Kardameshwar Mahadev Temple – The oldest surviving temple of Kashi

Kashi is believed to be one of the most religiously rich cities in the world.  Almost all the religion and sects have been practiced here in various form but the people of Varanasi hold a very special place for Lord Shiva. His existence is present in every tiny particle of this holy land and that’s why you can find various Shiva temples here.

Located at the South end of the city, near Kandwa pokhra, there is this very ancient Shiva Temple known as Kardmeshwar Mahadev Mandir. According to the practice of ‘Panchkrosi Yatra’, this is the first night halt for the devotees and pilgrims during their ‘salvation walk’ of almost 80 Km around Varanasi. Its mentions could be found in Kashi Khand and other ancient books of India.

This present temple structure was built in the 12^th century by the Garhwal Rulers in Nagar style of architecture which has idols of many deities such as Adhnareshwar, Brahma, Vishnu, Uma Maheswar, Balram-Revati  and Nagas too. Adjacent Kund (Pond) was built by Rani Bhawani Queen of Bengal in 18^th Century CE.

Invaders attacked again and again to loot and eradicate these holy places of Varanasi and kill the eternal soul of it, but this unique temple of Lord Shiva could not be destroyed.