Aapeshwar Mahadev temple
Aapeshwar Mahadev Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva in town of Ramseen, Jalore District, Rajasthan, India. It houses a life-sized Swayambhu murti of Shiva, discovered during tilling in Vikram Samvat 1318, when a ploughshare halted and an Akashvani directed locals to excavate the site.
History
Local tradition relates that in Vikram Samvat 1318 a farmer’s ploughshare suddenly stopped at this site. Upon digging, villagers unearthed a natural, life-sized murti of Shiva; an Akashvani was heard instructing its consecration as Aapeshwar. According to legend, the village’s name derives from Lord Rama’s exile sojourn here, originally called Ramasayana.Location
The temple is situated at 25°00′18″ N 72°32′50″ E, on the eastern bank of the outflow channel from Vitan Dam toward Sikwara, amid low hills and riparian vegetation.Architecture and features
The sanctum enshrines the uncarved, life-sized murti of Shiva set directly on bedrock with minimal intervention. Outside the shrine is a stepped kund, whose water devotees compare to that of Dwarka.Festivals and rituals
- Aapeshwar Mahadev Mela: A seven-day fair beginning on Mahashivaratri, featuring devotional singing and folk performances, first reported on 4 March 2019.
- Rudrābhishek: Annual ritual bathing of the murti, marking its approx. 687-year heritage.
- Mahashivaratri and Shravan Mondays: Devotees observe fasts, offer milk and Bel leaves, and participate in night-long vigils and aratis.