Shri Markandeshwar Mahadev Dham situated on the Varanasi Ghazipur road is one of the major religious places of Purvanchal. This is not only the center of faith but now it is being rejuvenated in terms of tourism as well so that people can come from far and wide to see it.
Shree Markandeshwar Mahadev Dham situated at the holy confluence of Patitpavani Maa Ganga and Adi Ganga Gomti in Kaithi village bordering Ghazipur on the eastern end of Varanasi district is one of the main temples of Purvanchal. This abode has also been discussed in Shri Markandeya Purana, equivalent to the twelve Jyotirlingas. People believe that by paying obeisance here every desired wish of the devotees is fulfilled.
Importance of Shri Markandeya Mahadev Dham
According to Puranas, sage Mrikandu got a son named Markandeya from the penance of Lord Shiva. He also came to know that his son Markandeya is young. He was constantly worried about this. Seeing his father worried, Markandeya decided to do penance and started doing penance by establishing a Parthiv Linga at the confluence bank of Ganga-Gomti. As soon as the age of 12 was completed, the messengers of Yamraj came to take Markandeya with them, but could not take them due to the anger of Lord Shiva.
Lord Shiva blessed Markandeya ji with immortality and said that your abode will be at this place, due to which your place will be higher than mine. Devotees will worship you before me. Even today in the Markandeya Mahadev Dham, the worship of Markandeya Rishi sitting on the ledge in the sanctum sanctorum is done first, then Lord Shiva is worshipped.
Facilities being developed in Dham
Many plans were made for the development of this Dham by the Culture Department of the Central Government and the Tourism Department of the state and they were also completed. Due to this, a large number of devotees and tourists coming here are getting facilities. Construction of a shed, construction of Sangam Ghat, construction of Kuti Ghat in Ram Janki temple complex, construction of Swarna Shikhar, Ganga Jetty, Jalaj Safari, electric bus service, three grand gates, etc. has been done from Dham Chauraha to temple premises. Now the guest house, multi-level parking, and the four-lane road are to be constructed.
special attractions for tourists
With the development of tourism facilities, the number of people enjoying boating, swimming, etc. at Sangam Ghat, Markandeya Mahadev Ghat is increasing day by day. Tourists enjoy the waves of the Ganges by boat from Kaithi Ganga Ghat to Sangam Ghat, watching the Gangetic dolphins splashing in the water while feeding the migratory birds. Many people come here with family to have a picnic along with seeing Mahadev. Children from different schools also come here for educational tours, which also allows them to understand the water ecology.
Emphasis on tourism in Purvanchal
Markandeya Dham is at a distance of 28 kilometers from Varanasi district headquarters.
Grand development of Markandeya Mahadev Dham is being done for 90 crores
Sangam Ghat has been constructed with Rs 11 crore
Pathway has been built with Rs 11 crore
The spire of the temple has been made gold plated with Rs 37 lakh
