Shri Vankhandeshwar Mahadev Datia, Madhya Pradesh

Shakti Sthal situated in Datia is also considered to be the penance place of Ashwatthama, one of the Sapta Chiranjivis along with Shri Pitambara Peeth Pujyapad Swami. According to folklore and legends, the Vankhandeshwar Mahadev present here is from the Mahabharata period. This is the reason why Pujyapad Swami made this place the center of his meditation. Due to the existence of this Shivalinga in the forest during the princely period, it is called Vankhandeshwar Mahadev. Mahadev is present here with his family.

It is believed that Ashwatthama is omnipresent. Some have seen him and some have not, but it is believed that wherever there are ancient Shivlingas, Ashwatthama definitely arrives in the guise of a sage or monk. There is a belief that Ashwatthama met Prithviraj Chauhan. Prithviraj Chauhan was a devotee of Shiva and wherever his army went, he used to establish and worship Parthiv Shivalinga. Wherever Mahadev temples were established during the time of Prithviraj Chauhan, they are recognized as Vankhandeshwar Mahadevs.