Peace.
it does not mean to be in a place where there is no trouble, noise, or hard work.
it means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart”
~ Lady Gaga.
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There is this city.
Crammed. Polluted. Populated.
And then there is this river.
The eternal River
.
.
.
Mother Ganga, flowing effortlessly through the industrious city carving a distinct place for herself as she flows from the hills to the North Indian plains.
Welcome to Anandeshwar Temple Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh / Anandeshwar Dham Kanpur.
We are at Anandeshwar Mahadeo Temple or more locally known as Baba Anandeshwar Mandir Kanpur, a very famous ancient temple located on the banks of the Ganga River in the city of Kanpur, where thousands of visitors turn up to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and pay obeisance to the sacred River.
We visited the temple on a rainy day, in the auspicious month of Shravan (the Indian month of Shavan according to the Hindu calendar, which is considered auspicious for Lord Shiva).
After parking our vehicle at the entrance, we waded our way through the various local shops peddling all kinds of general items including milk products like thandai and religious paraphernalia like flowers, garlands, belpatra (bilwa leaves), dhatura and sweets.
Way to the Baba Anandeshwar Mandir Kanpur |
The temple, situated along the bank of the eternal River, is picturesque; with a backdrop of the colorful ghats rising behind it.
A stone porch overlooking the Ghats of River Ganga. |
Stepping on the stone porch of a tower overlooking the Ghats was like stepping into a bygone era. Time stood still as I took a panoramic view of the scene in front of me: A row of boats stood in a line one after another waiting to be hired but there weren’t any customers in sight. A few structures jutting out of the temple courtyard added a bit of melodramatic tones to the otherwise monochromatic picture. As I stood immersed in nostalgia, I could see how the place must have come to be popularly known as the ‘Kashi’ of Kanpur.
Anandeshwar Temple Kanpur History:
Although I could find no concrete documentation to indicate the age of the temple, the locals narrate an interesting history dating back to the times of the Mahabharata. Legend has it that Karna performed puja at the spot where the temple now stands.
A cow named Anandi followed Karna and emptied her entire milk udder at the same place. This behavior of the cow aroused the curiosity of the owner who then alerted the other villagers and they all reached the place for an inspection. After digging up the place where the cow was offering her milk, a Shiv Linga was found. A temple was later built around the Shiv Ling and named in honor of the same cow thus making Anandeshwar Temple the embodiment of Lord Shiva in Kanpur.
Before me was a quintessential tale lingering on, on the Parmat Ganga Ghat of Kanpur; beyond me was… Peace. I could sense an unsurpassable beauty and an infinitely powerful strength pervading the entire atmosphere. The river kept moving through it all.
Parmat Ganga Ghat Kanpur |
Unperturbed by the stench that floated around in the bylanes, unperturbed by the lack of utter lack of maintainence and hygiene around the premises, unperturbed by the hundreds of pilgrims like me. The River, radiantly beautiful in its serenity, kindness and love, simply flowed… painting a picture of never-ending bliss and tranquility.
Bathed in sublime peace, I moved towards the temple, which was a complete contrast to what I had just witnessed, what with a continuous stream of devouts eager to appease Lord Shiva in the auspicious month of Shravan.
Flowers and leaves were strewn all around the lingam while people continuously offered Gangajal, bel (bilwa) leaves, milk, water, honey, fruits and flowers to the Adiyogi, the all pervading God while the priest recited Shiva Strotams and Shiva Mahima Mantras in a rhythmic tone. Water was falling drop by drop on the Shivling from the vessel hung above.
The alluring details in the ceiling of the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. |
The Shivling is a syambhu i.e. natural one. |
The vehicle of Lord Shiva, Nandi Bull, keeping a tight vigil. |
Making a little space for myself, I kneeled down in front of the Shivlingam and joined my hands in prayer. For those few moments in the puja ghar, all the whispers and hullabaloo subsided; instead all that was now audible in the sacrosanct chamber was a faint voice that arose from the depths of the heart. A voice that sought the strength to cross all the trials and tribulations of life as calmly as the Ganga River and was grateful for all that was, all that is and for all that is to be.
Other Deities inside the Anandeshwar Temple Premises.
The premises of Baba Anandeshwar Dham is a whole divine world unto itself with a lot of different deities like Ma Durga, Lord Hanuman, Lord Ganesha, Lord Kartikeya to name a few housed in its precincts.
Facts, Interesting Trivia, Arti Temple Timngs and Other Information:
Natural Shivling: The Shivling in the temple is syambhu i.e. self manifestated or natural.
Bells and windows: The temple houses a lot of bells in its precincts and the sanctum sanctorum is airy with a total of 12 windows in it.
What are the timings of the Anandeshwar Mandir?
The Anandeshwar temple timings are from 6 in the morning to 9 in the evening.
During the holy month of Shravan however, (August - September), the timings are different. The temple opens at 3:00 in the morning and closes at 12:00 midnight.
How to reach the Anandeshwar Temple Kanpur?
Anandeshwar Temple is a very famous Shiva temple of Kanpur. Quiz the locals for direction. Just take a note of the fact that the temple is also popularly known as other names like Parmat Mandir and Baba Anandeshwar Mandir to the local people while quizzing them about the directions.
• Railway Station: Kanpur Central is the main railway station at a distance of approximately 5 kilometres from Anandeshwar Temple.
• Nearest Airport: There are two domestic airports in Kanpur. Nearest to the Anandeshwar temple is the Kanpur civil airport at a distance of approximately 13 kms. and IIT Kanpur Airport at a distance of approximately 14 kms.
• Best Time to Visit: October to March is the best time to visit and (Early morning, before 7:00 am).
• Main Festivals: Mahashivratri and Shravan month (July-August) are the main festivals of the Anandeshwar Mandir celebrated with huge fervor and fanfare. Hundreds and thousands of pilgrims throng the premises on Monday as well to seek blessings of Bhole Baba on this auspicious day dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Address of Anadeshwar Dham Kanpur: Parmat Road, Permat, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, 208001, India.
What are the Daily Aarti Timings of Anandeshwar Parmat Temple in Kanpur:
Mangala Arti: 5:00 am to 5:30 am
Bhog Arti in the afternoon: 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm
Bhog Arti (in the evening): 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Shayan Arti at night: 11:30 pm
11 Comments
Nice coverage of a temple which others would have missed as too ordinary.
ReplyDeleteHello Arti, I find these words "grateful for all that was, all that is and for all that is to be" an inspiration today. I enjoyed walking with you through the temple. I love the arched doorway and the scene beyond. I'm still isolating at home, but I enjoyed my visit with you. I like the appearance of your new blog interface. Stay well.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful trip of the temple Arti! Loved the pictures and the history
ReplyDeleteSo happy to be back on your blog after so long! Surprised that it is a Swayambu Shiva temple and I had never even heard of it. Thanks for the virtual tour! :D
ReplyDeleteso much of culture and colors!
ReplyDeleteOh how I've missed the journeys you have taken me on, the places I have visited and the people whose lives I've had a glimpse into. It's good to have you back.
ReplyDeleteJai ho Anandeshwar Mahadev ki, such a useful article, not even splacture but also people are very good in Kanpur..
ReplyDeleteIt always feels good to know more about our country. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteNice coverage of a temple
ReplyDeleteThat feel when you look at the ganges from the temple side 😍
ReplyDeleteBeautiful trip of the God Shiv temple !Loved the pictures and the history. Graet Work, Nice Blog.
ReplyDeleteDelighted you stopped by... Your suggestions, feedback are really appreciated. Thanks a lot :) Hope you visit again!
If you have asked a question, please give me at least 2 days to reply back. Thank you :)