Ishaneswara Shivalingam

Sri Ishaneswara Mahadeva is the 16th sacred Shivalingam in the Mahakalavana 84 Shiva Lingas series. This powerful Lingam is associated with the destruction of the demon Tuhunda and the restoration of peace in the celestial worlds.

In ancient times, Tuhunda, the powerful son of Mundasura, terrorised the devas, sages, yakshas, gandharvas and kinnaras, driving them away from their rightful places.

He conquered the celestial Nandana forest in Swarga, captured the divine horse Uchchaishravas and placed Indra's sacred elephant Airavata outside the gates of his palace as a symbol of his domination.

With the devas stripped of their positions and the path to Swarga obstructed, they approached the great sage Narada Maharshi and prayed for guidance.

Narada entered deep meditation for 48 minutes and then instructed them to immediately travel to the sacred Mahakalavana.

He directed them to worship the Sri Ishaneswara Shivalingam, situated near the western side of Sri Indradyumneshwara Shivalingam.

This sacred Lingam had previously been worshipped during the Ishana Kalpa by the great ascetic Rishi Ishana and carried immense divine power.

The devas reached Mahakalavana and surrendered before Sri Ishaneswara Mahadeva with sincere devotion and profound prayers.

In response to their worship, a brilliant and blazing column of divine fire emerged from the centre of the Lingam.

The sacred flame instantly destroyed Tuhunda and his entire army, freeing the devas and restoring peace, Dharma and order in the celestial realms.

Darshanam and worship of Sri Ishaneswara Mahadeva are believed to grant Aishvaryam, stable Lakshmi, Keerthi, Karya Siddhi, mental peace, victory and eventual attainment of Swarga.