concept, Kala Bhairava is said to live on the crematory grounds as he does not want to be associated with Maya, also known as the illusionary world. The Lord’s Sadhana yields fast results and he can be pleased with very little offerings. There are many poor and people who are suffering from various problems that come to seek solace at this wonderful temple.

Even people of all caste and creed believe that they will achieve Moksha fast when they worship Bhairava. It is always advisable to first ask your Guru for permission before you start any Sadhana.

Significance of Kaal Bhairav Temple

The idol of Shri Kaal Bhairav Nath Swami Temple at Adegaon in Madhya Pradesh is often found with a frowning face coupled with angry eyes, sharp tiger’s teeth, and flaming hair. He is naked except for a garland made of skulls and a coiled snake around his neck.

The deity has four hands in which he carries a noose, trident, drum, and skull. Bhairava is often accompanied by a dog and is said to be originated in the Hindu legends. It is a popular and sacred place of worship for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains alike.

Kaal Bhairav Temple is mostly visited by tourists from India and Nepal. In addition, this also marks as an important deity of the Newars. All the traditional settlements of Newars have at least a temple of Bhairava.

Traditionally, the temples of Kala Bhairav is the considered to be the supreme God in the rural villages of Karnataka, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, where he is referred to as ‘Bhaivara/Annadhani’ Vairavar.

In Karnataka, the Lord Bhairava temple stands as the supreme God for the community and is commonly referred to as ‘Gowdas.’ In the Gangadikara Gowda caste especially, he is considered the caretaker and punisher.

Bhairava himself has eight manifestations and is also called as the Ashta Bhairava. Devotees believe that a Sadhak should feed dogs Halwa Puri on every Saturday morning or evening to seek respite from all problems.

Kaal Bhairav Temple Timings

• Kaal Bhairav Temple remains open from 6 am to 8 pm.
• The pilgrims, however, will have to note that the shrine remains closed from 12 noon to 2 pm.
• The temple timings may differ during important festivals and occasions.

Kaal Bhairav Temple Food Timings

• Prasad or food is offered to the pilgrims after 2 pm.
• It mainly consists of sweets and dry fruits.
• Devotees can also offer seasonal fruits to the deity during their visit.

Festivals celebrated at Kaal Bhairav Temple

• Bhairava Ashtamiis one of the important festivals that are observed in the temple premises. It is celebrated by pilgrims commemorating the day Kal Bhairav appeared on earth. People consider this occasion to be highly auspicious and it is celebrated on Krishna Paksha Ashtami of the Margashirsha month of Hindu calendar. It is a day of special prayers and rituals.
• Shiva Ratri is also considered to be pious and is observed with great pomp in this temple. Thousands of devotees gather from all parts of the surrounding town and offer prayers and seek blessings from the Almighty. They also offer Prasad and the temple is well decorated with oil lamps on this occasion.

Poojas and Rituals at Kaal Bhairav Temple

• A ritual is a set of actions, performed mainly for their symbolic value. It may be prescribed by the traditions of a community, including a religious community.  In this Kaal Bhairav Temple, the deity is offered arati during the morning and the evening.
• Lord Bhairava is worshiped by offering or pouring water, milk, honey, curd, ghee, vibhuthi or sacred ash and sandalwood paste. This is called Abhishekam.
• One can offer bilwa leaves along with flowers like lotus, jasmine, and sankhapushpi.
• Food offerings need to be presented before the deity. An incense stick and a diya lit with ghee should also be burnt.
• It is important to wear neat and clean clothes when you worship the Lord.

How to Reach Kaal Bhairav Temple

• By Air- Adegaon‘s nearest airport is Chhindwara Airport situated at 53.2 KM distance. In addition, the Jabalpur Airport is only 117.2 km from Adegaon. The Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport is located at 175.3 km from this place.
• By Train- The nearest railway station to Adegaon is Karaboh which is located in and around 36.8 km from Mamakudi. Some other railway stations include Seoni railway station and Bhoma railway station which is located at a distance of 41.1 km and 44.5 km respectively from Mamakudi.
• By Road- Adegaon is located around 63.7 km away from its district head quarter Narsinghpur. The other nearest district head quarters is Seoni which is situated at a 35.7 km distance from Adegaon. The nearest town to reach this place is Amarwara which is located at a distance of 17.9 km.

