Information of Mankameshwar Temple, Agra, Uttar Pradesh

Mankameshwar Temple is an ancient temple situated in Agra city near Jama Masjid. The temple is dedicated to god Shiv. Situated within 2.5 kilometer distance from Taj Mahal, Mankameshwar Temple is surrounded by old market of Agra. The temple houses a sacred Shiv Linga and the structure is quite captivating and similar to other temples of Agra. Mankameshwar Temple has its individual image and attraction. In reality, significant number of visitors come across to visit the temple evereyday.

Mankameshwar Temple Religious Significance

In Mankameshwar Temple, it is a sacramental act that people should not wear any leather items or English dressing styles such as salwaar suits, pyjamas and pants, rather they are required to wear traditional Indian clothes only, such as Dhoti and Saree among others. The temple is opened for visitor every day, however, most of the believers visit this temple during Sawan month. In accordance with the Hindu calendar, in Sawan month, Mondays are regarded as fortunate and hence majority of believers worship lord Shiv on that day.

Mankameshwar Temple lies under the influence of Jagath Guru Shankaracharya. The worship of Shrinath is regarded as a special religious act of the temple. Furthermore, many devotees also burn 11 lamps in the temple regularly with Indian Ghee. If any of the desires of devotees are met, they come in the temple by burning oil lamps and providing donations which ranges from 1 rupees to above 1 lakh in a day. A special 'Paan' can also be found in this religious place whose shape is similar to a pyramid. This particular thing is covered with silver foil and embellished with coconut powder.

Mankameshwar Temple Mythology & History

According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that the Shiv Linga inside the Mankameshwar Temple was created by lord Shiv himself throughout Dwapara period, when lord Krishna was born in Mathura. Lord Shiv appeared to Mankameshwar Temple from Mountain Kailash in order to visit the child form of lord Krishna. Lord Shiv meditated and stayed in the ground of Mankameshwar Temple. He believed that if lord Krishna played on his laps, he would create a 'linga' in that place. However, by watching lord Shiv's unique form, mother of lord Krishna, i.e. Yashoda asked him to stay away from her child, because he would make child lord Krishna scare. Observing this, lord Krishna played a drama and begun crying by pointing towards lord Shiv, who was residing under a Banyan tree. By seeing this act, Yashoda called lord Shiv and requested him to bless her child. After blessing, lord Shiv returned to his place and positioned his linga. Lord Shiv stated that his wishes were satisfied in Mankameshwar Temple and thus, whosoever in upcoming future arrive in that place with certain desires would be fulfilled. Since then, the linga has known as 'Mankameshwarnth' and the temple is known as Mankameshwar Temple.

Mankameshwar Temple Architectural Significance

Mankameshwar Temple possesses one shrine sanctorum where lord Shiv used to sit. It is enclosed by classic statues of Shiv dynasty. There is stairs in the temple which direct to the shrine of lord Shiv. In the year 2004, statue of lord Krishna was also created in the temple under the guiding principles of Shri Nanaji and Shri Dwarikadeesh Nath of Mathura.

Behind the shrine of lord Shiv, there are many small temples within the primary temple compound. These temples are devoted to numerous divinities such as goddess Saraswati, Gayatri and Ganga, and god Hanuman, Rama and Narsimha among others.