त्रिलोचन महादेव मंदिर

Not far from the usual circuit of temples in Varanasi lies Trilochan Mahadev — a shrine that many locals revere, and yet few visitors know by name. But among the oldest Shivalingas in the city, it holds a presence both ancient and still.

This temple is believed to represent the ‘Third Eye’ of Lord Shiva. According to some inscriptional sources, this was a prominent temple in the Gahadavala period around the 12th century. The Kashi Khanda eulogizes its glory by saying ‘that the 18 lingams establishing the body of Visheshvara represent an adequate power for destroying sins, but the power of Trilochana is something very unique.’

Attached to this temple is an ancient holy well known for its healing water that destroys all sorts of sins named Padodaka Kupa, which is now partially in deserted form.

In a city of towering legends, Trilochan Mahadev remains silent and profound – encouraging visitors to seek it through scriptures, rather than find it through happenstance.