Famous Temples in India

Religious Significance

Legend : It is constructed that Mangal Dev was born to Parvati in the form of Bhumi (Earth) and Lord Shiva in the land of Ujjain. The legend has it that Andhakasura, a demon performed penance to please Lord Shiva to grant him a unique boon where he sought that every drop of his blood falling off his body should transform into a new replica of him or demon. Pleased with Andhakasura's penance, Lord Shiva appeared and granted him the wish. After that the demon became fearless and started running havoc. When on the battleground, every drop of Andhakasura's blood would transform into a new replica of himself thus increasing his army manifold. Worried that Shiva's wish had made Andhakasura indestructible, the devtas and the others pleaded Lord Shiva for help. Lord Shiva fought a very tough battle with the demon but was unable to destroy him. When Lord Shiva got tired of fighting Andhakasura huge army, he started sweating. The droplets of sweat falling off his forehead cut open the bhumi (earth) from where Mangal Dev emerged. Mangal with his divine powers absorbed every drop of blood that fell from the asura's body putting an end to the proliferation of demons. At last, Andhakasura was killed at the hands of Lord Shiva. This is how Bhauma came into being and acquired the red complexion.

Why here : It was mentioned in Matsya Purana that Lord Siva had a fierce battle with the demon Andhakasura at this place. During the battle, a drop of sweat from Lord Siva’s forehead landed on the ground and created the Siva Linga. As per Puranas Mangal was the Son of the Earth and took birth from here.