Ritika
Khereshwar Dham Temple Aligarh
– Photo: Amar Ujala
Expansion
The Khereshwar Dham temple built near Khereshwar crossroad on Khair bypass, about 13 kilometers away from Aligarh district headquarters, becomes the center of immense devotion and devotion of devotees on Mahashivratri festival. Devotees coming here not only from nearby places but also from far-flung places, pay obeisance in Baba’s court and worship by offering Gangajal and milk.
Lord Krishna’s feet were lying
The history of Aligarh, known as the Dehri of Braj, is also associated with mythology and stories. The feet of Lord Shri Krishna have actually fallen on the soil of Aligarh. Siddhapeeth Khereshwar Dham situated in Lodha area Lord Shri Krishna had come with his elder brother Balram. Along with the Pandavas, he also performed Havan at the Shiva temple located at Khereshwar Dham, hence Khereshwar Dham is recognized in western Uttar Pradesh and here devotees from many provinces visit the form of Lord Bholenath and Shri Banke Bihari ji and take their blessings. Khereshwar Dham is also known as the work place of Swami Haridas ji.
Shivling is in deep water body
Here the Shivling is sitting in a deep pond. It is said that in Dwapar Yuga, Lord Shri Krishna was going to bathe in the Ganges with his elder brother Balram. On the way, Khereshwardham was in the form of a mound at that time, here both the brothers rested for some time and worshiped Lord Bholenath Shivling. In this area, Balarama killed the demon Kolasur with his plough. Taking that plow ahead, he washed that plow in a pond in Harduaganj. Due to this the name of Harduaganj got changed to Hal Dua. After washing the plow here, both the brothers then went to the Ganges and took a bath.
Lord Shri Krishna stayed at Khereshwar Dham, so slowly on the mythological belief of Khereshwar Dham and devotees started coming there. It is also said that Lord Shri Krishna came with the Pandavas and worshiped the Shivling and performed Havan, that’s why this temple became famous as Siddha Peeth. Today, devotees from all over the district as well as from places like Delhi, Ghaziabad, Noida etc. come here to visit Lord Bholenath. A huge fair is also held in the temple on every Monday.
There is also association with Swami Haridas
Swami Haridas ji was a great musician and his disciple Tansen was one of the Navaratnas in Akbar’s court. Khereshwar Dham is associated with the famous musician Swami Haridas. Swami Haridas ji had spent some time after coming to Haridaspur village very close by, hence the form like the image of Shri Banke Bihari ji is also established here. The tomb of Swami Haridasji’s wife is also built here.
Flood of faith of Shiva devotees rises
On the occasion of Mahashivratri, there is a flood of faith in the Khereshwar Dham temple. Lord Bholenath is seated here in the form of Shivling and is famous as Siddhapeeth. That’s why thousands of devotees come to offer water to the Shivling. The whole temple resounds with the shouts of Har-Har-Bam-Bam.
