Bhuteshwar Mahadev Mandir, located in the western part of Mathurapuri is one of the most revered temples in the ancient city. Considered to be one of the four guardians or custodians of Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi, Bhuteshwar Mahadev is considered to be a manifestation of the sacrosanct Kashi Vishwanathji of Benares.
According to the Hindu scriptures, Lord Krishna invoked all the sacred tirthasthalas to bless the land of Braj with their presence. However, Ganga Mata and Kashi Vishwanathji were unable to come and therefore, Lord Krishna manifested Ganga as Manasi Ganga and Kashi Vishwanath as Bhuteshwar Nath Mahadev.
Locals also say that Lord Shiva took the form of a gopi to participate in the Rasa Leela and hence, Lord Shiva as Bhuteshwar Mahadev is deemed to be the very epitome of kindness and mercy and venerated by all. This temple is also considered to be a Shakti Peeta as a ringlet of hair of Sati Mata fell on this spot. There is a very old Patal Devi shrine in a cave that is believed to have been worshipped by Kamsa.
The temple is said to have been built by the legendary Naga rulers. There are shrines dedicated to Kali Mata, Shri Giriraj Maharaja and others within the premises.
Thousands throng this temple in the auspicious months of Shravan, Magha and Margashirsha and on Maha Shivaratri, Purnima and Amavasya. It is imperative that a devotee has a dip in the divine Manasi Ganga Ghat before they start their Braj Parikrama.
Written by Lakshmi Subramanian
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