Hotels in Madhya Pradesh: Where to stay

There might not be quite a lot of hotels in Adegaon but one can look for accommodation in and around this place. Madhya Pradesh offers an array of living options for its tourists. From dormitories to villas, you can look for your choice as per to your needs. The prices, however, will depend on the type of accommodation you choose. To enjoy all the modern amenities and fine luxury, there are five-star hotels that provide free pickup and drops apart from their complimentary breakfast option. The budget hotels, on the other hand, offer decent living with a plethora of fooding options.

The hotel staff also arranges for local sightseeing tours as per to the client’s request. And they also have internet connection for the visitors. Some hotels also have private balconies for clients to enjoy the beauty of nature. And for party lovers, one can opt for private lounges and hotel discs that remain open for quite late in the night. However, most of these hotels are available online and it is advised to book your hotel in advance to avoid any last-minute delay.

Where to eat

Madhya Pradesh is a home to food lovers visiting India. From Continental to Chinese to Indian, a traveler is sure to splurge on the variety of food that’s on offer here. For people who would like to taste the unique flavor of the complete Indian food, a Thali is recommended. It is a meal that consists of rice, dal, pickle, papad, vegetable curries, paneer and a sweet. This is available at a competitive price range and is available across various eating joints. For people looking for light food, the breakfast options are sure to tempt your taste buds. Poha, jalebi, samosa are some of the popular food that is loved by both natives and tourists here.

For people looking for fine dining options, there are many international cuisines that can be enjoyed at a moderate price too. From Thai to Mexican and Italian, the rich herbs and spices used in the preparation of the food pave the way for a delightful taste. A client can also customize one’s food habits and inform the chef in advance. Some of the eating joints also arrange for music and local bands for people to enjoy while relishing the unique taste of the food that is served here.

Nearby Temples

• Upparpeth Maruti Temple- This temple is located only at a distance of 4 km from Adegaon. The travel duration from Upparpeth Maruti Temple to Adegaon Desh is around 1 Hoursif your travel speed is 50 KM per Hour. It is located nearly west to Adegaon and traveling from Upparpeth Maruti Temple to Adegaon Desh is connected by more than one route.
• Sri Laxmi Temple- There is also another famous Laxmi temple that is visited by pilgrims who visit Adegaon. Goddess Laxmi symbolizes wealth and prosperity and is highly popular among devotees in India.
• Sri Dev Brahmachari Ram Mandir- This is another popular shrine that devotees visit while paying a visit to Shri Kala Bhairava Nath Swami Temple at Adegaon. One can offer Prasad and seek blessings from the Lord.
• Sri Dev Murlidhar temple– One can find solace and peace when paid a visit to this temple. Bhajans are organized during the evening inside the temple premises which is participated by devotees in large numbers.

Matangeshwar Temple at Khajuraho

India is a land of diverse cultures and traditions. It is considered to be among the most beautiful and varied countries of the world. Being also referred to as the traveler’s delight, this place has been instrumental in churning out extraordinary authors, artists, and philosophers who speak volumes about the heritage and rich legacy of this nation. It is a sub-continent which has been ruled by the greatest Kings and Emperors and the palaces and forts still remind oneself of the grandeur of that era. India is a place where you will find all forms of natural surroundings that are found in the world. It’s a miniature of the earth in itself. In fact, it is rightly said as ‘Incredible India’ by world famous persons like Mark Twain, Max Mueller, and Sir William Jones etc. It is the home to one of the world’s ancient civilizations and people of all origin and ethnicities reside here. And during a trip to India, one is bound to visit some of the famous temples that are considered to be pious and sacred places of devotion by the devotees. Lord Shiva is the most revered Gods and is also said to be ‘Mahadev’ or the God of the Gods by the pilgrims. There are many temples that are dedicated to Lord Shiva in India. However, some of the popular among them top the list of must-visit destinations. The Matangeshwar Temple Khajuraho located at Khajuraho in the state of Madhya Pradesh is one such example. It is so famous that Khajuraho is also called as the city of Matangeshwar.

Matangeshwar Temple Khajuraho History

• The Matang, who is known as 10th Incarnation or Avatar of Lord Shiva, was the forefather of the great philosopher Mamaidev. Being from the Maheshary community, he is the devotee of Matang and preached to poor Maisarias and Sinbhariya Meghvar community of India. Additionally, he was the pioneer of Barmati panth dharma and he has given word Dharmachar to poor maisarias Meghvar.
• The Matangeshwar Temple Khajuraho is a ninth century sanctuary. Chandra dev of the Chandela dynasty had built the sanctuary. The ruler was an ardent follower of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva is considered as the revered sage Matang and that is the means by which the name of the Shiva Lingam was called as Matangeswarar.
• This Matangeshwar Temple Khajuraho is also famous for being counted among one of the oldest temples in India. Moreover, it is considered to be one of the most pious pilgrimage destinations for people visiting Khajuraho.
• It is the only temple where active worship takes place even today. Although it is has been built for more than 1100 years ago, this shrine stands tall among the Western Group of Temples which are dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Significance of the Matangeshwar Temple Khajuraho

