Devanjana Mukherjee, Khabri Media
This temple is a testament to the rich spiritual heritage of the region and the enduring beliefs that have shaped the lives of the people in Rajasthan.
Pic: Social Media
In the southern part of this majestic state, nestled amidst the Aravalli Range, there exists a temple that offers a unique and mystical practice: the issuance of ‘Paap Mukti’ certificates to devotees who take a dip in its sacred ‘kund‘. To subscribe please click tau.id/2iy6f and access our live channel.
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Gotameshwar Mahadev Mandir, famous as the Haridwar of Vagad, is in Pratapgarh district, nearly 450 km from the state capital, Jaipur. The certificate is issued by the temple trust which comes under the Devasthan department of the state government.
It is said that those who have committed the “sin” of deliberately or non-deliberately killing an animal or have been boycotted by their caste or community seek to get a certificate after a dip in the holy reservoir. The certificates then act as evidence that they do not carry any “sin” on their head, and that the boycott be revoked.
Pic: Social Media
However, the number of certificate seekers is limited and around 250-300 certificates are issued in a year for a dip in the temple’s ‘Mandakini Kund’. A ‘Paap Mukti’ certificate can be issued for Rs 12. It is believed that famous Hindu sage Mahirshi Gautam was absolved of the sin of killing a cow after taking a dip here.
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The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and it is said that Mahmud of Ghazni attacked the temple and tried to destroy the ‘shivlinga’ but swarms of bees came out of it and Ghazni’s men were attacked. The Mughal ruler then rebuilt the temple. The ‘shivlinga’ is damaged but still worshipped.
According to the temple priests, thousands of people visit the temple every month, particularly in the holy month of Sawan, and on Mondays. Tribal people from the state and Madhya Pradesh immerse ashes after the funeral of their family members in the ‘kund’ and therefore it is called the ‘Haridwar of Vagad’.
Pic: Social Media
In a rapidly changing world, where ancient traditions are often at risk of fading away, the ‘Paap Mukti’ Temple and its practice of issuing certificates for a dip in the ‘kund’ serve as a reminder of the enduring traditions that have been passed down through generations.
While the temple may not attract the same level of attention as some of Rajasthan’s more famous landmarks, it is a hidden gem for those seeking unique and off-the-beaten-path spiritual experiences. It adds to the rich tapestry of spiritual tourism in the state, offering visitors a chance to explore the lesser-known but equally fascinating aspects.
