E-Paper
Miracle? Someshwar temple ?trishul? shifts direction
Arail area across Sangam is dotted with temples. The sparsely populated suburb boasts of Someshwar Nath temple which finds its link with the mythical tales narrated in Hindu scriptures.
Arail area across Sangam is dotted with temples. The sparsely populated suburb boasts of Someshwar Nath temple which finds its link with the mythical tales narrated in Hindu scriptures.
A narrow road along the river bank leads to this temple which is considered to be one of the significant religious spots of the holy city.
According to the mythical tales this temple was built by Chandradev. There is a 'shiv linga' at the right of the main entrance. Besides, there are also several other deities placed here.
There is a 'trishul' installed at the shikhar which could be the topic of research for many scientists as it moves and changes its direction after every fifteen days. According to Dr Pradeep Kesarwani, guest lecturer in Department of Ancient History, Culture and Archaeology, Allahabad University, the 'trishul' rotates according to the position of the moon. "If it is in the east-west direction on Amavasya day then it will move to north-south direction on full moon day. It is miraculous and I have observed this change for the past 8 years," he said.
Dr Keserwani has also read his research paper at Hamidia Girl's Degree College concerning the topic on historical and cultural significance of Alarthpuri or Arail as it is known now.
"There is also a six-sided pillar in the temple and the inscription on it reveals that the temple was renovated in 10th century AD. The leprosy mission hospital situated in close proximity to the temple has some connection with the mythological facts linked with the temple. It is believed that Chandradev had installed the linga to appease Lord Shiva so that he could be free of the curse of leprosy bestowed on him by Daksh Prajapati. And it is said that the patients of leprosy approach the temple with the hope to be cured which has often been observed," said Dr Kesarwani.
According to Dr Kesarwani, Emperor Aurangzeb had given financial aid to this temple besides the ownership of around 300 bigha of land to the priest. "The ownership document was there with the priest. Once the authenticity of the paper was challenged for which Vishambhar Nath Pandey, the then mayor of Allahabad, asked the five-member committee of judges to investigate the matter. It was found that the document was original. However it was stolen afterwards," said Dr Kesarwani.
At present the temple is looked after by priest Rajendra Kumar. He related the story associated with the temple according to which Chandradev who was married to 27 daughters of Daksh Prajapati started showing his affection to Rohini and neglected the other 26 wives after a few days. When Daksh came to know about it, he cursed Chandradev of falling prey to leprosy and lose his eternal sheen.
"The other deities were very worried as Chandradev found special place among them. Thus they went to Vishnu to seek a solution who again sent them to Brahma and he asked Chandradev to install a linga in Prayag and chant Mahamritunjay mantra to appease Lord Shiva. Chandradev did the same. Lord Shiva appeared before him and said that the curse could be evaded partially.
There is a belief that bathing in nearby Chandrakul ghat for 90 days cures the disease, he added.
"The significance of this temple needs to be highlighted globally, both from religious as well as heritage point of view," said Dr Kesarwani.
The temple was renovated recently. Former UP Assembly Speaker and MLA of the area Kesari Nath Tripathi had also given aid for its beautification in the year 2003. The devotees too keep contributing for its upkeep from time to time.
