My Visit to Mankameshwar Temple, Lucknow

                         

                         

                             

In Lucknow most of the temples are small with simple construction without much sculptures and carvings. Most of them were re-constructed by Mahants with the co-operation of philanthropists and devotees. This temple though small has wonderful frescoes carved on friezes on four sides of the temple tower. We find the carvings of Durga, Kalabhairav and Hanuman emerging out of the mouth of the demoness Surasa. This temple is located between Hasanganj and Daliganj area in the heart of the city on the left bank of the Gomati River. This temple is managed by Mahant Devagya Puri (Arunima Singh), the first woman Mahant in Lucknow. She is a very active person taking part in social service programs like swatchhata and in maintaining communal harmony.

 According to legends King Lakshman came here after leaving Sita in exile and worshipped Lord Shiva to get mental peace. Later a temple with twent-three golden urns was built by King Navdhanu after conquering his enemy. In twelfth century this temple was destroyed and plundered by Yemeni invaders. Five hundred years ago Naga sadhus re-built this temple. The name of the Lord itself suggests that he is the God who fulfills the desires of the devotees. The Shiv Ling is of black granite on a raised pedestal. It is covered with a silver casing to prevent erosion. Devotees can enter the inner sanctum and worship the Lord directly. In most of the Shiva temples in Lucknow the Nandi idol is not seen in front outside the inner sanctum facing the Lord. A small statue of idol is seen in the sanctum in one corner. In the small niches of the sanctum small marble idols of Goddess Parvati, Ganesh and other deities are seen.

 Here Aarti is done both in the morning at 4.00 a.m. and in the evening at 8.30 p.m. The temple is open from 5.00 a.m. to 12.00 in the morning and from 3.00 p.m. to 11.00 p.m. in the evening. On Mondays the devotees can have darshan only from 4.00 a.m. to 12.00 in the daytime only. The temple hall decorated with many bells looks very attractive. In the month of Sravan and during Maha Sivaratri the temple conducts special poojas and ceremonies. During Aarti time many devotees come here and believe that darshan during aarti time will fulfill their desires. The nearby places are Hanuman Setu temple, Bara Imambara and Rumi Darwaaza.

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    8th October, 2019                                   Somaseshu Gutala