- Shiva
Prapitamaheshwara Temple
- Gaya,Bihar
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Overview
Prapitamaheshwara Temple is an ancient Shiva temple located in the predominantly Vaishnavite pilgrim town of Gaya. Prapitamaheshwara is said to be a witness deity for the performance of the offerings of the pinda to ancestors. Shiva is worshipped in the form of a Lingam.
The ritual of offering pinda or offerings to the dead has been long associated with Gaya and has been mentioned in the epics. The Prapitamaheshwara temple has been referred to in the Agni Purana. Shiva worship at Gaya has been referred in the Mahabharata too. The Prapitamaheshwara temple is one of the oldest temples in Gaya and it dates back to the Pala dynasty of the 11th century CE as testified from stone inscriptions nearby.
About The Temple
This temple is built of black basalt and it stands adjacent to two hills (Bhramayoni and Vasmakuta) that are considered sacred. The temple faces east and is attached to a sabha mandaba in the front. The massive stone slabs of the hall are supported by huge polygonal stone pillars placed one above the other. Five graceful domes top the mandaba. The enormous size and height of the mandaba are not in consonance with that of the temple. What is seen today is a result of renovation work carried out in the 14th century. The tower of the shrine is pyramidal in shape, topped by a lotus-like structure with a broken iron trident.
How to Reach Gaya
Airport
Gaya has its own international airport and is connected with major cities of India.
Railways
The nearest railhead is Gaya.
Road
Gaya is well connected with major cities of north India.
Temple Address
Prapitamaheshwara Temple,
Gaya, Bihar, India.
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- Salvation
- Wealth
- Relief from diseases
- Purchase of vehicles
- Gain Knowledge
Shlokas
Kailaasarana Shiva Chandramouli Phaneendra Maathaa Mukutee Zalaalee Kaarunya Sindhu Bhava Dukha Haaree Thujaveena Shambho Maja Kona Taaree
Meaning -Oh Lord Shiva who is seated on Mount Kailash, where the moon decorates his forehead and the king of serpents crown his head, who is merciful and removes delusion, You alone can protect me. I surrender to thee.
Aum Trayambakam Yajaamahey Sugandhim Pusti Vardhanam Urvaarukamiva Bandhanaath Mrutyor Muksheeya Maamritaat
Meaning -We worship the fragrant Lord Shiva, who has 3 eyes and who cultivates all beings. May He free me from death, for immortality, as even a cucumber is separated from its bond with the vine.