Gonda's 5000-Year-Old Prithvi Nath Temple: Devotees Must Lift Heels to Offer Water

• Gonda's Prithvi Nath Mahadev Temple, approximately 35-40 km from the district headquarters, is believed to be 5000 years old.
• Devotees must lift their heels while offering water (Jalabhishek) to the Shivling, a tradition observed for thousands of years, regardless of their height.
• Archaeological investigation estimates the Shivling to be 6000 years old, with historians linking the temple's origin to the Dwapar Yuga and the Pandavas' exile.
• The temple was established by Bhim to atone for the sin of Brahmahata after slaying the demon Bakasur, initially known as Bhimeshwar Mahadev.
• Special fairs are held on Mondays, Fridays, Shivratri, Kajri Teej, and Sawan, attracting devotees from India and countries like Nepal, Italy, and Japan.