| Vankhandeshwar Mahadev | |
| Deity: | Shiva |
| Tradition: | Shaivism |
| Festival: | Maha Shivaratri Shiva Baraat |
| Location: | Vankhandeshwar Mandir, HQ5R+WRF, Sarvoday Nagar, Bhind, Madhya Pradesh, India 477001 |
| District: | Bhind |
| State: | Madhya Pradesh |
| Creator: | Prithviraj Chauhan |
| Year Completed: | 1175 AD |
| Temple Tree: | Peepal |
| Architecture Type: | Nagara |
Vankhandeshwar Mahadev Mandir is a Hindu temple dedicated to Hindu deity Shiva located on the banks of Gauri Lake in Bhind, Madhya Pradesh, India.[1]
It is one of the most ancient temple of North India which was constructed by Prithviraj Chauhan in 1175 AD.
According to the folklores while going at war with the Chandel rulers of Mahoba, PrithviRaj Chauhan stayed for a night in Bhind where he got a dream of Shivling present at the site. Prithviraj Chauhan promised that if he wins the battle he will construct the temple at that place.[2] [3]
After winning the battle against Parmardidev he constructed the temple.Since the area at that time was full of dense forests it was named Vankhandeshwar.
The Shivalinga present in the temple is swayambhu. Akhand jyoti or the eternal flame of two diyas is continuously burning in the temple since the construction of temple. Every year at the time of Mahashivaratri lakhs of devotees go to the mandir to take blessings of Mahadev.[4]
Apart from Mahadev, idols of Shri Ram, Laxman,Mata Jaanki, Lord Ganesh are also present in the temple.An old Peepal tree is also located in the temple premises.
The Maha Aarti is organized in this temple every Monday, with devotees from far flung areas coming to attend[5]