Deep in Varanasi’s sacred labyrinth lies Kritivaseshwar Mahadev, a Shiva shrine of extraordinary might, currently weathering the outdoors due to unresolved disputes. Behind Alamgir Mosque, it awaits full restoration, offering darshan to only the most steadfast amid its storied backdrop.
From Skanda Purana springs the captivating myth. Elephant-demon GajAsur, blessed excessively by Brahma, sowed terror in all lokas, tormenting Kashi’s pious. Shiva manifested, slaying him in epic confrontation via trident. Granting the asura’s plea, Shiva cloaked himself in its skin, eternalizing as Kritivaseshwar.
Hailed among Kashi’s top 14 powerful lingams—Shiva’s head incarnate—it shone brightly until invasions wrought destruction. Devotees countered with a renewed idol, keeping the flame alive.
Court cases stall progress, complicating rituals and pilgrimages. Yet, on Mahashivratri and Sawan, resplendent decorations draw whispers of the divine, with rare visitors reporting life-altering encounters.
Kritivaseshwar’s narrative fuses antiquity, battle, and benevolence, underscoring Shiva’s multifaceted nature. As Mahashivratri dawns, it invites reflection: in contested spaces, true power resides, rewarding those who seek beyond surfaces in the city of light.