Varanasi

Sarnath-the world-famous place which is located very near to the historic city of Varanasi is the home to another mythological temple, Sarangnath.

Visitors from various part of the country gather in Sarnath to visit the Sarangnath temple during the holy month of Sawan. As per mythical beliefs Lod Shiva lives here with his eternal presence along with Goddess Parvati during the whole month of sawan. So, people whosoever come to visit this place and pay homage to the Lord receives blessings from the Lord Shiva, Devi Parvati and Lord Sarangnath who happens to be the brother-in -law of Shiva.

The most interesting fact is that there are two Shillings in one Argha inside the Garbhagriha. The first Shivling was established by Sarang Rishi himself. Adi Guru Shankaracharya had established the second Shivling in the same Argha.

According to the legends when Devi Parvati got married to Lord shiva then her brother Sage Sarang was not present there. When Darang came to know about the marriage, he very upset thinking about the future of her sister Parvati. Very soon Sarang got the opportunity to meet his sister Parvati when he came to know that Lord Shiva and Parvati came to Varanasi. He went to meet his sister along with huge amount of gold jewelleries and coins and other precious artifacts.

After reaching Sarnath, near Varanasi, he fell asleep because of exhaustion and in his dream, he saw that the whole city of Varanasi was made with pure gold. He woke up and felt ashamed thinking of his own behaviour. Then he reached Lord Shiva and asked for his blessings. He told him that he would like to stay in this place forever and he would get involved in penance foe unknown period of time.

After a longer period of time Lord Shiva was pleased with Sarangnath’s penance and he blessed him with eternity. He told him that he would be known as Sarangnath Mahadev and Both of them would be worshipped together. He also promised him that every year during the month of Sawan he would be residing here along with Devi Parvati.

There is a holy pond called Shivkund, devotees take a holy dip in this pond and they climb 44 steps to perform Jalabhishek of Sarangnath Mahadev. Lord Shiva is worshipped here in the form of Somnath along with his brother-in -law Sarangnath.It is said that  people who suffer from any  kind of critical skin ailment may  get cured if they visit Sarangnath Mahadev temple. Also couples who are depried of  children maybe blessed with children if they come and pray here with unconditional faith.