Dehradun, August 20: The Dev Bhoomi of Uttarakhand is believed to be home to deities in every valley, river, and mountain. Located on the banks of the Alaknanda River in Srinagar, Pauri Garhwal district, the Kameshwar Mahadev Temple is a sacred and ancient heritage site. It is believed that this temple embodies Lord Shiva’s aspect of fulfilling desires, known as ‘Kama.’
According to the Kedar Khand of the Skanda Purana, this temple is one of the five significant Maheshwar Peeths dedicated to Lord Shiva in the Himalayan region. On Thursday, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami emphasized the temple’s grandeur. He posted a video on the social media platform X, stating, “The Kameshwar Mahadev Temple in Srinagar, Pauri Garhwal, is one of the oldest and most renowned Shiva temples in Dev Bhoomi. This sacred shrine, mentioned in the Skanda Purana, is a major center for the worship and devotion of Lord Shiva. If you are exploring the Pauri Garhwal region during the holy month of Shravan, do visit this divine abode of the God of Gods.”
The temple’s serene atmosphere and the banks of the Alaknanda make it an ideal place for meditation and spiritual practices.
Legend has it that in the Treta Yuga, after the slaying of Ravana, Lord Rama meditated here to atone for the sin of Brahmahatya. He vowed to offer 108 lotus flowers to Lord Shiva. To test him, Shiva concealed one lotus, prompting Rama to decide to offer his eye (lotus-eyed) instead. Pleased with Rama’s unwavering devotion, Shiva manifested and blessed him. Since then, this sacred site has been known as Kamleshwar.
A special ritual takes place at the temple during the occasion of Baitak Chaturdashi. On this night, childless couples hold a burning lamp (standing lamp) and stand vigil throughout the night, worshipping Lord Shiva. It is believed that performing this ritual grants devotees the blessing of progeny.
In the main sanctum, a self-manifested Bhulinga (Shivling) resides. Additionally, the temple complex features idols of Goddess Ganga, Saraswati, Annapurna, Lord Ganesha, and Panchmukhi Hanuman.
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