The Evergrowing Shivling
Tilbhandeshwar (also known as Vibhandeshwar) Mahadev temple is a Shaivite temple built in the 18th century. 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.
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.
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.