In the town of Bissau located within the Jhunjhunu district, a distinctive fusion of unwavering faith and daily commerce forms an integral part of local life. Numerous local merchants make it a point to visit the Budiya Mahadev Temple before opening their commercial establishments and shops for the day. They step into the sacred premises to seek blessings from Lord Shiva before commencing any professional activities. Situated right in the middle of the town, this magnificent temple stands as a major center of profound devotion and is widely believed by locals to predate the establishment of Bissau itself.
Unique Architecture and Underground Sanctum Design
The most striking architectural feature of this temple lies in its uncommon structural layout. To catch a glimpse of Lord Shiva inside, devotees must first ascend five steps right before reaching the main entrance. Following this, upon entering the inner sanctum, visitors have to descend ten steps down to reach the sacred Shivalinga positioned deep underground. This specific construction situated well below the ground level gives the shrine a completely distinct identity that sets it apart from all other temples across the region.
Origin as a South-Facing Shrine Amidst a Water Body
According to the book ‘Bisaou Digdarshan’ authored by well-known litterateur Dr. Udayveer Sharma and educator Amolak Chand Jangid, precise written records detailing the exact initial construction period of the temple are unavailable. Approximately three centuries ago, when Bissau was known by the name of ‘Vishale ki Dhani’, a massive water body or johad existed at this exact location. Right in the center of that vast water body, a small south-facing shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva was originally situated. Regular worship and rituals were conducted here under the patronage of the erstwhile royal estate during that era. Later on, the royal estate itself renovated this modest shrine to construct the present magnificent temple structure while positioning its main entrance toward the north.
Special Shravan Rituals and Devotee Gatherings
Over the course of time, the temple premises underwent continuous expansion and aesthetic improvements. In the year 1982, Motilal Mishra constructed a large courtyard in front of the temple in memory of Pandit Netram Mishra. Subsequently, in 2019, Ginnidevi Mishra undertook a grand renovation of the shrine to honor the memory of Sitaram Mishra. According to Pandit Sunil Shastri, devotional musical evenings are organized at the temple on every single Monday throughout the year. During the holy month of Shravan, the Shivamahimna Stotram is recited every night for forty-five minutes, while special four-watch worship and Rudrabhishek are performed on Maha Shivaratri. A massive surge of kanwariyas carrying holy water gathered from Haridwar, Gangotri, and Lohargal floods the temple during Shravan to offer prayers.
