# Mahabharata Era Vankhandi Nath Temple Sees Huge Rush Of Devotees In Bareilly During Sawan Month

> A huge surge of devotees and Kanwariyas is being witnessed at the ancient Shri Baba Vankhandi Nath Mahadev Temple in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, during the holy month of Sawan. The shrine holds historical ties dating back to the Mahabharata era.

**Type:** article · **Category:** Religion · **Published:** 2026-07-31 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/religion/mahabharata-kalina-astha-ka-kendra-bana-bareilly-ka-vankhandi-nath-mndira-savana-men-jalabhisheka-ke-lie-pahuncha-rahe-shraddhalu-12537 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** Bareilly, Vankhandi Nath Temple, Shiva Temple, Sawan Month, Mahabharata Era, Jalabhisheka, Nath Nagari, Uttar Pradesh

With the onset of the holy month of Sawan, a massive surge of devotees is being witnessed at Shiva temples across Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh. Prominently located in the Yogi Nawada area, the Shri Baba Vankhandi Nath Mahadev Temple is drawing thousands of pilgrims and Kanwariyas seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva. Recognized for its deep spiritual heritage, the shrine holds religious traditions that trace back to the era of the Mahabharata.

## Historical Roots and Mahabharata Connection
Senior historian Dr. Rajesh Kumar Sharma notes that while Bareilly earned its identity as Nath Nagari after the arrival of Baba Alakhnath around one thousand years ago, the history of Vankhandi Nath Mahadev Temple is even more ancient. Local religious beliefs hold that the sacred Shivling at this temple is self-manifested (Swayambhu). According to ancient lore, Mata Draupadi, the daughter of Panchal King Drupad, used to visit this spot personally to perform Shiva worship and offer holy water. Furthermore, it is believed that the Pandavas also worshipped Lord Shiva at this location during their period of exile in disguise (Agyatvas).

## Grand Traditions During the Holy Month of Sawan
The aura and spiritual significance of this ancient temple multiply significantly during the month of Shravan. Kanwariyas carrying holy Ganga water along with other devotees gather to perform Jalabhisheka and seek divine grace. Devotees firmly believe that sincere prayers offered at this shrine fulfill all wishes. Temple Acharya Shyam Mohan Shastri mentions that the tradition of grand Abhishek at this ancient Siddha Peeth has continued since time immemorial. He explains that Lord Shiva symbolizes universal well-being, and offering water and milk during Sawan yields immense spiritual merit.

## Divine Marvel of the Self-Manifested Shivling
A unique aspect of this temple reported by local devotees is that the Swayambhu Shivling appears to alter its form at different times of the day, which worshippers perceive as a divine manifestation of Lord Shiva. Devotee Rajesh Pandey, who has been visiting the temple for nearly five decades, shares that he has witnessed numerous people having their prayers answered here over the years. Another pilgrim visiting from Chandpur expressed that multiple generations of his family have maintained faith in this shrine, always experiencing profound inner peace upon visiting.

## What this means for you
- **Across India:** During the holy month of Sawan, visiting ancient Shiva temples associated with Mahabharata history holds heightened spiritual importance for pilgrims nationwide.
- **In Bareilly:** Local residents and visiting devotees benefit from organized arrangements for Jalabhisheka and peaceful prayers at the Yogi Nawada temple.

## Questions & Answers

### 1. Where is Shri Baba Vankhandi Nath Mahadev Temple located?
This ancient Shiva temple is located in the Yogi Nawada area of Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh.

### 2. How old is the history of the Vankhandi Nath Temple?
The temple's self-manifested Shivling is believed to date back to the Mahabharata period, predating the arrival of Baba Alakhnath about 1,000 years ago.

### 3. Which historical figures are associated with worshipping at this temple?
According to local traditions, Mata Draupadi, daughter of Panchal King Drupad, and the Pandavas during their period of exile worshipped Lord Shiva here.

### 4. What unique manifestation is associated with the temple's Shivling?
Local devotees report that the self-manifested Shivling appears to alter its appearance at different times throughout the day.

### 5. What religious rituals take place at the temple during Sawan?
During the holy month of Shravan, Kanwariyas and pilgrims perform Jalabhisheka and offering of milk with holy Ganga water to seek Lord Shiva's blessings.

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