Siddhpeeth Shri Jageshwar Mahadev Mandir, Varanasi
A pocket guide for pilgrims, photographers & curious travellers
Quick-look facts
| Deity | Lord Shiva (self-manifested lingam) |
| Unique legend | The lingam “grows” by a barley grain every Mahā Shivratri, a sign of Shiva’s eternal presence |
| Location | Ishwar Ganj, near Kamlakar Chaubey Adarsh Inter College, Kabir Nagar Chauraha, Kotwali, Varanasi 221001 |
| GPS / Plus Code | 25.3252135 N, 83.0084308 E / 82F5+JG6 |
| Temple hours | Daily 05 00 – 22 00 hrs (free entry) |
| Phone | +91 75055 55457 |
Why visit?
- Living myth in stone – locals swear the Shiv-lingam physically elongates each Mahā Shivratri, a phenomenon recorded in Kashi-Khaṇḍa lore and measured by priests.
- Siddh-peeth status – considered a wish-fulfilling shrine; three months of consecutive darshan is believed to remove obstacles.
- Off-beat Kashi – far quieter than Dashāśwamedh or Kashi Vishwanath yet only ~2 km north-west of Chowk, perfect for heritage walks.
History & mythology in a nutshell
Skanda-Purāṇa recounts sage Jāgeṣvya fasting until Shiva’s darshan. Pleased, the Lord manifested here, promising to reside eternally in a subterranean cave beneath the present lingam—hence the annual growth and the local belief that the cavern has “no end”. Attempts to excavate were abandoned after snakes and scorpions emerged, reinforcing its mystique.
What you’ll see
- Massive, oval lingam encased in a silver nāga railing. On festival days it disappears beneath marigold garlands.
- Steep stone staircase behind a pink-sandstone arch leading down to the subterranean garbhagriha.
- Ancillary shrines to Nandi, Ganesha, and Devi within a tight courtyard—ideal for a quick pradakṣiṇā.
- Continuous bell chorus during Shrāvaṇ Mondays—carry ear-plugs if you’re sensitive.
Rituals & festivals
| Festival | What happens |
|---|---|
| Mahā Shivratri | All-night abhishek; priests measure the lingam’s new height grain-by-grain. |
| Shrāvaṇ Mondays | Queues from 4 am; devotees bring Ganga water for jal-abhishek. |
| Panch-Kroshi Yatra | Pilgrims often add Jageshwar as an optional 6ᵗʰ stop on the 25 km circuit. |
Getting there
- By auto/e-rickshaw – Quote “Ishwargangi Jageshwar Mandir”; ride from Godowlia ₹40–50, from Varanasi Junction ₹70–80.
- On foot – From Chowk clock-tower, walk 10 min via Machhodari market; follow signage for Adarsh Inter College.
- Parking – None; nearest pay-parking at Kabir Chauraha (300 m).
Traveller tips
- Shoes come off at street level—bring a small carry bag.
- Photography inside the sanctum is not allowed; courtyard shots are fine.
- The staircase is steep and can be slippery after abhishek—mind your step.
- Combine with Mṛtyuñjaya Mahadev (800 m) and Tilbhandeshwar Mahadev (1.2 km) for a half-day “Hidden Shiva” walk.
FAQ
Is there an entry fee?
No. Darshan is free for all visitors.Best time to avoid crowds?
Weekdays between 10 am – 1 pm outside Shrāvaṇ and Shivratri.Why does the lingam grow?
Priests attribute it to divine will; geologists have never studied the stone owing to its sacred status.Dress code?
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees; men may go shirtless inside but it’s optional.
Internal SEO note: add a contextual link from the Getting There section to your “[Varanasi Airport Taxi Prices]({{ '/varanasi-airport-taxi-price' | url }})” guide to capture transactional intent and strengthen topical authority.