Tilbhandeshwar (also known as Vibhandeshwar) Mahadev temple is a Shaivite temple built in the 18th century. The temple is situated in Pandey Haveli, Bhelupur, near Bengali Tola Inter College. Originally, it was named ‘Surabhandeshwar’. According to Hindu mythology, there was a field of til(sesame) plant in this location. One day, a Shivlinga appeared from the heap of til, and thereafter, the local started worshipping it.
The Shivlinga present inside the temple’s sanctum is claimed to be a Swayambhu Shivlinga (emerged by itself) 2,500 years ago. However, there’s a discrepancy between Kashi Khand and Kedar Khand on whether it is a Swayambhu or not. It is noticed that the Linga expands by the size of a ’til’ every year. Currently, the height of the visible part of the linga is 3.5 feet and the diameter of its base is roughly 3 feet. It is also said that Mata Sharda had spent some of her days in this temple.
You will notice a special intermixing of Banarasi and Malyali culture here. It was worshipped by Vibhandak Rishi, whose timeline dates back to the pre-Ramayan era. People often call Tilbhandeshwar shivling as Vibhandeshwar. But actually, Vibhandeshwar Shivlinga is located a floor below it. Some mentioned that Vibhandak Rishi was from the south, hence the southern influence on the temple. It also resides the idol of Ayyapan, which is probably the only temple in Varanasi dedicated to Lord Ayyapan. Ayyappan is a Hindu god of self-control, popular in the southern part of India.
Mahashivratri Parva is organized here every year on Shivratri along with a fair, for a period of 15 days. This temple is very significant during Mahashivratri as the morning procession of Shiv barat initiates from here. The temple opens at 4.30 am in the morning and closes at 9 pm at night.
How to Reach Tilbhandeshwar Temple :
Tilbhandeshwar Temple is located approx. 5 km away from the Varanasi Cantt Railway Station. You can reach the temple by taxi, auto, or rickshaw from any part of Varanasi city.
Nearby places:
Shav Shiva Kali Temple
Old Durga Baadi
Jangamwadi Math
