Kedareswara Sivalingam

Discover the sacred story of Sri Kedareswara, the 67th of the 84 Mahakalavana Shivalingas of Ujjain, explained in Telugu by Jagadguru Sri Ramanananda Maharshi, Siddhaguru.

At the beginning of creation, the deities suffered from the severe snow and cold associated with Himavan, the king of mountains. Lord Brahma led them to Kailasa, where they worshipped Lord Shiva and sought his protection.

Shiva respectfully received Himavan and explained the holiness of the Himalayas, home to deities, sacred waters and spiritual communities. He revealed that he dwelt there as Kedareswara and had manifested sacred water at the shrine.

As knowledge of the shrine spread, celestial beings and human seekers journeyed there. Yet the severe cold, difficult conditions and limited opportunities for darshan caused hardship. Out of compassion, Shiva promised his presence in Mahakalavana, on the banks of the Shipra River, west of Someswara.

There he would manifest as Sri Kedareswara, embodying his divine presence as at the Himalayan shrine, so devotees could worship him regularly, receive his grace and progress towards liberation.

The story of Sri Kedareswara reveals Shiva's compassion for seekers facing the hardships of the Himalayan pilgrimage. His manifestation in Mahakalavana offers devotees the opportunity for regular worship and darshan.