Dudhareshwar Mahadev Temple (70/84) Kartik Chowk, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

Durdarshwar form of Shiva is worshipped in Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the 84 forms of Shiva worshipped in Ujjain. Durdhareshwar Mahadev is mentioned in the Skanda Purana. This form is worshipped for attaining desire fulfillment.

The story of Durdhareshwar Mahadev is associated with a king of Nepal. The temple dedicated to Durdareshwar Mahadev is located on the Gandhavati ghat on the banks of Shipra River. Durdhareshwar Mahadev is counted among the 84 Shiva Temples in Ujjain and it is the 70th temple visited during the parikarama of Shiavalayas here.

There once lived a king in Nepal named Durdhar. Once during a hunting expedition he met a beautiful girl. They fell in love. The girl was the daughter of Kalp Muni. The king asked for the girl’s hand in marriage and the saint agreed. After the marriage, the king stayed in ashram of Kalp Muni.

After few days, a demon appeared in the forest and he kidnapped the girl. The king was saddened by the loss and his grief was uncontrollable.

For getting back his wife, Kalp Muni asked the king to go to Avantikapuri (Ujjain) and offer prayers to the Shivling west of Brahmeshwar.

The king immediately left for Avantikapuri and offered prayers to the Shivling as instructed told by the muni. Immediately on completing his prayers, the king got back his wife. He then left for Nepal with his wife.

As the Shivling fulfilled the desire of King Durdhar, it came to be known as Durdhareshwar Mahadev.