Anandeswar Temple, Kanpur - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Anandeswar Temple

At a distance of 6 Km from Kanpur Central, Anandeswar Temple is a Hindu temple located in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Situated on the banks of the River Ganges, Anandeswar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the oldest temples in Kanpur, and among the prominent temples to visit as part of the Kanpur leisure tour packages. This sacred temple holds immense spiritual significance, attracting thousands of visitors every year, especially during festivals like Mahashivratri and Shravan month.

History & Mythology of Anandeswar Temple

While there is no concrete documentation regarding the temple's origin, the local community recounts a fascinating tale that dates back to the era of the Mahabharata. According to legend, Karna conducted puja at the location where the temple currently exists. When Karna arrived to perform his pooja, a cow named Anandi unexpectedly released all her milk at that very spot. The cow's unusual behavior prompted him to gather the villagers, and they excavated the area, discovering the Shiva Linga. Although the villagers considered relocating the Shiva Linga to a more suitable location, it remained immovable. Consequently, they constructed the temple at the same site and named it Anandeshwar Mandir in honor of the cow. The temple underwent renovations during the 18th century.

Architecture of Anandeswar Temple

The Anandeshwar Temple features traditional architectural elements characteristic of Hindu temples. It is embellished with exquisite carvings and is encircled by smaller shrines dedicated to various Hindu deities. The entrance of the temple, which is decorated with detailed stone carvings, guides devotees into the sacred sanctum that houses the Shiva Lingam. The temple complex is vast and includes a spacious courtyard where devotees congregate for prayers and religious ceremonies. Numerous bells are present within the temple grounds.

A distinctive feature of the temple is its placement at Parmat Ghat, recognized as one of the most significant ghats along the Ganga River. The Ganga Aarti at Parmat Ghat is another prominent attraction, taking place every evening and providing a captivating view of the river while invoking divine blessings.

Festivals of Anandeswar Temple

The primary festival observed at Anandeshwar Temple in Kanpur is Mahashivratri, which takes place in February or March. At this time, the temple draws significant numbers of devotees who come to pay their respects to Lord Shiva. Additionally, the entire month of Shravan is regarded as a favorable period for worshipping Lord Shiva. Numerous devotees frequent the temple throughout this month, especially on Mondays to offer prayers and carry out rituals, as this day is deemed especially holy.

Dress Code & Other Restrictions of Anandeswar Temple

Although there is no formal dress code at Anandeswar Temple, it is advisable to dress modestly in order to show respect for the religious activities occurring there. Men may choose to wear dhotis or long trousers along with shirts while women may choose to wear a saree, half saree, or chudidhars. It is best to refrain from wearing Western clothing such as shorts, skirts, and sleeveless tops.

Non-Hindus are generally allowed to visit and admire the temple's architecture, but may not be permitted to enter the sanctum sanctorum of Anandeswar Temple.

Anandeswar Temple Timings

Monday: 6 AM - 9 PM
Tuesday: 6 AM - 9 PM
Wednesday: 6 AM - 9 PM
Thursday: 6 AM - 9 PM
Friday: 6 AM - 9 PM
Saturday: 6 AM - 9 PM
Sunday: 6 AM - 9 PM

Anandeswar Temple Entry Fee

Entry is Free

Best Time to Visit Anandeswar Temple

The best time to visit Anandeswar Temple is from October to March. During this period, the climate is pleasant, making it comfortable for visitors to explore the temple and participate in the festivities. For individuals wishing to experience the temple at its most spiritually enriching, it is recommended to schedule your visit during the Mahashivaratri festival, generally takes place in February/March. The summers are scorching in Kanpur, with uncomfortably high temperatures while the city experiences heavy showers during the monsoon season that renders most of the tourist attractions inaccessible at times.

How to Reach Anandeswar Temple

About 14 Km away, Kanpur Airport is the nearest airport and has well-connected flights from Mumbai and New Delhi. Kanpur Central Railway Station is well-connected by trains with Lucknow, Prayagraj, New Delhi, Gorakhpur, Allahabad, Howrah, Bandra, Bhubaneswar, Pune, Darbhanga, Varanasi, Agra, Patna, Bhagalpur, Raipur, Ghazipur, Haldia, Gaya, Kolkata, Santragachi, Bhopal, Indore, and Sultanpur. Kanpur is well-connected by buses with all the major cities of Uttar Pradesh, New Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. One can reach Anandeswar Temple by taking bus, or hiring a cab or auto-rickshaw from all parts of the city of Kanpur.