Gauri Shankar Temple, Jaunpur

The Gauri Shankar Temple in Jaunpur district is located at two prominent places: Kuheen Kala village (Badlapur tehsil) and Sujanganj (Machhlishahr area). Both temples hold immense religious and cultural importance and are associated with several legends and traditional beliefs.

This temple is situated in Kuheen Kala village of Badlapur tehsil and is considered an ancient shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to local legend, the area was once a dense forest where cows used to graze. One day, a shepherd noticed that a cow was pouring milk on a particular spot. When villagers dug the place, a self-manifested Shivling emerged. The temple was later established at this sacred site. A fair is held here every Monday and Saturday, attracting devotees from far and wide for darshan and worship. Special celebrations are organized on Mahashivratri, and the temple is widely believed to fulfill the wishes of devotees who worship here with a pure heart.

This temple, located in the Sujanganj area, is a major spiritual center for local devotees. Special worship is performed on the first Monday of the month of Sawan, and the newly built Shri Ram Janaki Temple has also been consecrated here. The temple is managed by the local community, and regular religious programs are organized throughout the year.

The Emergence of the Shivling According to local beliefs, the site was once a dense forest where cattle grazed. Shepherds often noticed that a cow poured its milk on a particular spot repeatedly. When the villagers dug the site, they discovered a self-manifested Shivling. Attempts to move or damage the Shivling failed, which was considered a divine sign. Eventually, a grand temple was built around it. Temple Construction and Religious Traditions After the Shivling appeared, villagers and devotees together constructed the temple. Over time, it became a significant pilgrimage site for Shiva devotees. Festivals, fairs, and rituals gradually became part of the temple’s tradition.

Beliefs Associated With the Temple It is believed that those who worship here sincerely have their wishes fulfilled.

Thousands of devotees gather every year on Mahashivratri.

Some devotees claim to have witnessed miraculous events such as soft sounds from the Shivling or water appearing on its surface on auspicious days.

Mondays and Saturdays are considered especially sacred for Shiva worship, and special rituals, bhajans, and prasad distribution take place.

Historical Perspective Although the temple lacks official inscriptions or government records, local legends and oral traditions passed down through generations confirm its antiquity. The present structure appears modern, but the sanctum and the Shivling are believed to be several centuries old.

Sanctum (Garbha Griha) This is the holiest part of the temple where the self-manifested Shivling is installed. It is dimly lit and peaceful, built with stone and topped with a small dome-shaped structure. Shikhara (Spire) The temple’s shikhara is constructed in the traditional North Indian Nagara style. It tapers upward and is crowned with a kalash and a trishul—symbols of Lord Shiva. Intricate carvings adorn its surface. Mandapa (Prayer Hall) Located in front of the sanctum, the mandapa is an open hall where devotees sit for bhajans, meditation, and prayer. It is built using stone, cement, or bricks with simple decorative elements. Entrance Gate The entrance is not very large but beautifully designed. It often features carvings of “Om Namah Shivaya,” Nandi, and the trishul. Some temples have artistically carved wooden doors. Nandi Mandap As per Shiva temple tradition, a statue of Nandi, Lord Shiva’s mount, is placed facing the sanctum. The idol usually sits on a raised platform. Temple Complex The premises include an open courtyard used for parikrama, with sacred trees like peepal or bel, a water tank, and a havan kund.

The temple typically remains open from 5:30 AM to 8:30 PM. During festivals like Mahashivratri and Sawan, the temple may remain open overnight or its hours extended. Mondays and Saturdays experience heavy footfall.

Bel leaves, dhatura, bhaang, aak flowers, and lotus seeds are offered to Shiva, though these are not distributed as prasad.

The usual prasad includes boondi, laddoo, rewri, and jaggery-based sweets.

Sometimes dry fruits like raisins, almonds, and coconut pieces are offered.

Panchamrit (made of milk, curd, honey, ghee, and Ganga water) is given to devotees after the abhishek.

On Mahashivratri and Sawan Mondays, kheer, sooji halwa, and chickpeas are distributed.

Local women prepare festival prasad within the temple premises.

Fruits such as bananas, coconuts, and apples offered by devotees are also distributed later.

By Train Nearest railway stations: Jaunpur Junction (JNU): 45–50 km

Badlapur Railway Station: 15–20 km

Machhlishahr Railway Station: 20–25 km

From these stations, autos, taxis, or local buses are available to reach Kuheen Kala village. Major trains are available from: Varanasi, Lucknow, Prayagraj, Delhi, and Gorakhpur. By Bus Nearest bus stations: Jaunpur City Bus Stand

Badlapur Bus Stand

How to reach: Shared autos, tempos, and jeeps run regularly from Jaunpur and Badlapur to nearby villages.

If direct transport is unavailable, passengers may need to get down at nearby stops like Muradganj or Khuthan and walk a short distance.

By Air Nearest airport: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi – approx. 70 km away. How to reach: Taxis are available from the airport to Kuheen Kala via Badlapur.

Alternatively, one can take a train or bus from Varanasi to Jaunpur and then use local transport.