5100 year old Shivalinga of Mahadev

Even today, the shape of Shivlinga changes from moment to moment!

Water Still coming out of the Kadam tree

Know how the origin of this step tree?

Arjuna shot whose thirst to quench his thirst?

New Delhi:

Our team “Know Your Temples” is delighted to introduce you to timeless temples and religious sites from Mahabharata era. During Pandavas 13 years of exile and 1 year of anonymity, they not only worshipped their chosen deities at various locations but also traversed the entire Indian subcontinent. Along their journey, they established Shiva Lingas, constructed temples, ponds, and caves.

Today, we will share the tale of a remarkable place where a 5100-year-old self-manifested Shivling of Lord Mahadev resides. This Shivling continuously changes shape, offering a dynamic presence. Atop the hill, water still flows incessantly from the Kadam tree. Although this temple primarily belongs to Lord Shiva, the origin of the Kadam tree is associated with Lord Shri Krishna. The context of the water flowing from the tree is intertwined with the stories of Yudhishthira and Arjuna.

Legend has it that Lord Shiva blessed the Pandavas at this site, leading to the establishment of the self-manifested Shivling. The water flowing from the Kadam tree, situated near the historic temple, is imbued with medicinal properties and flows continuously for 24 hours. It is believed that bathing in and consuming this water can potentially cure rare diseases, making it highly revered by devotees.

It is said about Lord Shiva:

महादेव महादेव महादेवेति यो वदेत।
एकेन मुक्तिमाप्नोति द्वाभ्यां शम्भू ऋणी भवेत।।

Means: When a devotee or seeker enters the Shiva temple and reaches near the resplendent Shivalinga, by uttering “Mahadev, Mahadev, Mahadev” three times, Lord Shiva becomes immensely pleased and bestows upon that devotee or seeker the eligibility for liberation.

History of the temple, 5100 years old Swayambhu Shivling !

The Aravalli mountain range in Haryana is famous for its scenic valleys. But nestled amidst these beautiful valleys is the ancient Nalhada Mahadev Temple, which is still renowned as a center of spiritual energy. This ancient temple is also known as Nalhareshwar Mahadev Temple. The Shivling present in this temple is self-manifested and is believed to be 5100 years old, dating back to the time of the Mahabharata.

The temple is called Nalhada Mahadev Temple because in the past, this place was surrounded by dense forests. Two canals used to flow from here, and it was because of these canals that the temple came to be known as Nalhada Mahadev Temple. The sight of the red-colored Shivling in this temple is enchanting. It is believed that Lord Krishna chose this place to negotiate between the Kauravas and the Pandavas.

Apart from its natural beauty, the Aravalli mountain range holds thousands of years of history within its folds. The Pandavas also spent some time in the Aravalli mountains during their period of exile, as mentioned in our scriptures. Nalhareshwar Mahadev Temple is located at an elevation of more than 500 feet, and there is a tree standing on that elevation. For centuries, clean and sweet water has been flowing from that tree.

Temple is related to Mahabharata period:

The head priest of the temple, Mr. Deepak Sharma, shared with our “Know Your Temples” team that the origins of this Shiva temple can be traced back to the time of the Mahabharata. When the Pandavas were in exile, Lord Krishna accompanied them and stayed here for a while. During their stay, the Pandavas worshipped Lord Shiva, and as a result, Lord Shiva appeared before them, leading to the formation of the self-manifested Shivling in this temple.

Surrounded by picturesque hills, this Shiva temple presents a unique and mystical sight. The majestic entrance gate of the temple itself reflects its grandeur, adorned with idols of various deities. Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, is present along with Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and learning. Lord Ganesha also graces the entrance, positioned between Goddess Lakshmi and Saraswati.

The shape of the Shivling keeps changing every moment here!

The Shivling in this temple possesses a remarkable characteristic that is unparalleled. The size of the Shivling undergoes constant transformation, never remaining the same. Priest Deepak Sharma, while showcasing the Shivling to our ‘Know YOur Temples’ team, demonstrated how its shape changes continuously. The length of the Shivling expands and contracts. Those who approach Baba’s divine court with a sincere heart have their wishes fulfilled by God. The Shivling encompasses the entire Shiva family, with each member visible within it. The Shivling reveals the presence of Nagraj, the sacred thread, the Swastik symbol, the divine mother’s figure, the flowing stream of the Ganges, and the image of Ekdant Ganesh wrapped around it.

