Papnash Shiva Temple - Bidar, Karnataka

Papnash Shiva Temple is situated in Bidar district in North-east Karnataka. It is believed that the Shiva Linga idol in this temple is one of those installed by Lord Rama during the time of his journey back from Lanka. A natural spring flows into a pond in front of the temple called Papnasha which means destruction of sins.

Every year, during Shivratri festival lots of tourists visit Papnash Shiva Temple. At the ruins an ancient Shiva Temple along with a New Temple has been built on the slops of the hill. The location of the temple in a valley is mesmerising to the eyes. At the foot of the temple is a cistern measuring 16 ft by 14 ft. The cistern is continuously fed by the natural spring and towards the north there is small tank which is said to be built during Lord Rama s times.

It gets very crowded during Shivaratri celebrations. In the sanctum, there is a big Shiva Linga. In the temple complex, there are three other Shiva Lingas. These Shiva Lingas can be touched by devotees, and they can directly offer pujas to them.

Papnash means destroyer of sins. It is believed that a visit to this temple and a dip in the Papnash pond will destroy all the sins committed by a person. For this reason alone, this temple attracts a large number of pilgrims.