Legend - There are several legends popular about this temple. According to popular belief, the ‘shivalingam’ (शिवलिंग) of the temple is ‘swayambhu’(स्वयंभू – the self-existent / emerged by itself) and emerged in Tretayug (त्रेतायुग). As per another legend, it was established by Lord Ram while Ram, Laxman and Sita stayed under Akshayavat while moving for Chitrakoot. As per ancient scriptures, once Goddess Sita desired to pray Lord Shiva following her ritual bathing at the Sangam. But, there was no Lord Shiva temple nearby, hence for consort, Lord Ram established the ‘shivalingam’ at the site of temple to fulfill her wish. Thereafter, both of them worshipped Lord Shiva and performed Abhishek Pooja (अभिषेक पूजा). It is believed that the three and half feet Shivalingam is a lot deeper underground.
Why Is It Famous - Its antiquity and religious significance can be understood by the fact that it finds mention in Shiva Purana, Padma Purana, Skanda Purana and Prayag Mahatmya in the name of 'Kameshwar Tirtha' (कामेश्वर तीर्थ). The temple attracts devotees from all across India and finds place in Prayagraj travel itinerary. The temple is also known as ‘Pishach Mochan Tirtha (पिशाच मोचन तीर्थ). The word ‘Mankameshwar’ means the God of the wish fulfillment. The name itself suggests that the devotees visiting the temple and worshipping the god get their wishes fulfilled. Though divotees and pilgrims visit the temple throughout the year but on every Monday, Saturday, and Hindu festivals like Navratri, Mahashivaratri and Shrawan, the number of visitors swells exponentially. The devotees offer milk, water and flowers on the Shivlingam here. On every Saturday, Pradosh Pooja (प्रदोष पूजा) is carried out in the temple. Festivals of Navratri & Mahashivratri are celebrated with religious and utmost piousness in Mankameshwar Temple. Shravan (श्रावण) or Sawan (सावन) month has special significance for the devotees of Lord Shiva, therefore, the temple is crowded with devotees from the day till the night.
Architecture - Shivlingam is the main deity inside the temple. Apart from the Shivlingam, there are idols of Nandi (sitting bull – vehicle of Lord Shiva), Lord Ganesh and Lord Hanuman inside the temple. The temple complex also has a Banyan and Peepal trees. There is also Rin Mukteshwar (ऋण मुक्तेश्वर) ‘shivlingam’ in the temple. Rin Mukteshwar means 'the god that absolves of debts’. A large tree of ‘peepal’, close by, overshadows the dome / ‘shikhar’ of the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. The cemented base of the tree is studded with many big and small Trisuls (त्रिशूल - Trident) and few ‘shivlingam’. These ‘trishuls’ and ‘shivalingams’ have been offered by the devotees. The colorful stripes at dome create a very pleasant look. There is a separate place, covered by iron bars, for performing rituals and ‘hawan’ (हवन). There are two smaller shrines within the temple complex. One is dedicated to Rin Mukteshwar and another one to Lord Hanuman. The idol of Lord Hanuman is south facing. Rudrabhishek (रुद्राभिषेक), a ritual to please Lord Shiva, is performed in Mankameshwar Temple. During ‘rudrabhishek’, a continuous thin stream of milk is poured on the ‘shivalingam’ for about an hour. A flight of steps lead to Shankaracharya Ghat on the bank of River Yamuna. Adjacent to the stairs is a ‘goshala (गोशाला – cow shed).
During everyday aarti, the continuous blowing of the ‘shankh’ or the conch shell is seen.
The beating of drums and ringing of the temple bells produce melodious music which is very soothing to the ears.
This is accompanied by chanting and loud recitation of prayers and religious songs.
The temple is important because it is believed to relieve people of their debts as well as sins. Having been installed by Lord Ram,
it has immense religious sanctity. It is open on all days of the week. There is no entry fee for the devotees or any tourists to enter this temple.
ISKCON temple, old Naini bridge, Someshwar Mahadev Temple, Allahabad Fort, Bade Hanuman Ji Temple, Triveni Sangam,
Veni Madhav Temple
and Nag Vasuki Temple are some of the nearby attractions. Mankameshwar Temple is merely six kilometer away from Prayagraj railway station.
The devotees can easily book a cab, taxi, or auto, or just take a bus to reach this temple. It is a must-visit temple in the city for a lot of reasons.