Lucknow, Amrit Vichar: The seven-day Mahadeva Mahotsav 2025 (17–23 November) has started at Lodheshwar Mahadev located in Suratganj block of Barabanki. This event, which started with religious faith, has become a model of rural tourism. More than 10 lakh visitors are expected to reach the festival this year. Apart from the local people, among the devotees, there is a significant number of people coming from Bahraich, Gonda, Lucknow, Western Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
The above information was given by Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh on Tuesday. He said that Mahadeva Mahotsav has given new strength to the local economy along with spirituality. Due to the arrival of lakhs of devotees, hotels-dharamshalas, home stays, transport services, restaurants and local markets of the district get huge benefits. The proximity to the capital and better connectivity has made it easier for visitors to reach the fair venue. Minister Jaiveer Singh said that performances of many artists including Bhojpuri artists Akshara Singh, Samar Singh, Shilpi Raj, ghazal singer Kumar Satyam, storyteller Acharya Shantanu Ji Maharaj, poet Dr. Vishnu Saxena are scheduled in the festival. Along with this, various cultural presentations like singing of local folk artists, Kathak dance, drama, folk songs/bhajans, Alha Udal, magic show and Jawaabi Kirtan are also enthralling the visitors.
To promote rural tourism, 32 home stays have been developed in the district, nine of which are located near Lodheshwar Temple. These home stays are providing the devotees with an experience of local food, culture and rural life. The Tourism Minister said that Maghar Lake, located 4-5 km away from the fair venue, has become an eco-tourism destination for tourists. Apart from this, Kunteshwar Mahadev, Siddheshwar Mahadev, Kotwa Dham, Deva Sharif, Qazi Kothi and Ghantaghar are also included in the favorite list of the travelers.
History of Lodheshwar Mahadev
It is believed that before the Mahabharata period, Lord Shiva had expressed his desire to reappear here. Kind Brahmin Lodheram Awasthi found the Shivalinga that came in his dream while digging in the field. When the end of Shivalinga could not be found, a temple was established at the same place. This place was called Lodheshwar on the basis of the names Lodheram and Ishwar. It is believed that after the Mahabharata war, Pandavas also performed Yagya here.