Sahasrarjun Temple (Rajarajeshwara): Architecture, Best Time to Visit, History and Meaning

The holy city of Maheshwar during ancient times was called Mahishmati. The city is over several thousand years old and very rich in history and culture. There is a belief that the Mahishmati Sahasrarjun temple was the place of penance for the Devasuras, rishi munis and ascetics of today, the glory of the city of Maheswar or Mahishmati, was celebrated in Ramayana, Shrimad Bhagwat, Shivpuran, Skandapuran, Vaypuran, etc.

This city has been closely linked to Lord Shiva in all eras. Also known as Gupt Kashi, Mahishmati is home to a series of Shivlings and pagodas on the ghats, the most important of which is the Rajarajeshwar temple.

Situated close to the Ahilyeshwar temple and at a distance of 1.5 km from the Maheshwar bus stand in Maheswar, Madhya Pradesh, an ancient pagoda or temple of the Sahasrarjun (Rajarajeshwara) temple rises up in the air representing the beauty beneath all angles. This temple is the most frequented by the devotees who visit the Maheswar region.

The temple is within the confines of Fort Maheshwar on the north bank of the Narmada River near Ahilyabi Ghat. It is one of many temples of Lord Shiva and this temple can be accessed from Ahalyabai Ghat. Maheshwar is a spiritual center that houses more than 100 temples spread along the right bank of the Narmada River. This temple is where the Sahasrarjun Karthaveeryarjun entered into a trance. Scroll down the article to learn more.

Sahasrarjun Temple (Rajarajeshwara): historical background

According to the description of the mahant of the temple, he was once the chakra Sudarshana, who became proud of his bravery. So Lord Vishnu suggested that he rule the city of Mahishmati in the name of Sahasrarjuna or Kartaveeryarjuna. According to the scriptures, Kartaviryarjun defeated the king of Lanka, Ravana and held him hostage in Maheshwar for 6 months.

Once Kartaviryarjun on an expedition saw the Kamdhenu in the hermitage of Jamadagni rishi and wanted to acquire it. In the ensuing fight between the rishi and the Kartaveeryaarjuna, the Rishi was mistakenly killed. Furious about this, son Parashurama rishi cut off a thousand arms of Kartaveeryarjuna. Finally, the king merges with the Linga. Lord Shiva then blesses him to be worshiped in the form of Lord Shiva hereafter in the city of Maheshwar.

Sahasrarjun Temple (Rajarajeshwara): Architecture

Besides the artistic statue of Shiva-Parvati made of Ashtadhatu, in the premises of the temple we can see Goddess Mahishasura Mardini, Lord Vishnu-Garuda, Lord Surya and Ganesha are seated with Riddhi-Siddhi in the form of Shiva Panchayatan . Apart from the shiny design on the walls, the ceiling inside the sanctum sanctorum is adorned with multi-faceted mirrors.

The interiors of the temple have etched and decorated pieces of glass. The same set of steps must be climbed to reach the temple as well as the ghats. The pristine landscapes of this place prove to be the perfect escape from the daily grind of the cities. This temple is surrounded by several small shrines whose powerful blessings attract dozens of devotees each time.

Sahasrarjun Temple (Rajarajeshwara): lost items found

This temple is basically dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is called Rajarajeshwara here. Blessed by Lord Shiva, Maheshwar is an important center of pilgrimage for worshipers of Lord Shiva. It is believed that Lord Shiva has blessed this place with a powerful boon. If you have lost something precious and seek health, longevity, lost valuables, or even lost honor, this is the place to submit your prayers. The result will always be in your favor.

People believe that if a particular mantra is chanted many times, it can bring back stolen goods and items. A huge crowd gathers here throughout the year, especially during the month of Shravan.

Sahasrarjun Temple (Rajarajeshwara): Mantra to chant

Om Karthaveeryarjuno nama Raja baahu sahasravan
Thasya smarana mathrena Gatham nashtam cha labhyathe ||
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Sahasrarjun Temple (Rajarajeshwara): Stotra

Om Karthaveeryarjuno nama Raja baahu sahasravan
Thasya smarana mathrena Gatham nashtam cha labhyathe || 1 ||
Kartha veeryaha, khala dweshi, krutha, veeryo sutho, bali,
Sahasra bahu, shatrugno, rakthavasa dhanurdhara || 2 ||
Raktha gandho, Raktha malyo, Raja, smarthur, abheeshtada,
Dwasaaithani namani Kartha veeryasya ya padeth || 3 ||
Sampad sthathra jayanthe jana sthathra vasamgatha,
Aanayathayasu doorastham kshema labha yutham pryam || 4 ||
Sahasra Bahum, Mahitham, Sasaram Sachapam,
Rakthambaram vi vidha Raktha kireeta bhoosham,
Choradhi dushta bhaya nasanam, ishta daantham,
Dhyayen maha bala Vijrumbitha Kartha veeryam || 5 ||
Yasya smarana mathrena Sarva dukha Kshayo bhaveth,
Yan naamani Maha veeraschaarjuna krutha veeryvan || 6 ||
Haihayadhi pathe, stotram sahasravruthi karitham,
Vanchithartha pradham nrunam swarajyam sukrutham yadi || 7 ||
Ithi Karthaveeryarjuna dwadasa nama stotram sampoornam ||

Sahasrarjun Temple (Rajarajeshwara): Akhand Dhuni

Also known as Rawaneshwar temple it is a very unique architectural creation with rich design on the walls and ceiling inside the sanctum in which one can also find 11 monolithic Akhanda lamps inside this temple, which still burn today, 24/7, using 1.25 kg of desi ghee per lamp on a daily basis. This tradition is kept alive by devotees who bring ghee in large quantities to keep the flame burning in the depths of Akhand alive.

The temple has such an accumulation of ghee donated by devotees that it has acquired a two-storey building to store it. It is believed that kajal prepared from Akhanddeep ghee is known to ward off the effects of the evil eye. The lighting of the 11 Akhand Jyoti Deepaks is an important tradition followed by the devotees of this temple.

Sahasrarjun Temple (Rajarajeshwara): Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the temple is during the winter season when the weather is pleasant. From October to March, the climate is favorable for visiting. The monsoon is also good as it rains and calms the sun scorched lands of Maheshwar. Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Admission is free.

Disclaimer: The information is based on assumptions and information available on the Internet and its accuracy or reliability is not guaranteed. Boldsky does not confirm any entry or information related to the article and our sole purpose is to provide information. Boldsky does not believe in or endorse any superstitions.

Article first published: Wednesday, August 17, 2022, 10:00 a.m. [IST]