Vankhandeshwar Mandir Bhind, Madhya Pradesh
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Vankhandeshwar Temple is considered to be one of the oldest temples in India, as it is believed that it was built by Prithviraj Chauhan in 1175 AD. There is a flame, known as ‘akhand jyoti’ or ‘eternal flame’ which is believed to have been burning since ages. Every Monday, there is a ‘maha aarti’ at the temple and a big fair is held here every year during the Mahashivaratri festival.
When Prithviraj Chauhan was going to fight with Raja Chandel of Bundelkhand, he had camped with his army at this place while passing through the road.And while digging the tent, the Shivling of Lord Shiva was revealed here in the excavation. By worshiping the same Shivling, he had asked for a boon that if I win the war,So I will get a temple built at this place.When Prithviraj Chauhan returned after defeating Raja Chandel, he got this temple built and here he had lit a Akhand Jyoti with ghee, which is still burning.Since then till today, there is a gathering of devotees here, especially in the month of Sawan, there is a lot of crowd here.
