Mankameshwar Mandir (Temple) in
Agra is devoted to Lord Shiva. The temple is situated at Rawatpara, near
Agra Fort Railway Station. It is one of the ancient temples devoted to Lord Shiva. It is said that the shivlinga covered by the silver metal was founded by lord shiva himself during Dwapara era, when krishna was born in
Mathura. For child krishna darshan shiva arrived from mount kailash and rested here. From then onwards this lingaswaroop is known as shri mankameshwarnath ji.
The temple has one sanctum sanctorum where the vigraha of Lord Shiva sits. It is surrounded by the typical Shiva family idols. One has to descend down a score of stairs to reach the sanctum sanctorum. One can reach fully close to the main vigraha provided one doesn't wear leather items and English style pants, pyjamas, and salwaar suits. On 24 July 2004, lord krishna's swaroop (ShriNath ji) was established under the guidelines of Shri nanaji bhai mukhiya ji of Shri Dwarikadeesh nath ji,mathura.Madhurashtkam and aarti of shrinath ji is a special scene to see. Behind the sanctum sanctorum are several small temples within the main temple complex. These are devoted to various deities like Lord Ganga, Saraswati, Gayatri, Hanuman, Kaila devi, Narsimha, Krishna, Rama to name a few.
11 Akhand jyoti are being lit everyday (24 hrs.) of desi ghee. Devotees after fulfilling their wishes comes here to light a deepak of 1.25 Rs. to 1.25 lakh Rs. everyday. Math also runs a Hospital, Vidyalaya, Gowshaala, at village, digner shamshabad road agra. 17 km far from the temple. Temple of shri girraj maharaj (govardhan nath) is getting constructed over there. At rawatpada a pre-nursery school, homeopathic clinic, computer education centre, a dharmshaala (guesthouse) is also run by the Math Administrator, shri Harihar Puriji. There are special paan which you get near Mankameshwar. These are folded in such a manner so that their shape becomes that of a pyramid. They are then coated with "chandi ka verk" (Silver Foil) and garnished with coconut powder.