• This sanctuary is the home to some of the largest Shiva lingams of India. The shrine is eight feet in height and is made up of sparkling yellow limestone. There is a little Ganesh structure at upper right, and an extensive picture of a Goddess with two smaller attendant deities was set up on the way toward the temple.
• On the contrary, like different sanctuaries of Khajuraho the outside and inside of this sanctuary alongside its pillars are not designed with idols but rather the roof is covered with figures.
• The south direction of this sanctuary consists of an open-air archeological exhibition hall that has an excellent display of statues and friezes gathered from that location.
• Standing next to the Lakshmana Temple, this auspicious shrine is not located within the fenced enclosure because it is still in everyday use.
• One may consider it to be the plainest temple here but inside it displays a polished lingam of 8 feet.
• The enormous lingam evokes awe mixed devotion and is second only to the lingam at Bhojpur near Bhopal.
• This ancient temple is located in world famous UNESCO world heritage site at Khajuraho town in Madhya Pradesh.
• While Khajuraho is acclaimed for its dazzling sanctuaries and their carving and world renowned design, the Matangeshwar sanctuary has a reputation worldwide for being the popular vacation destination because of its presence of the antique and sexual carvings that embellish the wall of Matangeshwar and other holy shrines.
• A visitor might notice the yellow flag that is visible at the top of the temple. This flattering flag in the real sense signifies that there is a ceremony which is underway in the temple.
• The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development has set up kiosks at the Khajuraho railway station, with tourist officers to provide information for Khajuraho visitors.
• Photography is not allowed within the temple premises.

The Matangeshwar Temple Khajuraho Timings

• Matangeshwar Temple Khajuraho opens its doors for the pilgrims from 6 A.M. to 10 P.M.
• As it is counted among one of the popular destinations, the temple remains open on all days in a week.
• The entrance fee is INR 10 per person for Indians and foreigners.

The Matangeshwar Temple Khajuraho Food Timings

• Matangeshwar Temple Khajuraho provides food to the pilgrims from 12 Noon to 2 P.M.
• Devotees can offer sweets and dry fruits to the God in the form of a Prasad.

Festivals celebrated at the Matangeshwar Temple Khajuraho

• There are countless people who flock to the Matangeshwar Temple and worship the deity for the entire night on the event of Shivaratri.
• The Holy celebration is held in Month of Vaishakh, Amavasya. There are millions of people who opt to take a bath on this auspicious day of Amavasya at Khajuraho which is the last day of the lunar month lunar month, in Gujarat, Sindh etc. Pakistan Nirvan day of Matang dev is celebrated on akhatrij month of Vaishakh which day is dedicated to the Matang Dev, he is known as Karam dev in Maisariya Dharam of Mamaidev.
• This is the most important festival which calls in for 10-day-long affairs that witness the participation of merchants and gypsies from different parts of the state. This is also coupled with assortments of handicrafts, rural circus shows; magic shows and folk theater that are organized as well.
• Apart from that, Holi and Diwali are some other festivals which are observed with great pomp in this temple.

Poojas and Rituals at Matangeshwar Temple Khajuraho

• Pilgrims wake up at early hours in the morning on the occasion of Mahasivaratri and follow it up with taking a bath and wearing new garments. Then, they visit the pious Shiva sanctuary, to give a ritual bath to the Shiva Lingam with milk, honey etc. The worship continues throughout the entire day and night. The following morning, devotees break their fast by tasting the Prasad which has been offered to Lord Shiva. Then the pilgrims chant “Om Namah Shivaya” with utmost devotion. Bilva leaves are constantly offered to the Lingam. Songs of Lord Shiva are sung with extraordinary perseverance.
• Apart from that, the Lord is daily bathed in the morning and offered Prasad as well. Flowers, incense sticks, and sandal paste are also applied on the forehead of the Lingam.

