Kuleshwar Temple, Rajim – Legends

Kuleshwar Temple, Rajim – Legends

Nephew's Temple:

Rajim have temples of Lord Rajiv Lochan on one side of the river, Kuleshwar Mahadev in the middle and another Mahadev Temple on the other side of the river. The Mahadev Temple on the other side is called as Mama's Temple while Kuleshwar Mahadev Temple is called as nephew's temple. 

As per local folklore, when the temple of Kuleshwar Mahadev was drowned in the flood, a divine voice heard to save uncle. Due to this belief, even today, uncle and nephew are not allowed to ride together on the boat. As soon as the water of the river touches the Shiva Linga of Mama's temple built on the river, the flood begins to descend.

Mother Sita established Kuleshwar Temple:

Kuleshwar Temple is said to have been established by Mother Sita herself in Treta Yuga. The existence of Kuleshwar Mahadev Temple is older than Rameswaram Temple.

Ashram of Lomus Rishi:

It is said that there is a secret cave inside this temple at the confluence of rivers, which leads to the ashram of Lomus Rishi located nearby.

Prayaga of Chattisgarh:

Rajim is probably the holiest place in Chattisgarh as it is situated at the eastern bank of Mahanadi  river, just below its junction with Pairi and Sondhur rivers. Due to its location, on the junction of three rivers, it is often classified as Prayaga (Allahabad) of this region, Chattisgarh.

Mahanadi equivalent to Ganga:

Mahanadi enjoys the same status as that of Ganga in Chattisgarh hence taking bath and performing rituals at the bank Mahanadi is considered very sacred.

Rajim Mahatmya:

Rajim Mahatmya mentions that Mahanadi is known as Chitrotpala below its junction with Pairi and Utpalesvara before the junction.

Journey to Jagannath Temple:

It is believed that journey to Jagannath Temple of Orissa is not complete without a visit to Rajim.