Bhuteshwar Mahadev

About Bhuteshwar Temple Mathura

Bhuteshwar Mahadev Temple, located near Shri Krishna Janmasthan in Mathura, is one of the city’s oldest and most revered temples. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the presiding deity here is worshiped as Bhuteshwar Mahadev. The temple holds immense significance, with roots tracing back to the Treta Yuga. It is believed that without Lord Shiva’s blessings, the establishment of Mathura would not have been possible, earning him the title of the ‘Kotwal’ or guardian of the city.

Bhuteshwar Mahadev is deeply respected as the protector of Mathura, and many devotees begin their day and embark on their Braj Yatras by first seeking his blessings. The sanctum of the temple covers an area of approximately 100 square meters, offering a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere for those who visit.

According to legends, Lord Shiva came to Braj to serve as the protector of Lord Krishna’s sacred land. The temple is also home to the cave of Patal Devi, a deity worshipped by King Kansa, further adding to its historical and spiritual importance.

During the five holy Mondays (Somvar), the temple attracts large crowds of devotees who come to offer their prayers. Bhuteshwar Mahadev Temple is also one of the 52 Shakti Peethas, enhancing its sacred stature in Hindu mythology and making it an essential destination for pilgrims visiting Mathura.

Location – Bhuteswar, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh 281001

History of Bhuteshwar Mahadev Temple, Mathura

The story of Bhuteshwar Mahadev is rooted in both the Valmiki Ramayana and the oral traditions of the temple. In the month of Shravan, Lord Shatrughna established the city of Mathurapuri after defeating the powerful demon Lavanasura.

Bhuteshwar Mahadev, a form of Lord Shiva, is regarded as the guardian deity of Mathura. Much like Lord Ram worshiped Rameshwar before his battle to conquer Lanka, Lord Ram commanded his brother Shatrughna to worship Bhuteshwar Mahadev before facing Lavanasura. Through this act of devotion, Shatrughna gained the strength to defeat the mighty demon, liberating Mathura from his tyranny and establishing his rule in the city.

In the Treta Yuga, when the demons Madhu and Kaitabh were slain by Goddess Chandi. Madhu’s son, Lavanasura, performed penance and was granted a trident (trishul) by Lord Shiva, with the condition that as long as it remained in his palace, no one could kill him. Empowered by this boon, Lavanasura became fearless and began terrorizing Mathura, disrupting the rituals of the sages and killing many of them.

Seeking help, the sages traveled to Ayodhya, where Lord Ram was ruling. They asked him to send Shatrughna to defeat Lavanasura and become the king of Mathura. Lord Ram sent Shatrughna on this mission, but after three failed attempts to defeat Lavanasura in battle, Shatrughna returned to Ayodhya feeling defeated. Lord Ram advised him to go back to Mathura and worship Bhuteshwar Mahadev for guidance and strength, just as Ram had worshiped Rameshwar before battling in Lanka. Shatrughna followed his advice, and Bhuteshwar Mahadev, pleased with his devotion, revealed Lavanasura’s weakness. With this knowledge, Shatrughna was able to kill Lavanasura and establish his kingdom in Mathura.

Bhuteshwar Mahadev’s significance is also mentioned in the Dwapara Yuga during the time of Lord Krishna. After spending five years in Gokul and performing his divine pastimes for seven more years, Krishna killed the tyrant Kansa at the age of 11 years and 28 days. After the Mahabharat , Krishna returned to Mathura, where his parents reminded him of his promise to undertake the Char Dham pilgrimage. However, Krishna decided to invite the deities of all four dhams, along with 33 crore gods and goddesses, to reside in Braj instead of traveling to them.

As a result, wherever Krishna grazed his cows, these deities took up residence, making Braj also known as Golok. However, the Ganges and Kashi Vishwanath did not come. The Ganges hesitated because crossing the Yamuna would dishonor her, so Lord Krishna manifested the Ganges in the form of Mansi Ganga. Similarly, Lord Kashi Vishwanath declared that he was already present in Mathura in the form of Bhuteshwar Mahadev. Krishna appointed Bhuteshwar Mahadev as the guardian of Braj’s 84-kos region.

This is why Bhuteshwar Mahadev is known as the protector of Mathura. A unique feature of the Bhuteshwar Mahadev Temple is its connection to the 52 Shakti Peethas, where Lord Shiva is believed to protect each site. It is said that Sati’s hair fell at this location, making it the eleventh Shakti Peetha. To protect this sacred site, Bhuteshwar Mahadev resides here in the form of Bhuteshwar Bhairav.