How to Reach: Road, Rail, and Air

• By Air– Khajuraho has direct connectivity from Delhi and Varanasi with at least a flight every day. During the peak tourist season which is normally from the month of October to March, there are more flights that travel between Khajuraho. Theairport is not very far from the town and one can find local auto and cab services to reach one’s destination.
• By Train– Khajurahohas been recently connected with railway transport and this has been a relieving sigh for all its admirers. There are not many trains to Khajuraho but still it has overnight trains to Delhi and Varanasi. However, getting a ticket during the peak season is quite a challenge. Hence, travelers are advised to book their reservations in advance in order to avoid any last minute hassles.
• By Road– For people who love to travel by roads, Khajuraho is well linked with all the major national highways in India. For example, places like Jhansi, Satna etc are quite popular among the tourists to reach this wonderful city. One can also hire a local taxi or look for private bus services from the station as well.

Hotels in Madhya Pradesh: Where to stay

Accommodation is one of the fundamental requirements for any tourism activity. Voyagers and vacationers need a decent place for rest while they are on a visit. Accommodation in the form of low budget hotels to world-class lavish inns; there are many options accessible to all major tourist destinations to give the visitor a home far from home. These are foundations that give a spot to the vacationer to stay i.e. lodging facilities which are paid for the duration of the stay by the traveler. In addition, individuals who are traveling alone or people who are looking to stay at less expensive hotels can put up at hotels that provide rooms on a sharing basis. So, choose your lodging option as per your needs.

Where to eat

Hotels play an integral role in the travel and tourism industry. Today, hotels not only provide accommodation and meals but also offer a variety of other services as per the needs of the tourist/guest. For example, many hotels offer a health club, private restaurants etc. There are a plethora of choices available for customers when it comes to choosing one’s cuisine. From Indian to Mexican to Italian and Chinese, the modern eating joints provide quality food at a competitive price range. Some restaurants also arrange for live music performances to create that perfect ambiance with the food. In addition, there is also an option to customize one’s menu as per to their liking. Hence, satisfy your appetite with that perfect taste and aroma.

Nearby Temples

• Brahma Temple- This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and it stands tall at a height of 11 feet platform. The Brahma Temple is situated on the east bank of the Ninora Tal which is the largest tank in Khajuraho. The shrine is indeed small which is built in a square shape structure that rests on twelve pilasters of granite.
• Lakshmana Temple- Being one of the oldest and strikingly structured shrines of the Western Group of Temples, the lintel over the entrance displays the trinity of Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. It has a three-headed idol of Lord Vishnu’s incarnations, Narasimha, and Varaha. This marvelous architecture has been constructed by the emperor Lakshavarma. The deity is said to be originally from Tibet and was gifted to the emperor by the Pratihara ruler Devapala.
• Duladeo Temple- This is another temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is also known as the Bridegroom Temple and has more wooden sculpture. Although it is a gorgeous erotic image of Khajuraho, it is still a new temple that is assumed to have been constructed after the inventiveness of Khajuraho was on its way to a new era and well down its peak. The temple becomes quite crowded during special occasions like Maha Shivaratri etc.
• Chausath Yogini Temple- The temple is located in the south-western part of the group of temples in Madhya Pradesh. It belongs to the Western Group of Temples and is dedicated to 64 Yoginis who are the demonstrations of the Mother Goddess. There is a large number of tourists that visits the temple all around the year. This popular temple has been erected on a large raised podium which itself is set in an open courtyard with small temples surrounding it. It is these shrines that are devoted to the Yoginis. It is well accessible from all parts of the state by both private and public bus services. Moreover, the Satna Rail Station is connected with the important cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Varanasi.

The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple at Khajuraho

Pilgrimage is an important part in a person’s life. With one’s hectic lifestyle, there are many individuals who plan to visit the sacred places of worship with their near and dear ones. Finding solace and peace has become an important aspect of a modern person. For people who want to visit the holy places in India, Madhya Pradesh offers ample opportunities for the tourists. This place is the home to numerous renowned shrines that are visited by devotees throughout the year. Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh is a famous and popular destination for both its architecture and history. It is considered to be a sacred pilgrimage destination by people visiting this place. From the ancient times, the city has seen the rise and fall of many empires and their rulers. As such, the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is one such auspicious shrine that is an epitome of the medieval history of India. The name refers to ‘the Great God of the Cave’. It is considered to be one of the largest and best examples of the medieval architectural specimen in India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva who is present there in the form of a linga.

Kandariya Mahadeva Temple History

• The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple was built in 1030 by King Vidhyadhara of Chandela dynasty.
• Khajuraho was the capital of the Chandelarulers which was a dynasty of the Rajputs who ruled starting from the early 10th century till 1050. But as per to the UNESCO document, this temple which is the largest surviving temple, was built during the reign of King Ganda from 1017-1029 CE.
• The UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites lists all the extant temples including this pious shrine were said to be inscribed in 1986 under Criterion III for its artistic creation and under Criterion V for the culture of the Chandelas that was popular till the country was invaded by Muslimsin 1202.
• However under the Muslim rule, some temples were desecrated, while the remaining temples were left to rot. In the 1830s, a British surveyor, T.S. Burt, ‘rediscovered’ the temples and put them forward in front of the world.

