Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple Vrindavan: Only Temple Where Lord Shiva Is Dressed Like Woman; Know Interesting Legend

Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple Vrindavan: Situated by the holy river Yamuna, the sacred Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and houses a distinctive idol of Shiva depicted as a Gopi, which is why it is called Gopeshwar Mahadev. The primary highlight of the temple is the sacred Shiva Lingam, which attracts the devotees of Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva alike. Additionally, it is regarded as the only temple where the shringar of Lord Shiva is performed like a woman! Interesting, right? Let us uncover the interesting legend behind Gopeshwar Mahadev below.

Why Lord Shiva Is Worshipped As Gopeshwar Mahadev? Know Interesting Legend

As per the legend, once on the sacred occasion of Sharad Purnima, Lord Krishna and Radha Rani were performing Raas Leela along with the other gopis by the banks of the Yamuna River. Lord Shiva and Parvati showed up, but Mahadev was barred from participating in the Raas Leela because the event was exclusively for females. Vrinda Devi, the goddess of Vrindavan, told him that he was missing the Sakhi-Bhaav, which was an essential element of Raas Leela.

Resolved to take part in the divine Raas Leela, Lord Shiva engaged in deep meditation, meditating upon on Radha Rani. Satisfied with his dedication, Radha Rani instructed Lalita Devi to assist Lord Shiva in attaining Sakhi-Bhaav. Following the command of Radha Rani, Shri Lalita Devi unveiled the mysteries of the divine Sakhi Bhaav and urged Lord Shiva to immerse himself in the Yamuna River with utmost surrender and devotion. Upon taking the sacred dip, Lord Shiva became an enchanting maiden and transformed into a Gopi. Thereafter, Lalita Devi took him to the Rasamandal to perform the divine Raas Leela. Lord Krishna identified Shiva in his Gopi Roop and named him “Gopeshwar”. The Gopis of Braj worshipped this form of Lord Shiva to attain Lord Krishna as their spouses.