Haridwar, July 27: The sacred land of Uttarakhand is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva in every nook and corner. Among its revered sites is the Shri Kundi Soteswar Mahadev Temple, located near the dense forests of Rajaji Tiger Reserve, in the Shyampur area and close to Sajjanpur Pali (Najibabad Road).
This temple not only draws devotees due to its religious significance but also because of its natural beauty and tranquil environment.
On Monday, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami emphasized the importance of the temple through social media. Sharing a video of the temple, he wrote, “The Shri Kundi Soteswar Mahadev Temple, located in Haridwar, is an extremely ancient and sacred temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is situated in a peaceful and natural setting near Rajaji Tiger Reserve, where a large number of devotees visit every year.”
He praised the grandeur of the temple, stating, “It is believed that the Shivling here is self-manifested (Swayambhu), and every prayer made with a true heart is surely heard by Lord Shiva. If you are visiting Haridwar, make sure to visit this sacred temple. The serene atmosphere and spiritual energy here provide devotees with a deep sense of peace and faith.”
The Shivling installed in this temple is said to have emerged naturally during excavation. According to legends, this temple is still a testament to the wedding procession of Lord Shiva. It is believed that the procession halted at this spot after descending from Kailash. Here, his followers ground bhang (cannabis) in the Kundi Sota, and evidence of this can still be found during excavations in the area.
Local tradition holds that there is a mysterious temple in the vicinity where spirits of those who attended Lord Shiva’s procession still reside. It is said that due to excessive intoxication from bhang during the procession, they got separated and halted at this tree, which is why people are still prohibited from approaching it.
According to local customs, food is offered daily to the spirits residing in this tree, and it is believed that they still partake in this food every day.
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