Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple
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The ancient Sthanesvara Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva or Mahadev, lies in Thanesar. It was here that the Pandavas prayed to Lord Shiva and received his blessings for victory in the battle of Mahabharata. The ninth Guru, Shri Tegh Bahadur stayed at a spot near the Sthaneshwar Tirtha that is marked by a gurdwara just besides this temple.
[edit] Legend
Legend has it that the waters of the tank adjoining the temple are holy. A few drops of water cured the King Ban of leprosy. And, no pilgrimage of Kurukshetra is believed to be entirely complete without a visit to this holy Temple. The tank and temple lie a short distance from Thanesar town, which gets its name from this temple. The temple of Sthaneswar is the abode of Lord Shiva say the devote. It once formed an important part of the kingdom of the King Harshavardhana of the Pushyabhuti dynasty. It is also believed that Lord Shiva was first worshipped here in the form of a linga. The ancestor of the Mahabharata heroes, Kuru, performed penance on the banks of the Yamuna and Parshuram, the great warrior and sage killed many Kshatriyas (warriors) here.
[edit] About the Deity
The temple of Sthaneshwar is the abode of Lord Shiva. It once formed an important part of the Kingdom of King Harsha Vardhan of the Pushyabhuti dynasty. The temple with a domical roof follows regional type of architecture. The facade of the roof is shaped like an 'amla' shape along with a tall pinnacle. The 'Linga' is ancient and worshipped still by the people.
