Kandakoteshwar/Kandakot Shiv Temple, Kanva Mahamuni Taposthali Sonbhadra
Situated at the top of the Kaimur range, eight km away from the district headquarters in Sonbhadra, is the shrine of sage Kanva, which is known as Kandakot.
Here is the ashram of Vedic sage Kanva. This has been mentioned by Kalidasa in his Abhijnanashakuntalam. Even in the Hindu religion encyclopedia, there is information about Vedic sage Kanva having an ashram in Sonbhadra. The name Kandakot came into existence in his name only.
Firstly the view from the top is something that you can’t imagine and there is a story how this temple stone was established. It has a history of 200+ years. The story here is like this that Rishimuni who was living in Baraka, God Bhole Nath appeared to him or said that it is not safe for him to stay here, come with me and take himself to the mountain of Kandakot where the Goddess or Shiva Linga is found. A stone idol was found and a Shiv temple was built after consecrating it. And on growing old, Rishimuni took samadhi by burning it there…which you can see. Neem tree is coming out of the body. Or the priest there is a Pandit from the 5th generation of the same Rishimuni.
There is another story which says that there are also footprints of Veer Lorik.
There is another story which says that there are also footprints of Veer Lorik.
This place is known as the Taposthali of Lord Muni Kanvarishi ji and this place is really very beautiful, serene and charming.
