Kashi, also known as Varanasi and Banaras, is the land of Lord Shiva. Lovingly called ‘Shiv nagri’, Kashi vaasis, or the residents of Kashi, do not just treat Lord Shiva as a God, but also as their brother, their son, their protector, and a part of their family.
And so, it is only logical that in Mahadev’s land, he manifests himself in different and unique forms, making everyone feel a part of him, no matter where in Banaras they are.
And among all the different temples of Lord Shiva, from the Kashi Vishwanath temple to the small Shivlings you will find just outside homes, there is a hidden temple, only accessible to visit once a year, or at times more.

The hidden Shivling

Lord Shiva is the Supreme being in Hinduism and is worshipped in two forms – Shivling and Murti. And the Shivling is considered to be a representation of his infinite and formless nature. And in Kashi, there is a Pita Maheshwar Shivling, which although can be seen from a small opening anyday, can only be visited once in the year.
The gates to the temple open only on Mahashivratri, and it is the only time devotees can see the Shivling right in front of them, instead of through an opening.
Unlike other temples where devotees can visit and offer prayers regularly, the Pita Maheshwar Shivling remains hidden from view, only to be revealed once in an year. And while some people say that the temple is only opened on Mahashivratri, others claim that it also opened on some Mondays in the month of Sawan, and on Rang Bhari Ekadashi.

The hidden Shivling – Pita Maheshwar (Image: shutter_artisan/Instagram)

The location

The Pita Maheshwar shivling is located deep underground within a hidden chamber. Unlike other temples where devotees can freely enter and worship, this sacred Shivling is not accessible to even the residents and locals of Kashi on a daily basis. It is believed that the Shivling has such immense power and a feeling of infinite energy, that being in front of it every day could overwhelm people. And so, it is only viewed from above the chamber with a pipe-like opening.
And even with respect to the rituals, water is offered to Lord Shiva everyday from the same opening from which people can see the Shivling, but on Mahashivratri, the Shivling is adorned with flowers, decorated, and proper Abhishekam is performed.

The importance of Pita Maheshwar shivling

According to legends, beliefs, and the Kashi Khand, seeing the Pita Maheshwar shivling just once in life, and praying to it while standing in front of it, brings immense protection and blessings of Lord Shiva.
And as Kashi is the land of liberation, it is only logical that seeing the Pita Maheshwar shivling grants Moksha. But, it will grant Moksha not just to the person who sees it, but also 21 generations of his or her family.
As mentioned in the Kashi Khand available on Wisdom Library, in chapter 69, shlok 38 “A man should joyously worship Pitāmaheśvarā Liṅga there. There is no doubt about this that he gets liberated along with twenty-one generations of his family.”
And so, a person who prays to Pita Maheshwar on Mahashivratri does not just attain liberation, but also helps his or her generations to do so.
And so it is said that only those who have accumulated immense punya in their lives are given a chance to see it.