The Markandeya Mahadev Temple, located in the village of Kaithi in Varanasi, at the confluence of the Ganges and Gomti rivers, is an ancient and revered Shiva shrine. According to Puranic tradition, it was here that Sage Markandeya performed penance to Lord Shiva, receiving protection from Yama (the god of death) and the boon of immortality. For this reason, the temple is also known as the Mahamrityunjaya Temple. This sacred site is particularly known for granting blessings related to childbirth, overcoming infertility, curing serious illnesses, and alleviating suffering. Performing Rudrabhishek, Mahamrityunjaya chanting, and Santana Gopala Puja here is considered highly auspicious and fruitful.

Located at the confluence of the Ganga and Gomati rivers in Kaithi village, within the Chaubepur area of ​​Varanasi, the Markandeya Mahadev Temple is a very ancient, mythological, and sacred Shiva temple. This temple is especially renowned for the blessing of children, alleviation of the fear of untimely death, relief from serious illnesses, and relief from suffering. It is believed that Lord Shiva is quickly appeased by worship performed with a sincere heart.

History of the Temple

According to religious texts, this place is the abode of sage Markandeya. When Yamaraj came to take his life due to his short lifespan, sage Markandeya established a Shivalinga here and performed intense penance to Lord Shiva.

Lord Shiva appeared, stopped Yamaraj, and granted sage Markandeya the boon of immortality. Consequently, this site became known as the Markandeya Mahadev and Mahamrityunjaya Temple. It is also mentioned in the Markandeya Purana.

Mythological and Religious Significance

This temple is a major center for the worship of Lord Shiva in the form of Mahamrityunjaya.

It is believed that worshipping here bestows blessings for the birth of a child, removal of pregnancy obstacles, and growth of the family.

The place is particularly crowded during the month of Sawan, on the Pradosh and Trayodashi dates.

This site is considered one of the major Shiva shrines of Purvanchal and is considered as influential as the twelve Jyotirlingas.

🔔 Major pujas taking place here

The following pujas are offered through Pujariji.com or on site:

🌸 Special puja for having a child

Chanting Santan Gopal Mantra

Havan for removing obstacles from children

Couple Special Sankalp Pooja

🔱 Mahamrityunjay Puja

Chanting Mahamrityunjaya Mantra

short death anniversary ritual

Untimely death, disease, fear and planetary obstacles for peace

🌺 Shiva Rudrabhishek

Abhishekam with milk, curd, ghee, Ganges water, pilgrimage water

Very fruitful especially on Sawan, Shivratri and Nagpanchami.

🔮 Other pujas

Mangal Dosh Nivaran Pooja

Marriage Obstacles Removal Pooja

planetary peace and special rituals

📿 Major Mantra (for devotees)

Mahamrityunjaya Mantra

Om Trimbakam Yajamahe Sugandhi Pushtivardhanam.

Urvarukamiv Bandhananmrityormukshiya Maamritat ॥

Santan Gopal Mantra

Om Devkisut Govind Vasudev Jagatpate.

I surrender myself to Krishna in my body.

📍How to reach?

Distance: About 30 km from Varanasi city

Route: Varanasi–Ghazipur Highway

Nearest Railway Station:

Rajwari Station – ~7 km

Aunihar Junction – ~11 km

Location: Kaithi Village, Ganga–Gomti Sangam, Varanasi

🌼 Special for devotees

This temple is situated in a very peaceful, natural and spiritual environment. Being situated on the banks of Sangam, the impact of meditation, chanting and rituals is especially felt here.

Markandeya Mahadev Temple, Kaithi is not just a temple but a proven center of child happiness, life protection and Shiva's grace. Any devotee who worships here with a true heart, his wishes are definitely fulfilled.