Moteshwar Mahadev Temple
Moteshwar Mahadev Temple is an ancient and revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in his form as Bheem Shankar Jyotirlinga, considered by many to be the twelfth Sub Jyotirlinga or a form thereof. The temple is steeped in the history of the Mahabharata era, believed to have been constructed or renovated by Bhimasen, one of the Pandava brothers, upon the motivation of Guru Dronacharya. The main deity is a massive, thick, and continuously growing Shivlinga (phallus) which cannot be circled with both hands, hence the name "Moteshwar" (Mota meaning thick/large). Mythology suggests the Shivlinga is self-manifested (Swayambhu) and its depth is immeasurable. The temple's rich history, profound legends, and association with the fire pillar legend of Lord Shiva make it a major pilgrimage center in Kumaon.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1-2 Hours:Place Type:
Religious and Historical SitEntry Fees:
Free of Cost (Optional Offerings): Entry to the Moteshwar Mahadev Temple is free. Devotees often purchase items for Pooja (worship) and offer voluntary donations to the temple trust. The expenditure for the visit is mainly confined to transport and optional offerings. Th...Free of Cost (Optional Offerings): Entry to the Moteshwar Mahadev Temple is free. Devotees often purchase items for Pooja (worship) and offer voluntary donations to the temple trust. The expenditure for the visit is mainly confined to transport and optional offerings. There are no mandatory charges for viewing the Shivlinga or entering the main premises. Photography may be restricted inside the main sanctum.Timing:
Regular Timings and Ideal Visit Time: The temple is open from early morning (around 5:00 AM) for the first Aarti and Abhishek until late evening (around 9:00 PM). Ideal Visit Time is during the morning hours to participate in the early rituals or in the late afternoon for ...Regular Timings and Ideal Visit Time: The temple is open from early morning (around 5:00 AM) for the first Aarti and Abhishek until late evening (around 9:00 PM). Ideal Visit Time is during the morning hours to participate in the early rituals or in the late afternoon for a quiet Darshan. The most crowded times are during the Shravan month and on Maha Shivratri. Best time to avoid rush is on ordinary weekdays outside the festival season.Special Events:
Maha Shivratri and Shravan Month: The temple celebrates Maha Shivratri (usually February/March) with immense grandeur, drawing a massive congregation of devotees, special night-long Pujas, and cultural programs. The entire holy Shravan Month (usually July/August) is a majo...Maha Shivratri and Shravan Month: The temple celebrates Maha Shivratri (usually February/March) with immense grandeur, drawing a massive congregation of devotees, special night-long Pujas, and cultural programs. The entire holy Shravan Month (usually July/August) is a major event, during which countless Kanwariyas (pilgrims carrying Ganga water) visit to offer water to the Shivlinga. Sawan Somvar (Mondays of Shravan) are particularly auspicious and crowded.Best Photo Spots:
The Massive Shivlinga and Temple Shikhara: The Shivlinga itself, usually adorned with flowers and offerings, is the central photo subject (if photography is permitted inside the sanctum, always check). The view of the temple's Shikhara (spire) and the surrounding complex, ...The Massive Shivlinga and Temple Shikhara: The Shivlinga itself, usually adorned with flowers and offerings, is the central photo subject (if photography is permitted inside the sanctum, always check). The view of the temple's Shikhara (spire) and the surrounding complex, often capturing the unique architectural details. The Shiv Ganga Kund area offers a quieter, reflective photo opportunity. During Maha Shivratri, the decorated temple and the illuminated structures provide stunning night photography opportunities.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Offering Prayers and Spiritual Immersion: Performing the Abhishek (ritual bathing) of the massive Shivlinga with water and milk. Offering Ganga water carried on Kanwar (during Shravan month). Praying for the fulfillment of desires and salvation. Visiting the small Bhairav Nath temple within the complex. Taking a dip or performing rituals at the Shiv Ganga Kund (if permitted). Exploring the temple's unique architecture and the complex's different sections. Listening to the recitation of Mantras and Bhajans during the Aarti to feel the spiritual energy. Visiting the adjacent Drona Sagar Lake and the Chaiti Devi Temple for a complete spiritual day trip. ...Offering Prayers and Spiritual Immersion: Performing the Abhishek (ritual bathing) of the massive Shivlinga with water and milk. Offering Ganga water carried on Kanwar (during Shravan month). Praying for the fulfillment of desires and salvation. Visiting the small Bhairav Nath temple within the complex. Taking a dip or performing rituals at the Shiv Ganga Kund (if permitted). Exploring the temple's unique architecture and the complex's different sections. Listening to the recitation of Mantras and Bhajans during the Aarti to feel the spiritual energy. Visiting the adjacent Drona Sagar Lake and the Chaiti Devi Temple for a complete spiritual day trip.
