Unique temple of India: Where ‘forgiveness’ is sought instead of a vow to God, the mystery of the Shivalinga divided into 3 pieces is very interesting.

Gautameshwar Mahadev Temple, located in Pratapgarh district of Rajasthan, is such a unique center of Sanatan Dharma and faith, which everyone is surprised to know about. This is the only holy Shiva temple in the country where the devotees who visit Lord Shiva come to seek forgiveness for their sins and mistakes instead of making vows. Situated amidst its natural beauty, greenery spread all around and the waterfall falling from the peak of the temple, this temple is very popular among the tribals, which is also called ‘Haridwar of the tribals’.

Worship of broken Shivling and history related to Mohammad Ghaznavi

There is no law in Hindu religion to worship broken idols or Shivalingas, but Gautameshwar Mahadev Temple is an exception to this. Shivalinga divided into three parts is worshiped here. There is an exciting mythological story behind this fragmented form. It is said that when the invader Mohammad Ghaznavi reached here destroying Hindu temples, he had the audacity to break this Shivalinga also. As soon as he struck the first blow, a stream of milk flowed out from the Shivalinga. Curd on the second strike and when he struck for the third time, a fierce swarm of bees appeared from there, which forced Ghaznavi and his entire army to retreat.

Mokshadayini Mandakini Kund and unique tradition of salvation from sin

The biggest feature of this temple is the sacred Mandakini Kund built in its premises. It is believed that when Maharishi Gautam, one of the Saptarishis, was guilty of the sin of cow slaughter, he atoned for his sins by taking a bath in this pond. Since then it is believed that any devotee who takes a dip of faith in this pond gets washed away from all his sins. This is the reason why apart from Rajasthan, lakhs of devotees from Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra reach here in the month of Vaishakh and take the water of this pond home with them considering it as sacred as the water of Ganga.

‘Certificate of salvation’ is available for just one rupee

A very unique arrangement is still in place in the Gautameshwar temple complex. An ancient traditional justice system of the tribals and the court of the temple trust operate here. A formally printed and stamped ‘Absolution Certificate’ is issued by the same court located in the temple premises. Devotees obtain this certificate at a nominal fee after being absolved of their sins. This is the only religious place in the country where written certificate of salvation is given, which makes it completely different and special from all other pilgrimage places in India.