Significance of the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple

• The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is built up with an area of 6,500 square feet which rises 117 feet above ground level. It faces the east direction and is built upon a raised platform (known as an adhishsthana) approached by a steep flight of steps.
• The conventional complex was made up of 85 temples comprising both Hindu and Jain religions. It is built to a five component design which terminates in a tower which has 84 small replicas or spires. This is believed to depict Mount Kailash, Shiva’s Himalayan Mountain home.
• Coming to the architectural plan, it provides for a series of interconnected chambers which are approached by visitors in the following sequence: A rectangular entrance hall (ardhamandapa) leads from the steps into a central pillared hall (mandapa). This leads to the darkened sanctuary (Garbhagriha) above which is the main tower and spire. Inside the sanctuary lies the linga which is made of marble.
• It is believed that the Kandariya Mahadeva has over more than 870 sculptures with one-meter height each. Inside the temple lies the deity of Lord Shiva, holding a trident and snake, with the deities of Vishnu and Brahma.
• The entire building of the temple is made up of sandstone along with a granite foundation. No mortar was used in the construction of this shrine. The stones were connected with mortise and tenon joints, held in place by gravity. The columns and architraves are composed of megalithsweighing up to 20 tons.
• The temple is heavily decorated with stone sculptures. It is a major specimen of study by eminent researchers and scholars from all over the world. For example, the entrance is flanked by carvings of crocodiles springing from the diminutive columns and supported by a multitude of smaller figures, each with a profusion of minutely carved details. On the exterior of the towers are repetitive friezes of intricately carved human and divine figures.
• The beautiful and superior quality of the sculpting is visible on the exterior of the temple as well. This temple is one of the most extensive arrays of erotic relief sculpturein the world, although much of the iconography is symbolic. But one should note that the erotic figures are in sync with the Tantric belief in the primal life energy of physical coupling, incorporated into religious buildings for its associations with fertility and joy.
• There is also a Sound and Light Show organized in the temple premises. The entry fees for Indians are Rs 120 and Rs 400 for foreigners. This show is held in two languages namely, Hindi from 6:30 P.M. to 7:25 P.M. and English from 7:40 P.M. to 8:35 P.M.

The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple Timings

• This famous temple is open from 6 A.M. and closes at 10 P.M.
• Foreigners are charged 250 rupees to enter the western group of temples.
• No entrance fees are charged for children below 15 years.
• Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is open on all days of a week.

The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple Food Timings

• Prasad is available for devotees from 12 Noon to 2 P.M.
• A devotee can offer Prasad in the form of sweets and dry fruits to the deity.

Festivals celebrated at the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple

• Khajuraho Dance Festival is organized every year in the last week of February until March. Renowned dancers from all across the world take part in this festival. The best classical dancers from all across India give their performances in the open air corridors of the Khajuraho group of temples. Here you can enjoy the popular dances of India such as Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Manipuri and much more.
• Maha Shivaratri is also observed in this temple with great fervor. People from distant lands gather in this temple to offer prayers and seek blessings of the Almighty. Devotees fast throughout the day with great devotion on this occasion.
• Some other festivals that call for joy in this temple include Holi, Dussera, and Diwali.

Poojas and Rituals at Kandariya Mahadeva Temple

• Lord Shiva is worshiped daily by following a daily ritual of bathing the Linga with milk, bilwa leaves and flowers. Mantras are uttered and incense sticks along with oil lamps are lit as well.
• There are some specific rituals that are performed during special occasions.
• Mondays are considered auspicious to worship Lord Shiva.

How to Reach: Road, Rail, and Air

• By Air– Traveling by Air is a great alternative for people who want to travel in less time. Khajuraho is having a domestic airport known as City Airport Khajuraho. It is located at 2 km south of Khajuraho town. At present, flights from Delhi & Varanasi only are operating for Khajuraho.
• By Train- The Khajuraho Railway Station is only 5 km from the main town. It is the only train, at present that connects Khajuraho from New Delhi. And for tourists who want to travel from Varanasi can opt for the Bundelkhand Link Express Train.
• By Road- It is possible to reach this holy place of worship by road as well. The Khajuraho city is well linked with places like Jhansi, Satna etc. One can also hire a local taxi or look for private bus services from the station as well.

