Achleshwar Mahadev: Mahadev's thumb is worshiped in this temple, know the legend behind it

Achleshwar Mahadev Temple: There are crores of devotees of Lord Shiva in the country and abroad. You must have also seen that people worship Shivling and the idol of Bholenath. But have you ever seen someone worshiping Lord Shiva's thumb?

Yes, there is such a unique temple in India, where Lord Shiva's thumb is worshipped. The name of this temple is Achleshwar Mahadev Temple.

Where is Achleshwar Mahadev Temple?

The Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple is located near the Achalgarh Fort on the hills of Achalgarh, about 11 km from Mount Abu in Rajasthan. It is believed that the mountains here are stable only because of the thumb of Lord Shiva. Had it not been for the thumb of Lord Shiva, this mountain would have been destroyed. Let me tell you, Mount Abu is also known as Ardh Kashi in Puranas.

Mythology related to the temple

In the sanctum sanctorum inside the temple, the Shivling appears as Patal Khand. It has toe print embossed on one side. It is considered to be the right thumb of Shiva. It is said that this thumb is holding the mountain of Mount Abu. People believe that the day the mark is removed, the mountains of Mount Abu will end.

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According to mythology, when Lord Shiva was doing penance on the Himalayas, Nandivardhan situated on the mountain started shaking. In such a situation, the penance of Lord Shiva was dissolved. During that time Nandi was also on this mountain. In such a situation, Lord Shiva extended his thumb beyond the Himalayas to save Nandi and made the mountain stable. Since then it is believed that Lord Shiva lifted this mountain with his thumb.

Let me tell you, as soon as you enter this temple, the statue of Nandi made of five metals is also visible. It is said that the weight of this idol is four tonnes.