Asta Vakra Mahadev Temple Dhikwal Gaon, Uttarakhand

Srinagar is a city situated on the banks of Alaknanda River in Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand state of India. Where there are many ancient temples of mythological importance which devotees come from all over the country to visit. And today we are going to take you to the “Ashtavakra Mahadev Temple” located here. Which is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and whose description is also found in Kedarkhand.

There is a story behind how this temple got the name Ashtavakra. In ancient times, there was a sage named Ashtavakra whose body was curved at eight places since birth due to the curse of his own father. Once sage Ashtavakra had performed penance for Mahadev at this place. The penance was so harsh that birds and insects made homes on the sage’s body and even termites started infesting his body. Seeing this rigorous practice of sage Ashtavakra, Mahadev was pleased and he appeared to the sage in person. Due to it being the place of worship of Rishi Ashtavakra, this temple located at this place was named Ashtavakra Mahadev Temple.