the Ultimate Web on Indian Gods & Temples

 by Padmani,

In olden days, there was a king named Nimi. Due to his good deeds, he reached heaven in a Viman. He went through the southern part of the Hell. He saw many people there getting the result of their bad deeds. He asked Lord Yama's spy the reason of him coming to hell. The spy replied that he did not give donations to the Brahmins during Shrardha. He then asked the reason of him going to heaven. The spy replied that on Krishna Paksha Chaturdasi during the month of Ashwini, he worshipped Mankeshwar in Mahakal forest. The sinners in Hell asked the king to stop for a while as they could touch him and be freed from their pain. The king said to the spy that he will not be accompanying him to heaven, but will give joy to the sinners. Lord Indra came there and requested the king to come to heaven. The king refused  and asked the Lord how the sinners will be freed from their sins. Lord Indra replied that if he gives the virtue of worshipping Lord Shiva, they will be freed. Then, the king gave it as a donation and freed all the sinners. Whoever worships this Linga will be freed from hell. If we worship that Linga during Krishna Paksha Chaturdasi in the month of Ashwini, all our sins get destroyed and we will reach Heaven after death.