Shooltankeshwar Mahadev Mandir is located in Madhopur village, within the Rohania area of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. The temple is approximately 15 kilometers from Varanasi Cantt Station and about 4 kilometers from the Akhari Bypass.The temple’s priests say it was earlier known as Madhaveshwar Mahadev, named after Rishi Madhav. He installed this Shiva Linga to worship Lord Shiva.
The temple houses a prominent and large Shiva Lingam, attracting devotees seeking relief from their hardships. The complex also includes idols of Lord Hanuman, Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha, Lord Kartikeya, and Nandi. The serene environment, with the temple situated along the banks of the Ganges River, enhances its spiritual ambiance. Recent developments have introduced modern structures, including a grand entrance and improved facilities for pilgrims.
According to legend, during the descent of the Ganges from the heavens, Lord Shiva was concerned about the river’s turbulent flow potentially harming the sacred city of Kashi (Varanasi). To mitigate this, he used his trident (Trishul) to halt the Ganges’ forceful current at this location. He then secured two promises from the river: that she would flow touching Kashi and that devotees bathing in her waters within the city would be protected from aquatic creatures. Upon agreeing, Shiva withdrew his trident, allowing the Ganges to proceed calmly into Kashi. This act led to the deity being named Shooltankeshwar, signifying ‘the Lord who used the trident to alleviate distress.’
The temple’s origins are attributed to Sage Madhav, who is believed to have established the Shiva Lingam here prior to the Ganges’ earthly arrival. Over time, the temple underwent expansions, notably in the 1980s, transforming it from a modest shrine to its current form.
Shooltankeshwar Mahadev Mandir becomes a hub of devotion during significant Hindu festivals: Maha Shivaratri and the month of Sawan witness large congregations of devotees performing rituals and seeking blessings. Additionally, festivals like Chhath Puja and Dev Deepawali draw numerous worshippers to the temple, highlighting its cultural and spiritual significance in the region.