Kameshwar Mahadev located in the sacrosanct Kaman village also known as Adi Vrindavan is one of the four important Shivalayas on the Braj Chaurasi Kos Yatra. Along with Bhuteshwar Mahadev in Mathura, Gopeshwar Mahadev in Vrindavan and Chakleshwar Mahadev in Govardhan, Kameshwar Mahadev is deemed to be the fourth guardian of the Braj Dham.
According to the Hindu scriptures, Maharaja Vajranabha, the great-grandson of Lord Krishna invoked the sacred tirthasthalas and holy rivers of Akhanda Bharat to reside in the sacred Braj Mandala. Maharaja Vajranabha was instructed by the revered Shandilya Maharshi to re-establish all the divine places where Lord Krishna had spent his time.
This temple was established five thousand years ago and Lord Shiva seen here is said to be Swayambhu. It is stated in the scriptures that Lord Brahma had performed tapas (penance and austerities) in this dense forest in the Satya Yuga. Such was the intensity of his tapas, that a sveta kundali purush manifested from him. Kameshwar Mahadev is said to be the embodiment of that spiritual energy.
It has also been stated in the Srimad Bhagavatam that the entire gamut of creation wanted to have darshan of Lord Krishna in his bala swarupa. Lord Shiva came alone in the form of a tapasvi to see Lord Krishna. However, Yashoda Mata on seeing his terrifying form refused to allow him to see Lord Krishna.
Lord Shiva went away and sat under a tree contemplating on Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna realized that Lord Shiva had come from Kailasa to meet him and began crying. The entire village gathered at Yashoda Mata’s house wanting to know what had happened. When Yashoda Mata narrated the whole incident, Lord Krishna revealed that the tapasvi was none other than Lord Shiva.
Yashoda Mata immediately went in search of Lord Shiva with Lord Krishna and sought his forgiveness and prayed that he will always stay close to Lord Krishna protecting him. Lord Shiva consented. On realizing that Lord Shiva had gone to have darshan of Lord Krishna alone, Parvati Devi, Lord Ganesha, Lord Kartikeya and Lord Nandi also made their way to Braj.
This ancient temple has Lord Shiva in the middle with Lord Brahma, Parvati Devi, Lord Ganesha, Lord Kartikeya and Lord Nandi around him. Ladoo Gopalji is also worshipped here by locals. The parikrama has many rare idols and paintings of great antiquity.
Devotees believe that if they offer Ganga or Yamuna water at all the four important Shivalayas, then they will be rid of mental and physical ailments. Thousands throng this temple in the auspicious month of Shravan and on Maha Shivaratri.
There are many more stories associated with this temple mentioned in the Hindu scriptures which the locals and priests will narrate with great enthusiasm and devotion.
Written by Lakshmi Subramanian
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