the Ultimate Web on Indian Gods & Temples

 by Padmani,

Rishi Chyavan was Maharishi Bhrigu's son. He performed penance on the Earth without any food on the banks of River Vithastha. Due to long penance, his body got covered with sand and an anthill was built over him. Many insects rolled on him. At this time, Sukanya, the daughter of King Sharyathi came to the forest along with her friends. Unknowingly, she inserted a thorn on Rishi Chyavan's eyes as it was covered by an anthill and blood flowed from it. Angered by this, the Rishi cursed the king. The soldiers became weak. The king worshipped Lord Shiva in Linga form at Mahakal forest. Lord Shiva appeared there and freed him from his sins. Then, the Linga came to be known as Chyavaneshwar Mahadev. Whoever worships this Linga will be freed from all their sins and reaches Heaven after death.