Veerabhadra Temple: Known as Shiva’s abode of destruction and peace, where Mahadev pacified the fierce form of Veerabhadra
Veerabhadra Temple: Rishikesh is a world-renowned pilgrimage city known for its adventure sports, yoga, temples, and beauty. People travel, visit temples, and engage in adventure sports here from all across the nation and outside. Every temple in this area has its own history and set of beliefs. The temple we will discuss is situated in the Veerabhadra neighborhood of Ambag IDPL Colony in Rishikesh. This shrine has a fascinating history of its own. This temple is known as the Veerbhadra Temple because it is said that Lord Shiva appeased Veerabhadra’s wrath there. Ever since then, Veerabhadra has been enthroned here as a Shivalinga.
According to Padmesh Thapiyal, the temple’s priest, it is around 1,300 years old and is held in great esteem by its followers. In Haridwar, all the gods and goddesses were invited to participate in a yagna, or sacrifice, in honor of Daksha Prajapati. However, Lord Shiva, his son-in-law, and his daughter Sati were not invited by King Daksha. Sati went to the yagna in spite of the Lord’s denial. Why invite her? Sati thought it was her home. All of the gods and goddesses were invited, and a yagna was in progress when Sati arrived. When she saw this, she asked King Daksha why she hadn’t received an invitation. When Sati heard King Daksha insult Lord Shiva repeatedly, she became so enraged that she set herself on fire in the havan kund (fire pit). Lord Shiva became enraged at hearing this and forcefully threw a strand of hair from his head onto the mountain. The terrifying Veerabhadra sprang from the front of that hair.
Lord Shiva took on the form of Veerabhadra
Daksha’s yagna was shattered by this Shiva manifestation, who also condemned him to death by beheading. His rage was still unrelenting even then. Anyone he came across along the road would have their necks cut by him. Lord Shiva calmed down and sat there in the shape of a Shivalinga after embracing Veerabhadra when he arrived at Rishikesh. Since then, this shrine has been referred to as Veerabhadra shrine and the surrounding region as Veerabhadra Kshetra.
On Shivratri, there is a fair
Shivratri seems like a holiday, according to Padmaesh Thapiyal, the temple’s priest, even though people attend the shrine every day. During Shivratri, there is a vigil and special prayers. It also hosts a fair. He goes on to say that this old temple is really a Siddha Peetha, where sincere requests are granted.