In the heart of Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, an ancient treasure is crumbling into oblivion. Known as Kashi or Banaras, this sacred Hindu pilgrimage site along the Ganges River in Uttar Pradesh has long been revered as the city of Lord Shiva. Famous for the majestic Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti performed twice daily, Varanasi pulses with spirituality, knowledge, music, culture, and art. Its ghats, silk saris, and paan have enchanted visitors from across the globe.
This city of temples, where legend says a shrine graces every alley, harbors thousands of sacred sites, including one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Among them stands the Someshwar Mahadev Temple, a profoundly holy and historic Shiva shrine nestled in Kashi’s core. Dating back nearly 1,000 years, this once-vibrant center of Sanatan Dharma now teeters on the brink of extinction.
The temple’s structure has deteriorated into a perilous ruin. Cracked walls, a precarious roof that could collapse at any moment, and a hazardous path overgrown with debris make access a life-threatening endeavor. What was once a beacon drawing devotees from far and wide for meditation and worship now stands forsaken, its glory faded by time’s relentless march.
Inside, a pristine white marble Shivling commands reverence, flanked by Nandi’s steadfast statue. A rare depiction of Hanuman graces the sanctum, with Lord Rama and Lakshman perched on his shoulders—a testament to the temple’s unique spiritual heritage. References to Someshwar Mahadev appear in the revered Skanda Purana, underscoring its ancient significance.
As Varanasi thrives as a spiritual hub, the plight of Someshwar Mahadev serves as a stark reminder of heritage at risk. Urgent restoration is essential to preserve this irreplaceable piece of India’s sacred history for future generations, lest it vanish forever into the sands of time.