Madhyameshwara Linga, Kashi

Madhyameshwara Linga in Kashi is one of the five important lingas of Kashi called as Pancha Lingas, as enjoined in the scriptures. This temple remains unknown even today in Kashi as many devotees don’t visit it or at least do not know about it. It is unfamous even amidst the residents of Kashi.

The Madhyameshwara Linga is situated in the centre of Kashi and hence the name Madhyameshwara Linga. Currently this linga is not in the center because the shape of Kashi has changed to the form of conchshell. In every yuga, Kashi acquires a different shape which is technically called as Kashi Mandala. As mentioned in the shastras when Kashi was circular in shape, this linga was in the center of Kashi. It was it’s kendrabindu. As through the times Kashi got its shape and reach contracted, so does the importance of this linga.

Madhyameshwara Linga is the Swayambhu Linga. It is one of the moksha lingas of Kashi. In Kashi is the eternal place of Lord Shiva. Here always Lord Shiva keeps wandering with Mother Parvati. Lord Shiva resides with his family known as Rudra Parivar in Madhyameshwara Linga.

The origin of Madhyameshwara Linga

Once, the Supersoul of everyone, the son of Mother Devaki – Lord Hrishikesha, had visited Kashi. There He stayed amidst the associates of Lord Shiva for one year. He would daily apply ashes all over His body and chant the Rudradhyaya. Worshiping Lord Shiva in this manner, He observed the Pashupata Vrata along with His brahmachari associates.

Lord Shiva was pleased by this worship of Lord Sri Krishna and gave darshan to Him. He requested Lord Krishna to be merciful on his devotees. He requested that any devotee of Lord Shiva, if he worships Lord Govinda, he would be blessed with the knowledge of Lord Krishna’s opulence. Lord Shiva further said, “My devotees must worship You, pay obeisances to You and think about You. Anyone doing so shall be the recepient of my favor.”

Anyone who takes bath in Ganga and has darshan of the Madhyameshwara Linga, shall be immediately rid of the mountains of sins including the brahmahatya dosha. Even if a sinful person leaves his body in the vicinity of the Madhyameshwara Linga, that person will achieve the highest goal of life – the abode of Lord Shiva. There is no doubt about it as exclaimed by Narada Muni in the Padma Purana.

Glorious are those men who take a holy dip in Ganges, worship the Madhyameshwara Linga with the water of Ganges and perform the charity as well as shraddha for one’s ancestors here. Any worship or such activity shall award ten times amplified result when performed during the solar eclipse at this place.

As per the Kurma Purana anyone who takes bath in the Mandakini Tirtha, performs puja of Sri Madhyameshwara and performs the shraddha of one’s ancestors; the performer achieves moksha.

Temple Timings of Madhyameshwara Linga

This temple almost follows the typical timing of all the temples in Kashi. One can have darshan from 6 am to 12 pm and 5:30 pm to 11 pm. Aratis are peformed in the mornings and evenings.

How to reach Madhyameshwara Linga?

To take blessings of Lord Madhyameshwara, the most ideal way is to travel with Tirtha Yatra on their exclusive Kashi Yatra. Without any worries, spend your time only in internalizing the spiritual vibrations of these temples on the Yatra.

If you wish to visit this temple on your own, then reach Kashi first. There are many ways you could reach Kashi now.

By Road: The holy city of Kashi or Varanasi is well connected by Roadways from the nearest major districts like Faizabad, Lucknow, etc.

By Air: Kashi has an airport which has flights connecting almost all the major cities of India.

By Rail: One can travel to Kashi through train if one wishes to spend time in leisure. Kashi is well connected by Rail from almost all the major cities in India.