Bikaner : Princely era Bikaner is not called Chhoti Kashi for nothing. In the month of worship of Shiva i.e. Shravan month, Bholenath resides in this city in his complete form. Even though the places (temples) are different, but the devotion of the devotees finds the lord of gods in them. The princely era Markandeshwar Mahadev temple is also one such place of faith for Shiva. It has remained the center of faith and devotion of the devotees for decades. In the sanctum sanctorum of this temple, Mahakaal (Lord Shiva) is installed along with Kaal (Dharmaraj), which is rare. The sequence of Abhishek-worship and Jaap rituals of the devotees continues here throughout the year. In Sawan, special rounds of Rudrabhishek and worship are held in this Shiva temple. The sequence of worship, Abhishek, festival, festival continues throughout the year in Markandeshwar Mahadev, established behind the railway workshop in Lalgarh area.
Established 74 years ago
According to temple priest Mahesh Kumar Bhojak, Markandeshwar Mahadev was established in the year 1940. The idols of Maa Parvati, Lord Ganesha, Mahadev and Markandeya, Shivling and Dharmaraj are installed in the sanctum sanctorum of this temple. Shivling is installed on Jalhari made in the shape of a snake.
Markandeya at the feet of Shiva
Along with Shivling, the idols of Lord Shiva and Markandeya are also installed in this temple. Markandeya is at the feet of Shivling and Lord Shiva. One hand of Lord Shiva is on Markandeya’s head and the other hand is on Shivling. There is a trident in the third hand and a discus in the fourth hand. The idols of Maa Parvati and Lord Ganesha are also four-armed.
Puja-abhishek for increasing age and getting good health
According to Mahesh Kumar Bhojak, priest of Markandeya temple, the sequence of darshan, worship and abhishek continues throughout the year in the temple. Devotees perform abhishek puja of Markandeya Mahadev on their birthdays with a wish for longevity and good health. Rudrabhishek and Mahamrityunjay jaap-anushthan continue to take place there.
Dharamraj with sword, mace and buffalo
The idol of Dharamraj installed in Markandeshwar Mahadev temple is Chaturbhuj (four-armed). Dharamraj has a sword in one hand and a mace in the other. The other two hands are joining Lord Shiva. Dharamraj is seated on a buffalo. The idol is made of black stone.
