Koneshwar Mahadev Temple in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

In the bustling city of Lucknow, nestled within the historic area of Chowk, stands the ancient Koneshwar Mahadev Temple, one of the city’s most revered temples. While most temples have the Shivling placed at the center of the sanctum, the Shivling here has always been located in the corner, giving the temple its unique name, Koneshwar Mahadev.

The origins of Koneshwar Mahadev Temple date back to the Ramayana era. According to legend, when Lord Ram commanded his brother Lakshman to take Goddess Sita to the forest, Lakshman made a stop at the ashram of sage Kondinya, located near the banks of the Gomti River, where the temple now stands. It is said that during his stay, Lakshman worshipped the Shivling established by Sage Kondinya to seek blessings and strength before continuing his journey.

One of the most fascinating stories associated with this temple is the tale of Lord Shiva’s refusal to move. When the temple was initially constructed, the Shivling was placed in a different location within the sanctum. However, much to the surprise of the devotees and temple authorities, the Shivling mysteriously returned to its original corner by the next morning. This occurred not once, but multiple times, as every attempt to relocate the idol was met with the same outcome.

After witnessing this miraculous event three or four times, the people finally understood that Lord Shiva wanted to remain in his original position. They accepted the divine will and built the temple around the corner where the Shivling had been established by the sage Kondinya. Since then, the temple has been known as Koneshwar Mahadev, with “Koneshwar” meaning “Lord of the Corner.”

By Air: The nearest airport is the Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow, about 20 kilometers away.

By Train: Lucknow is well-connected by rail. Visitors can alight at the Lucknow Railway Station and take a local taxi or auto-rickshaw to the temple.

By Road: Being in the central part of the city, Koneshwar Mahadev Temple is accessible by road from anywhere in Lucknow. Local buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws are readily available.