Mahashivratri 2024: 1500-Year-Old One-Inch Shivling In Rajasthan's Kota Region Draws Devotees — PICS

In the Kota region, a plethora of temples dedicated to Lord Shiva dot the landscape. Whether nestled in the ravines of the Chambal River or boasting 525 unique Shivlings, this area stands out globally. Notably, it houses a self-manifested, ancient Shivling, merely an inch in size, believed to be over 1500 years old. Devotees flock to the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple in Retwali, located in the old city of Kota, for solace, and it is revered as a sacred destination for seekers from across the country and abroad. (Image Source: Dinesh Kashyap)

Temple priest Shiv Sharma Baba reveals that the Neelkanth Mahadev Shivling is gradually sinking into the earth. What once stood prominently above the ground now rests a mere inch below. (Image Source: Dinesh Kashyap)

According to Baba, Neelkanth Mahadev is a swayambhu (self-manifested) lingam, having established itself over the ages. The temple, with a history dating back 1500 years, holds deep-rooted significance, with the Shivling's roots believed to extend to the nether regions. (Image Source: Dinesh Kashyap)

Baba states that the upper part of the Shivling has diminished significantly. Directly facing it is a statue of south-facing Hanumanji, and just in front of both is the divine presence of Kaal Bhairav. Between them lies the samadhi of a sage, adding further spiritual depth to this ancient site. An inscribed stone dating back 1500 years is also present, its language yet to be deciphered. (Image Source: Dinesh Kashyap)

The inscribed stone, found on the premises, remains an enigma as its script remains unintelligible. (Image Source: Dinesh Kashyap)

Legend has it that during a forest fire 1500 years ago, a sage in deep meditation was rescued by a Bhil (tribal) accompanying a visiting king. The Bhil shot an arrow towards the sage, which miraculously diverted mid-air and hit the sage's target. (Image Source: Dinesh Kashyap)

Since then, the significance of this site has grown, and the Kota court has established the samadhi of the sage. Alongside, there are sanctums dedicated to Navagrahas, Lord Ganesha, and the divine Ganga. (Image Source: Dinesh Kashyap)