Have you heard the legend of the golden Shivling? It’s a tale deeply entwined with the Shree Hatkesh Mahadev Temple. Right here in Mumbai, this temple stands as a testament to faith and history.
The Shree Hatkesh Mahadev Temple history goes back potentially 1800 years. It is said that the Linga of Shree Hatkeshver Mahadev goes till the bottom of the earth. Lord Hatkeshver is Ishta Dev of the people of Nagar Brahmin caste of Hindu religion.
Legend says that the Shivling within the Shree Hatkesh Mahadev Temple transformed into gold. This happened after Lord Shiva was angered by Goddess Parvati’s actions. The story speaks of Parvati’s test of Lord Ram and her subsequent lie to Shiva.
To repent, Parvati immolated herself. Lord Vishnu then dismembered her body. Shiva, grieving and alone, wandered until he reached a place now known as Vadnagar. There, he was cursed and transformed into a Shivling, which entered the earth.
The earth trembled and the gods prayed. Lord Brahma then requested that Shiva become a golden Shivling. The Shivling was established in Patal. Brahma started worshiping it.
The Shree Hatkesh Mahadev Temple is not just a place of worship. It is a heritage site with artistic carvings inside and out. These carvings depict mythological stories that enchant visitors.
Another legend connects the temple to King Chamatkar. He suffered from leprosy. Advised by sages, he bathed in the Shankh Tirth and was cured. He then founded the town of Chamatkarpur, now Vadnagar.
In this town, a Brahmin named Chitrasharma worshipped Lord Shiva. He brought the Linga of Shree Hatkeshver from Patal to the earth’s surface. This golden Shivling was then enshrined in a large temple.
Today, the Shree Hatkesh Mahadev Temple in Mumbai echoes these ancient stories. It reminds us of faith, devotion, and the divine transformations. Its existence connects us to centuries of legends.