“Beyond the Shivling: Rediscovering Prithvinath’s Buried Past”, Pragyata, June 23, 2026
“This majestic temple, the Prithvinath Temple, is located in the Khargupur region of Gonda, Uttar Pradesh. It is renowned for housing its main ‘Lingam,’ which is considered Asia’s heaviest and largest. The Lingam is believed to have been established by Bhīma, the second eldest Pandava, during their exile in the Dvapara Yuga. The temple’s peacefulness, serenity, and cultural richness are what attract devotees and tourists the most.
While you will find many online articles about this temple , its large Shivling, religious significance, local traditions, and tourism ; the most important aspect often remains unseen and overlooked, even though it is displayed within the temple itself.
Recently, I visited temples of Gonda and Ayodhya . That’s when I came across this beautiful temple for the first time in my life. The gorgeous design and architecture caught my attention instantly, and not to mention, the Shivling was as tall as I was. But then, my eyes darted to the walls of the temple. Around 7–8 idols were placed against or inside the outer walls. These magnificent pieces were slowly eroding due to wind, rain, and even religious practices. The use of chandan on them, along with offerings of flowers, rice-filled water and milk, was gradually wearing them down. But why am I talking about something that seems so insignificant? Well, it wouldn’t seem insignificant if I told you that these idols are medieval , or perhaps even ancient…….”
Read full article at pragyata.com