Hotels in Madhya Pradesh: Where to stay

There are ample opportunities for people visiting Khajuraho to enjoy a comfortable stay here. From budget hotels to luxury living, tourists can choose the place they want as per their needs. Pilgrims traveling with family can put up at double to triple bedded rooms. And for travelers who like to visit alone can opt for renting rooms on a sharing basis. Some hotels also provide dormitories for such travelers. Whatever you choose, it is important to book your rooms well in advance to avoid any last-minute delay. And moreover, if you pre-book your rooms, you can also enjoy some lucrative deals and amazing discounts. Some hotels also offer to pick up and drop services for its clients who book their rooms in advance. You can also check the hotel tariff online and see the user reviews to facilitate the booking of rooms. However, all the rooms are equipped with modern facilities to meet every need of a contemporary traveler.

Where to eat

Food is an integral part for people visiting this beautiful place of Khajuraho. Although one can find Indian cuisine in this region yet there are also many international eateries that offer a wide range of exotic dishes at a competitive price range. In addition, there are many local restaurants that maintain strict hygiene while preparing food and also offer quality food to the visitors. While breakfast mainly consists of poha, jalebi, and samosa, lunch has more variety in terms of a complete meal known as Thali. A traditional Thali comprises of rice, roti, dal, vegetables, pickle, salad and curd. There are non-vegetarian dishes available as well. Some high-end restaurants also offer fine dining and live music experience to its visitors. So, choose among the many options available as per your budget.

Nearby Temples

• Lakshmi and Varaha Temple- It refers to two small shrines that are dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This temple is considered to be one of the most beautiful shrines in the city. People all around the year visit this temple to seek blessings from the Almighty.
• Lakshmana Temple- This is a famous temple that has been built with stone. It is a major tourist attraction in Khajuraho as it is counted among one of the earliest stone temples that have been built in India. It is very well preserved and the holy shrine dates back to 10^th century A.D. The Lakshmana Temple at Khajuraho was built by King Yasovarman to set up a Vishnu image, which was gifted to him by Devapala. The statue was brought from Tibet.
• The Chausath Yogini Temple- This holy place of worship is located in the south-western part of the group of temples in the state of Madhya Pradesh. It is thus dedicated to 64 Yoginis who are the manifestations of the Goddess.
• The Javari Temple- It is one of those temples that are famous for its architectural brilliance and intricate design. It has a reputation of being among the best in Khajuraho and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The detailed gateway of this shrine is one of the many distinguishing features. The interior of the temple also consists of intricate sculptures and the walls similarly depict men and women in various postures. The construction of this popular temple dates back to several centuries.
• The Brahma and Hanuman Temple- For people looking to visit ancient temples, the Brahma and Hanuman Temple is counted among one of the oldest shrines in Khajuraho. It belongs to the Eastern Group of Temples and draws millions of tourists from all over the world.
• Vishvanath and Nandi Temple- This temple is similar to Kandariya Mahadeva temple with respect to the five parts temple design aspect. Being dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is one of the most beautiful temples in the city. People visiting the Kandariya temple makes it a point to definitely pay a visit to this temple. It is a place of great importance for, especially Lord Shiva devotees.
• Parsvanath Temple- Being counted among one of the most impressive temples in Khajuraho, the Parsvanath Temple is categorized under the Eastern Group of Temples. The detailed sculptural work along with the architectural pattern makes it one of the most famous destinations for both native and international tourists paying a visit to Khajuraho. It was constructed in the middle of the 10th century during the reign of Dhangadeva.

Madhya Pradesh or the ‘Heart of Incredible India’ is the home to the cultural heritage of the sub-continent. From monuments with intricate architecture to national parks and wildlife reserves, it’s a perfect mix of adventure and culture for tourists visiting India. In addition, it is also the world heritage site for the monuments like Khajuraho, Buddhist monuments at Sanchi as well. Being located at the centre of the sub-continent, it is also a famous pilgrimage destination. The Pashupatinath Temple Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh is located on the banks of the Shivna River. Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Pashupatinath and is the main deity here. Thousands of pilgrims pay a visit to this temple every day. It is considered a sacred place of worship, especially among the Hindus. The temple sees massive devotees during special occasions and the temple committee comprising of twenty-five members plans the activities well in advance.