Still flowing water from the Kadamb tree even now!

By visiting this Shiv temple, devotees not only find solace for their sorrows but also remember to explore another intriguing site. Yes, we are talking about the miraculous and mystical Kadam tree. It continuously emits water from its roots for 24 hours. The Kadam tree is known as the divine tree. In the childhood pastimes of Lord Krishna, the Kadam tree is often mentioned. This Kadam tree, located near the temple, is renowned for its medicinal properties. It is widely used in the treatment of various ailments.

Know how the Kadamb tree originated!

The legend of this Kadam tree is connected to the Mahabharata era. It is believed that when Lord Krishna stepped on this spot, the Kadam tree originated. It is said that Lord Krishna chose this place to negotiate between the Kauravas and the Pandavas. It is believed that wherever Lord Krishna’s feet touched, the Kadam tree is often found. This Kadam tree is located on the hills of the Aravalli range at the back of the temple, and there are more than 287 stairs that lead to it, allowing visitors to reach it easily. The stairs have been constructed by the temple committee so that people can easily reach the Kadam tree and witness the flowing water or collect it in their containers to take it home.

Whose thirst did Arjun shoot the arrow to quench?

According to Legends, when Dharmaraj Yudhishthira felt thirsty, Arjuna shot an arrow, and since then water flows from the roots of the Kadamb tree. The water flowing from the Kadamb tree never runs out. It is so pure and pristine that even mineral water cannot compare to it. According to the locals, the water that emerges from the Kadamb tree is never contaminated and is extremely effective in fighting diseases.

In reality, beneath the roots of this Kadamb tree, there is a well-like structure called a kundali. Apart from extracting water through a motor or pipe, even if water is taken out using a container, its quantity remains unchanged.

Magnificent form of the temple:

The chief priest of the temple, Mr. Deepak Sharma, told our team that previously, the surroundings of this temple were dense forests, and there was a makeshift Shivalinga in a temporary hut. However, Swami Gyan Giri Maharaj initiated the construction of this new temple. Currently, the management of the temple is under the responsibility of Chairman Sardar J.S. Malik of the Temple Committee. According to Chairman Sardar J.S. Malik, in the year 1983, Shri Shri 1008 Gyan Giri Ji Maharaj started the process of transforming the temple premises into a magnificent structure. Today, the grand temple stands ready. He mentioned that the main entrance was constructed nearly 20 years ago.

Worship time, special festivals and the events:

According to the Head priest Deepak Sharma, every day in the temple, there are morning and evening prayers dedicated to Lord Shiva. The morning prayer (Aarti) takes place at 6 am, and in the evening, Lord Shiva is adorned with flowers. Every Monday, Lord Bholenath is adorned as Mahakaleshwar. He wears a silver crown. Generally, every day and especially on Mondays, there is a crowd of devotees in the temple. However, during the month of Shravan, there is a massive influx of devotees seeking the darshan of Lord Bholenath. Special worship, archana, and aarti are performed for Lord Shiva every Monday. People from nearby areas as well as distant places come here with their entire families to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and to see the Kadam tree from a distance. Ram Narayan Shastri, a regular visitor to this temple from Vrindavan, mentioned that people are compelled to come here due to the captivating sight of the Nalhard Mahadev Temple surrounded by hills. It is considered fortunate to have the opportunity to witness the divine blessings of Lord Shiva and the miraculous Kadam tree’s presence, which is known for its medicinal properties.

How to reach:

The Nalhareshwar Mahadev Temple is located about 3 kilometers away from the city of Nuh in Haryana. It can be easily reached by private vehicles from Nuh, which is approximately 80 kilometers from Delhi. Haryana Roadways buses are also available from Delhi to Nuh, providing convenient transportation options. In Nuh, there are affordable hotels available, in addition to the government guesthouse, for those who wish to stay overnight. The temple also has a nearby dharamshala (pilgrims’ rest house) for accommodation.