Situated in the heart of Safdarjung
Development
Area, New Delhi,
The Kailashpati Mandir carries with it a rich history that traces its roots back to a
time as early as
the
13th century. Originally known as Kiragrama, this region was, at its inception, a vital frontier post in
Northern India. The very name 'Kiragrama' suggests its origins in the settlement of Kiras, a
warrior-like
tribe hailing from the region of Kashmir.
In the annals of mythology, this sacred land
holds a story as old
as time itself. It is believed that
during the Treta Yuga, the demon king Ravana, known for his immense power and devotion, sought to
propitiate Lord Shiva by performing intense penance at the sacred abode of Kailash. However, when his
prayers seemingly went unanswered, Ravana, in his relentless pursuit of divine favor, journeyed to
Kurah,
believed to be the sacred Manimahesh Lake in Chamba District.
Legend has it that at Manimahesh, Ravana, in
a
desperate attempt
to gain divine power, began the act of
sacrificing his ten heads, believing this would lead him to immortality and invincibility. The Devas,
the
celestial beings, understanding the grave consequences of Ravana's actions, fervently prayed to Lord
Shiva
to intervene and put a halt to the unfolding events.
Answering the pleas of the Devas, Lord Shiva,
in
a benevolent
gesture, not only stopped Ravana from
sacrificing his heads but also miraculously restored his ten heads. In this sacred moment, Lord Shiva
came
to be revered as 'Shri Vaidyanath,' the Supreme Physician and Healer.
As a token of gratitude, Ravana asked for a
divine boon from Lord
Shiva, seeking unparalleled power and
the permission to carry a sacred Lingam, a representation of Lord Shiva, and consecrate it in his
homeland, Lanka. Lord Shiva granted this wish but with a unique condition — Ravana must not set the
Lingam
down on his journey back.
In accordance with Lord Shiva's divine
command,
Ravana embarked on
his journey, carrying the sacred
Lingam. Lord Shiva manifested himself in the form of a Lingam, split into two parts. Placing these two
parts in a humble carry basket, Ravana began his journey towards Lanka, traversing southward.
This sacred act of devotion by Ravana, his
unwavering faith, and
Lord Shiva's benevolence laid the
foundation for the veneration of the Kailashpati Mandir. The temple stands today as a living testament
to
this age-old legend, where devotees from far and wide come to pay homage to Lord Shiva, 'Shri
Vaidyanath,'
and to connect with the divine essence that transcends time and space.
Join us at Kailashpati Mandir,
Safdarjung, as we continue
to cherish this profound
legacy and create new spiritual stories that resonate with the timeless traditions of Indian
spirituality.