Information
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Why Famous:
Massive Shivlinga and Bheem Shankar Link: It is primarily famous for its enormous, unique, and self-manifested Shivlinga from which it derives its name, "Moteshwar. " It is also highly renowned for its association with the Mahabharata era, specifically with Bhimasen and Gur...Massive Shivlinga and Bheem Shankar Link: It is primarily famous for its enormous, unique, and self-manifested Shivlinga from which it derives its name, "Moteshwar. " It is also highly renowned for its association with the Mahabharata era, specifically with Bhimasen and Guru Dronacharya, and its status as a form of the Bheem Shankar Jyotirlinga. The belief that offering Ganga water here grants salvation attracts thousands of pilgrims who come to offer Kanwar (sacred water). -
Architecture:
Ancient Temple with Renovation and Massive Shivlinga: The original temple is said to date back to 302 AD, with significant renovations throughout history, notably in the 19th and 20th centuries. The architecture is a traditional Hindu temple style, featuring a central shrine housing the massive, u...Ancient Temple with Renovation and Massive Shivlinga: The original temple is said to date back to 302 AD, with significant renovations throughout history, notably in the 19th and 20th centuries. The architecture is a traditional Hindu temple style, featuring a central shrine housing the massive, unique Shivlinga. The Shivlinga itself is a key architectural element due to its immense Dimensions (thick and reportedly growing, estimated depth of about 30 feet). The temple is currently on the upper floor, as the ground floor was closed off after an incident. It features inner walls built at various angles and includes a smaller temple dedicated to Bhairav Nath and a holy water tank (Kund) known as Shiv Ganga Kund within the premises. The overall structure reflects the continuous devotion and renovation efforts of its patrons. -
How To Reach:
By Air, Train, Road, Local Transport:
By Air: Nearest is Pantnagar Airport (PGH), approximately 72 KMS away. A pre-booked taxi is the best option from the airport.
By Train: Nearest is Kashipur Junction (KP...By Air, Train, Road, Local Transport:
By Air: Nearest is Pantnagar Airport (PGH), approximately 72 KMS away. A pre-booked taxi is the best option from the airport.
By Train: Nearest is Kashipur Junction (KPV). From the station, the temple is a short taxi or auto-rickshaw ride.
By Road: The temple is situated in the Chaiti Maidan area of Kashipur and is easily accessible by road from the city center.
By Local Transport: Auto-rickshaws are the most convenient mode of local transport to reach the temple from the city's main points. -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Shravan Month and Winter Season: The Best Time to Visit for a complete religious experience is during the holy Shravan Month (July/August). For comfortable sightseeing and pilgrimage, the winter season from October to March is ideal. Different Parts of the Day - Early mor...Shravan Month and Winter Season: The Best Time to Visit for a complete religious experience is during the holy Shravan Month (July/August). For comfortable sightseeing and pilgrimage, the winter season from October to March is ideal. Different Parts of the Day - Early morning is the most spiritual time for the Abhishek ritual. Evening is good for attending the Aarti. The temple can be very hot and crowded during the mid-day in summer and festival days. -
Near Tourist Places:
Drona Sagar Lake (Adjacent), Chaiti Devi Temple (2 KMS), Giri Sarovar Lake (4 KMS), Shri Nankana Sahib Gurudwara (4 KMS), Ujjain Fort Ruins (2 KMS), Jim Corbett National Park (60 KMS), Nainital (70 KMS), Moradabad (60 KMS), Ramnagar (28 KMS), Pantnagar (72 KMS).
Tourism Tips
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Ritual Supplies and Respecting Traditions: Health & Safety - Be prepared for crowds during festivals and ensure you have sturdy footing on the steps. Packing - Carry a small towel and change of clothes if you plan to perform the Abhishek ritual. Modest attire is mandatory...Ritual Supplies and Respecting Traditions: Health & Safety - Be prepared for crowds during festivals and ensure you have sturdy footing on the steps. Packing - Carry a small towel and change of clothes if you plan to perform the Abhishek ritual. Modest attire is mandatory. Accommodation - A wide range of hotels and guest houses are available in Kashipur. Other Topics - Purchase Pooja items (flowers, milk, sweets) from the shops near the temple gate. Be mindful of the Shivlinga's sanctity and avoid attempting to measure its girth or depth. Combine the visit with Drona Sagar Lake.
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