Pashupatinath Temple Mandsaur History

• Mandsaur was known as Dashpur in the ancient times. It lies on the Tropic of Cancer and when the sun is in winter solstice, its rays are less potent and hence this place earned the name Mand Surya, which later became Mandsaur.
• This place has been mentioned in many ancient epics like the Mahabharata, Megdoot, Puranas, Kadambari and Bruhatsamhita. The history and heritage are mingled in its religion, art and literature. This place has also been referred to in the old Jain writings.
• Amleshwar inscription of the second century B.C. was among the earliest to mention this place.
• The temple has its deity made during the Gupta period. It is actually distinct, the only other comparison being the Pashupatinath deity in Nepal. What makes it all the more interesting is that both the idols were mentioned by Kalidasa in his works.
• Pashupati means ‘the lord of the beats’ and it is derived from the Sanskrit words, ‘pashu’ referring to animals and ‘pati’ meaning the protector. It is as the incarnation was considered among the eight Rudras, the one who holds the place of fire.
• It has been said that Lord Vishnu along with other gods had named Lord Shiva as Pashupati during the time of Tripura Samhar. Lord Shiva became the lord of all the demons and demolished Tripura, the three cities of illusion, which were being administered by the asuras Kamlaaksha, Taarakaaksha and Vidyunmaali. This three pashus were creating destruction by assaulting gods and sages. Shiv Purana states that any individual who is in the clutches of his own ego, ignorance and wants is an animal or pashu. And under such circumstances, only the Pashupati can provide relief to them.
• The deity of the temple has a striking history in the year 1961. It is said that Udaji, a laundry person was washing clothes on a stone along the banks of the Shivna River. One night, he dreamt of the Lord saying him that he was washing clothes on his idol. Alarmed by this, the person discussed the matter with the society people and the stone was found out to be the deity of Lord Pashupatinath. As it was a small city, the idol was planned to be taken to Ujjain to build a temple but the bullocks of the cart with transportation refused to move. The person again dreamt of the Lord telling him that a temple should be constructed there itself which paved a way to the formation of this famous shrine.

Significance of the Pashupatinath Temple Mandsaur

• Mandsaur’s main attraction is the Pashupatinath Temple. This temple has been built many decades ago. It has beautiful effigy that is built-up smooth, with a glowing dark coppery fiery rock-block.
• The idol of this temple is divided into two parts and there are four faces on the upper section of the deity and the remaining four faces on the lower section.
• The famous shrine has four doors which pave the way to four different directions, for example, north, south, east and west. Each direction consists of two faces displaying the eight rasas namely, the east stands for peace and concentration, the west for the Rudra form or angry, the north full of snakes and hairs and the south for gentle and artistic.
• Additionally, the Shivalinga of this holy place of worship consists of eight faces. Every part has four faces which portray the four stages of life. It is a unique sculpture of Lord Shiva in the world.
• The temple is 90 feet in length and is 30 feet wide and 101 feet tall. In addition, it has one golden pitcher of 100 kg each placed on the top of the shrine.
• The Shivalinga of this popular and sacred place of worship is 2.5*3.2 meters and weighs 4.6 tons.
• The idol is believed to be found during the summers of 1940 when the water level was declining from the Shivna River.  Many people find it strange but till now, the water level in the Shivna Riverrises to 90 feet to touch the holy Shiv Ling of lord Shiva. This phenomenon during the monsoon is termed as “Jalaabhishek” which means worshiping the Almighty through the water.
• Mondays are considered very auspicious by the devotees as it is said that the idol of Lord Shiva had emerged from the waters of Shivna River on this day. It reached the Tapeshwar Ghat of the river on Sunday and was positioned there. After exactly, 21 years, 5 months and 4 days the deity was incarnated. This day of the incarnation is celebrated with great pomp by the pilgrims.

Pashupatinath Temple Mandsaur Timings

• Pashupatinath Temple remains open on all days in a week.
• A pilgrim can visit this holy place from 6 A.M. to 8 P.M.

Pashupatinath Temple Mandsaur Food Timings

• A pilgrim can offer Prasad to the deity either in the morning or in the evening.
• The Prasad mainly comprises of dry items like sweet, fruits etc.
• The temple provides Prasad from 12 P.M. to 2 P.M.

Festivals celebrated at the Pashupatinath Temple Mandsaur

• Mahasivaratri festival is the most important festival that is observed in this temple. Thousands of pilgrims gather in the premises of this temple with utter devotion to pray and seek blessings of the Lord. It is celebrated with great zeal and people fast and offer pooja on this occasion. This festival is celebrated every year on the 13th night/14th day in the Krishna Paksha of the month of Maagha according to the Hindu calendar. The festival is principally distinguished by offerings of Bilva leaves to Lord Shiva, all day fasting and an all night long vigil.
• Kartik Ekadashi festival held annually at Fair Margashirsha is Krishna.
• On request from a devotee, there are provisions for organizing special poojas in the temple as well.

