Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple

Haryana, Kurukshetra, Chandigarh

The Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva is situated in Thanesar, a holy town in the Kurukshetra district of Haryana. This ancient shrine is considered the first place where Lord shiva was revered as a Lingam. It is believed that before the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas along with Lord Krishna prayed here for the blessings of victory. The ninth Guru, Shri Tegh Bahadur stayed near the Sthaneshwar Tirtha and is marked by a gurdwara besides this temple. The water of the tank the adjoining the shrine is considered holy.

Legend

Legends describe that Lord Brahma laid the first lingam of Lord Shiva in the temple of Sthaneshwar. Hence, this shrine is thought of as the fist place of worship where Lord Shiva has honoured in the form of a Lingam.

Architecture

The ancient temple of Sthaneshwer has a dome-shaped roof and has lotus with a trishul on its peak. There are smaller shrines of other Gods & Goddesses in the premises. Lord Shiva is enshrined in the form of a Lingam, believed to be laid here by Lord Brahma himself. There is a holy pond near the temple, with a big blue beautiful idol of Lord Shiva in the middle of it. An idol of Nandi bull stands facing the Lord.
pic courtesy : JungleKey.in

Darsan Dresscode

Devotees are advised to wear clean and conservative attire

Famous Festival

March - Shivrathri

Culture

Kurukshetra also known as Dharmakshetra is considered a holy place. The importance of the place is because of the Kurukshetra War of the Mahabharata being fought on this land. It was here that Lord Krishna preached the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna. Kurukshetra banned the sale, possession and consumption of meat within its limits due to the religious significance of the place.