Sakaha Bhole Baba Temple, Hardoi

Sakaha Bhole Baba Temple, located in Hardoi district of Uttar Pradesh, is an ancient and miraculous Shiva temple, renowned for its self-manifested (Swayambhu) Shiva Lingam that is believed to remove all troubles. The temple is situated in Sakaha village, under Behta Gokul police station, approximately 15 kilometers from Hardoi city. A unique feature of the Shiva Lingam here is that it changes color three times a day—brown in the morning, black at noon, and golden at night.

The history of this temple is fascinating. It is said that in 1951, the then police officer of Behta Gokul, Shivshankar Lal Verma, initiated an excavation to install the Shiva Lingam at the police station. Despite continuous efforts, the Lingam showed no end, and a water stream started flowing from the site. That night, Lord Shiva appeared in a dream to the officer and instructed that the Lingam should remain at that location. Following this divine instruction, a small temple was built, which was later expanded into a grand structure. Over time, the Lingam itself grew in size.

The Lingam is not only self-manifested but also possesses miraculous qualities that make it unique. Its color changes three times a day: brown in the morning, black in the afternoon, and golden at night. Thousands of devotees witness this miracle and consider it a testament to Lord Bholenath’s glory. The Lingam is deeply rooted, and no end to it has been discovered till today.

Sakaha Bhole Baba Temple is built in traditional Indian architectural style. Initially, the temple was small, but as the number of devotees grew, it was gradually expanded. Today, it has transformed into a grand temple complex with a spacious main sanctum and ample space for devotees to sit and perform rituals. The temple premises are serene, clean, and conducive to spiritual reflection.

Special prayers are held every Monday, while Maha Shivaratri and the month of Shravan witness grand celebrations. Thousands of devotees visit the temple during these occasions, and local authorities arrange special measures, including police deployment, to manage the crowd.

Several miraculous stories are associated with this temple. One famous legend tells of a wealthy merchant, Lahorimal, whose son was sentenced to death. Despite all efforts, the punishment could not be revoked. Someone advised him to visit the Sakaha Shiva Lingam. Lahorimal offered prayers here, and the very next day, his son’s sentence was revoked. After this event, he made significant contributions to the renovation of the temple.

The temple attracts devotees not only from Hardoi but also from other parts of Uttar Pradesh and India. From common devotees to political leaders, everyone comes here to pay homage. Leaders like former minister Raja Bhaiya and Naresh Agarwal have visited the temple and contributed to its restoration. The deep faith in this temple has earned it the name “Sankat Haran Temple” (the temple that removes troubles).

The temple opens at 5:00 AM and remains open until 9:00 PM for devotees. During special occasions like Mondays or Maha Shivaratri, the timings are extended.

The offerings at the temple are considered extremely sacred. Devotees offer bel leaves, milk, curd, honey, flowers, sacred ash (bhasma), and fruits. On special days like Monday and Maha Shivaratri, halwa, churma, and panchamrit are distributed among devotees, who take it home as prasad for their families.

By Train: Hardoi Railway Station is well-connected with major cities like Lucknow and Delhi. Sakaha village is about 15 km from the station and can be reached by taxi or auto-rickshaw. By Bus: Regular local buses and private taxis are available from Hardoi bus stand to Sakaha village. Direct buses also connect Hardoi with Lucknow, Kanpur, Unnao, and Shahjahanpur. By Air: The nearest airport is Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, Lucknow, approximately 130 km from Hardoi. From there, one can reach Hardoi by train or road and then proceed to Sakaha village.

Sakaha Bhole Baba Temple is not merely a religious site but a wonderful confluence of faith, miracles, and spiritual peace. The miraculous Swayambhu Shiva Lingam, the historical importance of the temple, and the deep devotion of its followers make it one of the prominent Shiva pilgrimage sites in North India. If you are facing any challenges in life, a visit to the shrine of Sankat Haran Bhole Baba at Sakaha may bring relief and fulfill your wishes.