Geparnath Mahadev Temple
History
Constructed in the 16th century, this temple is attributed to the wife of King Bhoj. It is nestled 400 feet deep in the hills, and one has to climb down around 350 steps to reach the temple.
Architectural Features
The temple is located on the banks of the Chambal river. A stream of water continuously falls on the Shiva lingam. Near this, there is a reservoir made in a natural form in which the devotees bathe.
Cultural Significance
The temple is known for its annual Maha Shivaratri fair, which attracts thousands of visitors.
Conservation
Since 1961, the Archaeological Survey of India has protected this temple, preserving its historical and cultural heritage.
Tourism
The temple's natural beauty and spiritual significance make it a potential site for tourism development. Locals suggest that its infrastructure should be enhanced to promote local tourism.
Incidents
In 2008, the temple's steps collapsed, trapping 135 visitors with one fatality. National attention was brought to the temple's condition and accessibility.
In 2022, two students drowned in the temple's reservoir. One student was from Bihar and the other was from Madhya Pradesh.
See also
References
- ^ Bharat, E. T. V. (2020-02-20). "महाशिवरात्रि विशेष: कोटा का गेपरनाथ महादेव मंदिर जहां प्रकृति खुद करती है भोलेनाथ का जलाभिषेक". ETV Bharat News (in Hindi). Retrieved 2024-05-30.
- ^ "Savan 2020 : जानिए कोटा के अद्भुत शिव मंदिरों की महिमा जिसे जानकर आप भी इसे कहेंगे शिवनगरी…देखिए तस्वीरें". Patrika News (in Hindi). 2020-07-10. Retrieved 2024-05-30.
- ^ "सावन में करिए श्री गेपरनाथ महादेव के दर्शन, पूरी होगी हर मनोकामना". News18 हिंदी (in Hindi). Retrieved 2024-05-30.
- ^ "गेपरनाथ में 135 लोग फंसे, एक की मौत". One India.
- ^ "Rajasthan: कोटा के गेपरनाथ महादेव कुंड में दो छात्र डूबे, एक मृतक बिहार और दूसरा मध्यप्रदेश का रहने वाला". Amar Ujala (in Hindi). Retrieved 2024-05-30.