Gola Gokaran Nath Temple: This Shiva temple of Uttar Pradesh is famous as Chhoti Kashi, where a huge crowd of devotees gathers in the month of Sawan

Gola Gokaran Nath Temple: “Chhoti Kashi” is another name for the pilgrimage destination Gola Gokarnath Temple, which is located in the Lakhimpur Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh state, India. The primary place of worship for Shiva worshipers is this temple. Lord Shiva Shankar is visited by millions of worshipers at this sacred shrine. Particularly during the month of Sawan, when Kanwariyas first bathe in the Tirtha Sarovar to cleanse themselves before entering the shrine, the significance of Gokarnath Dham grows. Approximately 10 to 15 lakh pilgrims are said to visit Gokarnath Dham during the month of Sawan, and the pilgrimage to Gola Gokarnath Temple lasts for 30 days every year throughout the full Shravan month in July and August.

When Shiva consumed poison

Lord Shiva was given the name Neelkanth because he consumed Halahal and retained the poison in his throat. Lord Shiva wore the half-moon on his brow to lessen the poison’s effects. Following this, Lord Shiva began to receive offerings of Ganga water from all the gods in order to lessen the poison’s impact. Shiva devotees have been offering Ganga water to Har-Har Mahadev in the month of Sawan ever since this incident occurred during the month of Shravan.

The legend that underlies this

In order to win the Ram-Ravana conflict during the Treta Yuga, Ravana appeased Lord Shiva by doing penance. Shiva, pleased by Ravana’s penance, assumed the shape of a Shivling and gave Ravana the order to set it up in Lanka.

Lord Shiva established a need

However, in the meanwhile, Lord Shiva had Ravana agree that the Shivling could not be held down in the center of the path. He concurred. However, while traveling, Ravana had to urinate, so he gave the Shivling to a shepherd. When Lord Shankar himself appeared as a shepherd, it is stated that Lord Shiva gained weight, forcing the shepherd to restrain the Shivling.

Infuriated, Ravana placed his thumb on the Shivling

When Ravana realized Lord Shiva’s ruse, he got furious because he realized that Shiva didn’t want to travel to Lanka in order to cause me to lose the fight and Ram to win. Ravana pushed the Shivling with his thumb out of rage, leaving a cow’s ear-like imprint on the Shivling. The shepherd died after falling into a well while attempting to save his life as Ravana pursued him to murder him. This location is still well-known as Bhootnath, and an annual fair is conducted here.