Poojas and Rituals at Pashupatinath Temple Mandsaur

• The daily rituals of Lord Pashupatinath are carried out by the priests. While some priests perform the daily ritual and can touch the lingam, the others serve as a helper and are not qualified to perform pooja rituals or to touch the deity.
• Rudraabhishek is another special form of worship that is organized during special occasions like the Maha Shivaratri festival etc.

How to Reach Pashupatinath Temple Mandsaur

• By Air– A devotee can also plan his trip to Mandsaur by booking for air tickets as well. One can either choose to land at the Dablok airport which is 148 km from the temple or the Indore airport that is situated at a distance of 188 km from the sacred place of worship. Bhopal airport is also a good option but it is 279 km distance from the temple. There are many cabs and taxi services available outside the airport for pilgrims to reach the auspicious shrine.
• By Train- Mandsaur railway station is the nearest station which connects the famous temple with the rest of the country. Visitors after arriving at the station can hire a bus, taxi and local cabs to reach the shrine. The station is located at a distance of 3 km from the temple.
• By Road– Mandsaur is well connected with all the adjacent cities and towns of the state by roads. Hence, it is easy and hassle free for an individual to travel to the temple on a first visit. It is located at around 84 km from the north of Ratlam. This place has NH 79 passing through it and hence connects other Indian states as well.

Hotels near Pashupatinath Temple Mandsaur

Madhya Pradesh offers a variety of options when it comes to choosing one’s accommodation. From luxury hotels to plush cottages located among the greenery, people can choose the living that they require. The cost of the room depends on the type of living one opts for. For example, a double room with air conditioner and a private balcony will cost more than the one without these benefits. The tourist lodges and resorts are clean and hygienic. And if you are travelling alone, you can also opt to stay at the dormitories. This will help you to save up on the expenses and also provide you with a comfortable stay. In fact, one can find all the modern amenities inside the rooms and they are well decorated as well. Some of the hotels also have their own exclusive restaurants open to the clients as well. So choose the one as per your budget and need.

Where to eat near Pashupatinath Temple Mandsaur

The heart of Incredible India has surely a lot to offer when it comes to satisfying one’s appetite. The cuisine of this state offers numerous traditional Indian dishes that are a fine blend of taste and essence. Some of the popular foods of this region include kusli, lavang lata, jalebi, and pilaf with peas, indori puri palak ki, baflas, kebabs and biryani. In addition, a tourist can taste different cuisine as per to the changing weather of the state. The food offered is both vegetarian and nonvegetarian and people of all taste can be rest assured to enjoy some fine delicacies during their stint at this wonderful state in India. While Bhopal is famous for its spicy kebabs, biryani, korma, fish, meat and keema, Indore and Gwalior stands tall with regard to various delicacies prepared from milk. One of the ways to identify the variety in cultures of Madhya Pradesh is through its food.

Nearby Temples

• Taxakeshawar Temple- It is counted among the most important places to visit in the Mandsaur district of Madhya Pradesh. It is located at a distance of 22 km from the Bhanpura town on the Hinglajgarh road. People here worship the serpent king Taxak or Takhaji.
• Nalcha Mata Temple- It is another popular destination for tourists visiting Mandsaur. The Goddess is worshipped as a form of Shakti or power and it lies at a distance of 3 km from the Pashupatinath temple.
• Shree Khade Balaji Temple- This temple is very old with its interior being made up of stones. The shrine is dedicated to Lord Hanumanji or Shree Khade Balaji. It is located near Gandhi Chauraha which is at the prime location in Mandsaur. The Balaji Yuva Group during the annual Diwali celebration organizes Maha Arati and Annakut Prasad at Balaji ka Bada, Gandhi Chauraha.
• Bandi Ji Ka Baag– It is 120 years old Jain temple which consists of glass interiors. This temple is located very near to the main bus stand has a ‘Mann Stambh’ built when the shrine observed its 100 years of establishment.
• Shree Bahi Parshwanath Digambar Jain Atishay Kshetra– This is located at a distance of 12 km from Mandsaur. This place has been built with the blessing and motivation from Acharya Shree Kalyan Sagar Ji Maharaj, who is also known as ‘Namokar Mahamantra Sadhana Kendra, Vahi Parshavanatha Chaupati’.