The city of Kashi, known as a center of religion and faith, is also revered as the abode of Baba Bholenath. Numerous forms of Baba Vishwanatha's Shivling are installed here, the existence of which is mentioned even from the Dwapara and Treta Yugas. There is a belief that the Shivling of the ancient temple of Kashi increases in thickness by the size of a pea over the course of a year. It is also believed that most of the Shivling is underground, exceeding what is visible above the surface.
Previously, the temple was subjected to attempts at damage by Aurangzeb, but attacks by bees prevented Aurangzeb's schemes.
In the Pande Haveli area of Varanasi, there is a self-manifested Shivling known as Tilabhandeswar Mahadev. According to legends, it grows by the thickness of a pea on the day of Makar Sankranti, which led to its current enormous size. Pilgrims come here to receive the blessings of Lord Shiva, offering milk, water, and bel leaves. Visitors include not only residents of Varanasi but also pilgrims from South India and other countries.
The Tilabhandeswar Mahadev temple is a center of unwavering faith for pilgrims. During the month of Sawan and every Monday, a huge number of people gather here for visits and worship. According to the temple administrators, this self-manifested Shivling has been continuously increasing in size since time immemorial. It is believed that in the Dwapara era, this Shivling grew by the thickness of a pea daily, whereas in the Kali Yuga, such growth occurs only on the day of Makar Sankranti. The visible part of the Shivling rises about 60 feet above the ground, while its base is believed to be located inside the earth.
It is believed that worshipping Tilabhandeswar Mahadev helps to pacify troublesome influences related to the nine planets (Navagraha) and 27 constellations. There is also a belief that people whose natal charts contain planetary defects will benefit greatly if they regularly perform the jalabhishek ritual and visit the temple on Mondays. Pilgrims are convinced that worshipping this Shivling, located in Kedarkhand, brings the grace of Lord Shiva and removes life's adversities.
According to mythological history, the sage Vibhanda used to perform rigorous worship of Lord Shiva at this place. He would daily offer chickpeas and water from the Ganges to Lord Shiva. One day, all the chickpeas in his vessel scattered on the ground, and it was in that spot that Lord Shiva manifested himself. Since the appearance of the Shivling occurred due to the chickpeas, it received the name Tilabhandeswar Mahadev. Since then, the belief exists that the Shivling increases by the thickness of a pea every year.
