Where Ravana’s father saw Lord Shiva
Mahadev’s supernatural awakened place
Elaichi (Cardamom) is offered to Mahatma(Saint)
Decorated Shivling
ईशानः सर्वविध्यानामीश्वरः सर्वभूतानां ।
ब्रम्हाधिपतिर्ब्रम्हणोधपतिर्ब्रम्हा शिवो मे अस्तु सदाशिवोम।।
That is, obeisance to the Devadi Deva Mahadeva who possesses all knowledge, lord of the demons, lord of the Brahma Veda and protector of the gods,
New Delhi:
Shiva, the eternal and infinite deity, represents perfection and is regarded as the source of the Vedas, scriptures, religion, and the ultimate truth of life. Today, we will explore a unique form of Shiva associated with special benefits. Did you know that there is a temple in India where, upon the Shivling coming into contact with a cow’s udder, milk spontaneously flows? This temple is also the place where Ravana’s father had a divine encounter with Shiva. Additionally, when Mahadev is pleased, gold is said to be discovered at this sacred site. Moreover, a revered sage who attained samadhi is worshipped at this temple, and offerings of cardamom are made to him. We are referring to the Dudheshwar Mahadev Temple located near Ghaziabad, close to Delhi.
Decorated shivling:
The Dudheshwar Mahadev Temple near Ghaziabad is a highly revered place, attracting a large number of devotees throughout the year. During Sawan and Maha Shivaratri, the temple gets extremely crowded. The Shivling in the temple is beautifully designed with a white color and a red border, adorned with an attractive metal rim featuring carvings of Ukri flowers. Additionally, the Shivling is adorned with elaborate decorations, adding to its divine presence. The temple’s spiritual ambience and unique features make it a significant destination for worshippers seeking blessings and a deep connection with Lord Shiva.
How Dudheshwar Mahadev Temple was built!
According to the temple’s mythology, in a village called Kaila, cowherds would take their cows for grazing on a hill. At a specific location on this hill, milk would mysteriously start dripping from the cows’ udders. The cowherds, unaware of this phenomenon, faced accusations of stealing milk when the cows would yield little to no milk upon returning to their owners’ houses in the evening.
To disprove these baseless allegations, the cowherds devised a plan. They decided to remain fully alert and vigilant while grazing the cows, making sure they didn’t sleep under the trees. One morning, as they observed the cows closely, they were astonished to witness the cows spontaneously spilling all their milk onto a Cow Pindi (sacred stone). Initially skeptical, the cowherds were amazed to witness the appearance of Lord Shiva himself.
The miraculous event not only vindicated the innocent cowherds but also astounded the people of the surrounding areas, who witnessed this divine display of the cows’ milking on Lord Shiva. The appearance of Lord Shiva, or Swayambhu, on the Cow Pindi confirmed the cowherds’ innocence and showcased the divine glory associated with the temple.
Why was Shiv named Dugdheshwar, the divine Shivling found in excavation:
As per Amitshanand Ji Maharaj, following the divine manifestation of Lord Shiva through the milk of cows, the self-manifested Shivling on the Cow Pindi was named Dugdheshwar, meaning the deity pleased with milk. Legend has it that Lord Shiva appeared in a dream to a sanyasi Siddha Mahatma from Juna Akhara and instructed him to visit this significant location. Excavation work began as per Lord Shiva’s instructions, leading to the discovery of a divine Shivling. The villagers were overwhelmed by this marvelous grace of Lord Shiva.
During the excavation, a unique well was also uncovered nearby, which had water that would occasionally resemble the sacred Ganges water, sometimes appear white like milk, and at times possess a sweet taste. This well continues to exist within the Siddhapeeth Shri Dudheshwar Nath Math temple, serving as a testament to the extraordinary nature of the site.
Hence, according to Amitshanand Ji Maharaj’s account, the divine revelations, the emergence of the self-manifested Shivling, and the presence of the exceptional well exemplify the divine grace and significance of Lord Shiva at the Siddhapeeth Shri Dudheshwar Nath Math temple.
Lord Shiva Darshan of Ravana’s father:
In the village of Bisrakh, sage Vishrava, the son of Pulastya and father of Ravana, performed penance and pleased Lord Shiva. The Dudheshwar Temple is situated at a short distance from that very place. Additionally, near Bisrakh village, a river called Haranandi used to flow, which is now known as the Hindon River.
Divine Saints of Dudheshwar Temple:
The Dudheshwar Mahadev Temple is known for housing saints with divine powers. Around 15 saints from the Math associated with the temple have attained Samadhi. There is also a tunnel beneath the temple where sages and saints used to practice penance. The temple includes mausoleums dedicated to these saints, allowing devotees to seek their blessings alongside Lord Dugdheshwar Maharaj.
Offering Elaichi to the Mahatma tomb:
Within the temple, resided the extraordinary saint Elaichi Giri Maharaj, who entered a state of living Samadhi (Tomb). It is firmly believed that offering five cardamoms to Elaichi Giri Ji Maharaj with unwavering devotion can lead to the fulfillment of one’s wishes. Amitshanand Ji Maharaj shared an inspiring anecdote about a young girl who frequented the temple. She was a tenth-grade student with aspirations to become a doctor. Swamiji inquired about her aspirations and suggested that she offer five cardamoms on the tomb of Elaichi Maharaj with strong determination. Following this guidance, the girl faithfully carried out the offering. Today, she has indeed become a doctor, serving as a living testament to the power of faith and the fulfillment of wishes through the humble act of offering cardamoms. Countless similar instances abound, underscoring the significance and blessings associated with offering cardamoms to Elaichi Giri Ji Maharaj.
Shivaji renovated the temple:
Around 400 years ago, the revered Maratha leader Chhatrapati Shivaji and his army visited the Dudheshwar Nath temple. Being a devout follower of Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism), Shivaji resolved to restore the temple, showcasing his unwavering faith. The temple premises also host the recitation of Veda Vedang (sacred scriptures and texts).
The Dudheshwar Nath temple is administered by the Juna Akhara, which is the oldest among the ten akhadas established by Adi Shankaracharya. Its 16th Mahant, Narayan Giri, leads the administration and spiritual activities. It is believed that visiting this temple every Monday helps alleviate diseases and sorrows, offering solace and blessings to the devotees.
We invite you to visit the Dudheshwar Nath temple and seek the blessings of Bholenath (Lord Shiva) for the alleviation of ailments and the liberation from sorrows.
How to reach:
Dudheshwar Nath Temple is located in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, adjacent to Delhi. Located in the heart of Ghaziabad city, this temple is easily accessible by bus or metro. You can also reach easily by your vehicle.