Just 10 km from Bilaspur, the ancient Karia Mahadev Temple in Bharni village has stood for over 500 years. It remains a unique blend of faith, tradition, and mystery. Thousands of devotees visit during Sawan and Mahashivratri to seek blessings from Lord Shiva. The temple gets its name from a black stone Shivalinga. Local legends say it appeared miraculously in a dense forest at midnight, leading to the temple’s construction. A popular story tells of a snake couple that appeared in the temple grounds. When they were killed, nearby pond water turned red. Since then, people believe the site holds supernatural powers. Villagers say sincere prayers here always come true.

 

Priest Pt. Uttam Awasthi, whose family has served for three generations, said: “This Shivalinga is miraculous. In Sawan and on Mahashivratri, thousands offer water and their wishes are fulfilled.” On Mahashivratri, the temple turns into a fairground. Devotees fetch water from the nearby small Narmada river, walk to the temple, and pour it over the Shivalinga. Chants of Har Har Mahadev fill the air. A mysterious hole in the temple compound also draws crowds. It always has water inside, but the level never rises. This unsolved puzzle sparks curiosity among visitors. The Karia Mahadev Temple is more than a religious site it’s a living symbol of age-old faith and secrets. The huge crowds during Sawan and Shivratri show devotees’ devotion burns as bright as ever.