“SHRI GUPTESHWAR MAHADEV”

A brief introduction

It is with the grace of God and your holy deeds (Punya Karams) that you are gazing at one of the few Swayam Bhoo Shiv Lingas which were venerated by Lord Shri Rama himself. 

It is through Shiv-Maha-Puran that we receive the signs of “Shree Gupteshwar Mahadev” as being related to the Rameswaram Joytir Linga. The importance of this svayam Bhoo Shiv Lilnga is even augmented by the fact that Lord shree Rama along with Maa Sita and Brother Laxman during their exile came to the Banks of River Narmada and Worshiped Lord Shiva with water from River Narmada for an entire month. It is believed the same shiv lingam exists till date in the form of Gupteshwar Mahadev.

Gupteswar means the one who is present everywhere in every form but still is not divulged. Hence those who visit the Gupteshwar Mahadev, will never be touched by any of the five doshas even in their dreams, all their desires are fulfilled and if the devotee carry’s out the Jal Abhishek ceremony with water from Maa-Narmada for a month, Lord Shiva is bound to provide a glimpse and fulfill all his worldly and heavenly desires no matter how colossal they may seem, for this what lord shiva pledged to lord shri Rama during his stay.

The Gupteshwar Mahadev Temple is situated in the city known as Jabalpur at the Banks of River Narmada surrounded by vindyachal mountain ranges and dense sub-tropical forests, the city has immense religious metaphor which is evident form various Historical and Religious scriptures, The city even got its name “Jabalipuram” due to Maharishi Jabali and Brahmrishi Bhragu; which in time was trimmed down to Jabalpur.

               There are historical facts that commemorate the legend of this cave. First is the reality that “Madan Mahal” and the historical “Balancing Rock” which are both related with Queen Durgawati, are in close proximity to the Gupteshwar Mahadev Temple . It is said that the queen often came to seek spiritual guidance from her Guru “Shree Narharidas ji Maharaj” and visited the Gupteshwar Mahadev. Proof of this statement can be seen in the form of engraved foot prints of the horse on a rock besides the cave even today, along with historical and archeological documents pertaining to the region. Second is the written documentation of freedom fighters from as early as 1839 & 1857 hiding around this cave and worshiping lord shiva for strength and protection.