Til bhandeshwar Temple is one of the most loved and oldest temples of the Varanasi City which exhibit a unique culture. It has assimilated Malayali and Hindu cultures in its broad fold. The temple has Shivalingam in the Garbhagriha. Like many other temples of the worlds’ oldest living city of Varanasi the temple has surfaced itself and hence called Swyambhu, translates to appeared itself. Unlike many other gods worshipped in deity form there are rare instances of worshipping Lord Shiva in deity or idol form. In almost all temples of India the supreme god Lord Shiva is worshipped in Shivalingam form. Though there is no evidence of starting of cult of Shivalingam or Phallus worship it is believed that it dates back to Harappan civilization as Shiva in Lingam form was worshipped as reverence to the power of regeneration because he is considered as the destroyer of the universe. But the form worshipped in Harappan Civilization was that of Pashupati, a synonym of Lord Shiva. Pashupati means master of animals or creatures; it is because he is said to have surrounded by animals in many myths of Indian Culture. Tilbhandeshwar Temple is located near Bangal Tola Inter College and next to Madanpura, the famous Banarasi Sarees weavers’ colony. It is believed that Shivalingam present in the center of the temple increases with passage of time. Geologists believe that these happenings are not supernatural. It is because of endogenic forces and movements of the earth. It is said that Goddess Sharda, Goddess of knowledge has spent here some days. The devotees of the temple come here to worship and offer other things dear to god in order to appease him for their wellbeing.
Festivals celebrated at Tilbhandeshwar Temple :
Maha Shivaratri, Shravan Nagapanchami and Ayappa Pooja are the main festivals celebrated at the precincts of the temple. Besides there is a huge crowed on every Monday as the day is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is not only unique thing of Indian culture but also in Roman and Greek cultures people used to celebrate days and name planets on the name of Gods and Goddesses. Mars, Jupiter, Venus, Mithiro, are not merely planets but also relates to great traditions of Roman and Greek cultures.
Precincts of the Tilbhandeshwar Temple :
Temple has a serene premise to attract anyones attention. Unlike many other bustling temples of the city the Tilbhandeshwar Temple has a calm and pristine nature around itself. If you are a spiritual being you can enjoy long hours to meditate in the capturing silence of the temple.
Opening Time of the Tilbhandeshwar Temple :
Temple opens at 4.30 am in the morning and closes 9 pm at night.
Location and Way to the Tilbhandeshwar Temple :
Tilbhandeshwar Temple is located about 5 km from the Varanasi Cantt Railway Station and 9 km from the Durga Temple. You can reach the temple by taxi, auto or rickshaw from any part of the Varanasi city.