Haleshwar Sthan is a Hindu pilgrimage site in Sitamarhi, Bihar, India. It is one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to the god Shiva. Millions of pilgrims visit the temple every year, making it amongst the most visited religious shrines in northern India.
The temple is situated on the banks of the Lakhandei river, about 3 kilometers from Sitamarhi town. It is believed that the temple was built by King Janaka, the father of Sita, in the Treta Yuga. The temple is said to be the site where King Janaka performed the Putrakaameshti Yajna, a Vedic ritual for begetting a son.
The temple complex is spread over a large area and has several shrines, including the main shrine of Lord Shiva. The main shrine is a sanctum sanctorum that houses a Swayambhu lingam (self-manifested) of Lord Shiva. The lingam is said to be one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, or sacred lingams of Lord Shiva.
The temple is also home to several other deities, including Vishnu, Lakshmi, Parvati, and Ganesha. There is also a large pond in the temple complex, which is said to be sacred.
The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The best time to visit the temple is during the Mahashivratri festival, which is celebrated in February or March every year.
Here are some of the things you can do at Haleshwar Sthan:
- Offer prayers to Lord Shiva
- Take a dip in the sacred pond
- Visit the other shrines in the temple complex
- Attend the aarti ceremony
- Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the temple
If you are planning to visit Haleshwar Sthan, here are some tips:
- Dress modestly
- Be prepared for crowds, especially during the Mahashivratri festival
- Carry water and snacks with you, as there are no shops inside the temple complex
- Photography is not allowed inside the temple complex
How to reach Haleshwar Sthan:
- The nearest airport is Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport, Patna, which is about 120 kilometers from Sitamarhi.
- The nearest railway station is Sitamarhi Junction, which is about 3 kilometers from the temple.
- You can also hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw from Sitamarhi town to reach the temple.