How 1400-year-old Bhureshwar Mahadev Temple's Shivlinga in UP's Jalaun grows by a grain of rice each year, know more about this unique shrine
In the Jalaun district of Uttar Pradesh, Lord Shiva is considered supreme among the three deities of Sanatan Dharma. Countless stories of ancient temples and pilgrimage sites associated with Shiva are prevalent throughout the country.
According to senior historian Dr. Harimohan Purwar, a similar center of faith lies in the sacred land of Bundelkhand—the Bhureshwar Mahadev Temple in the village of Saravan, under the Madhavgarh tehsil of Jalaun district. The hallmark of this approximately 1400-year-old temple is its white Shivalinga, which, according to local belief, grows by the size of a grain of rice every year.
This ancient temple in the village of Saravan is a center of deep faith and belief among the local people. Due to the white appearance of the Shivalinga, the temple is known as "Bhureshwar Mahadev." According to villagers, it has been a tradition for years that the Shivalinga's height increases slightly every year. It is said that the Shivalinga's height has now reached approximately 97 centimeters. This miraculous belief further strengthens the devotees' faith here.
Story surrounding temple's history
The story surrounding the temple's history is also very interesting. According to local folklore, this temple was built by King Shravan Dev during the princely era. It is said that King Shravan Dev once visited Hastinapur. There, he had a vision of Lord Shiva in his dream, and he commanded him to install a Shivalinga. Following the dream, the king returned from Hastinapur with a small Shivalinga. He placed it at a location near the village and considered installing it at a suitable site.
No one could move Shivalinga
But when an attempt was made to move the Shivalinga from its original location, the king, along with many others, could not move it even a bit. Believing this to be Lord Shiva's will, the king installed the Shivalinga at that very spot and began the construction of the temple. Since then, this Shivalinga has been installed at the same location and is worshipped as Bhureshwar Mahadev.
The story of how the village got its name is also linked to this history. It is said that the village was named "Shravan" in old records after King Shravan Dev. Over time, the pronunciation in the local dialect changed from "Shravan" to "Saravan," and this name became popular.
Temple's architecture is also unique
The temple's architecture is also unique. The main entrance faces east, with exits from the south and entrances from the north. The temple's roof rests on six strong pillars. The original temple is said to be approximately 20 feet high. A large veranda was later constructed, measuring approximately 40 feet long and 30 feet wide. Six pillars remain within this veranda, reflecting its antiquity and architectural style.
800-year-old Peepal tree is a special attraction
The temple complex has a spacious ground where devotees gather. The approximately 800-year-old Peepal tree located within the complex is a special attraction. Over time, a Neem tree has also grown from the center of this Peepal tree, which is why people call it 'Harishankari'. Local belief holds that circumambulating this tree fulfills wishes.
According to local priests and villagers, the Shivalinga appears different at three different times of the day—morning, noon, and evening. Devotees consider this remarkable transformation to be a divine play of Lord Shiva.
Month of Sawan and Mahashivratri draw a particularly large crowd of devotees
Although the temple is visited by devotees year-round, the month of Sawan and Mahashivratri draw a particularly large crowd. Thousands of devotees, including those from nearby villages and faraway lands, arrive for darshan and worship. On Mondays during Sawan, the scene is like a fair. Devotees perform Jalabhishek, Rudrabhishek, and special prayers to seek the blessings of Mahakal.
Deeply connected to Bundeli culture and folk faith, this ancient Bhureshwar Mahadev Temple is not only religiously significant but also a living symbol of historical and cultural heritage. This heritage site in the village of Saravan remains a center of people's unwavering faith even today, where devotees are moved by the glories of the Shivalinga growing by a "rice-sized" amount each year.