Sawan spiritual tourism: Explore miraculous 120-year-old Pataleshwar Mahadev Temple in UP

History behind Pataleshwar Mahadev Shivlinga

The temple, located in Sadat Bari (Dhimar Wari) village of the Bahjoi area in Sambhal district, has a rich history. According to the temple’s priest, the site was once a forest where villagers would sharpen their tools on the Shivling, mistaking it for a regular stone. They experienced a supernatural magnetic power while sharpening, leading them to recognise the Shivlinga as that of Lord Pataleshwar Mahadev. Subsequently, the villagers cleaned the area and began performing puja and kirtan.

In 1902, a landlord attempted to uproot the Shivling, considering it a mere stone. When one person struck the Shivling with an axe, blood reportedly flowed from it, and the individual who struck it became blind, with the landlord developing leprosy soon after. Following this miracle, the villagers built a Mathiya (a small shrine) at the site, and later, a temple was constructed.

According to legend, a wealthy merchant named Bhikhari Das from Moradabad suffered from a severe skin disease. One day, while seeking treatment, he felt thirsty and stopped at the temple. There, he encountered the temple’s Mahant sweeping the floor. Miraculously, his disease vanished without treatment. Grateful for his recovery, Bhikhari Das offered gold coins to the Mahant, who refused and instead requested the construction of the temple. Thus, the tradition of offering brooms began. Devotees with skin-related diseases continue to visit the temple, offering brooms and finding relief from their ailments.

Pataleshwar Mahadev Temple is a focal point of unwavering faith for Shiva devotees. It is believed that simply visiting this temple removes all the troubles.