In the
outskirts of the city, on the western side in Chetganj, is a large square tank
or reservoir called Pishach Mochan Kund. Pishach means demon and Mochan means release
or deliverance.
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Pishach Mochan Kund-Chetganj |
As per
the legend, once a very powerful demon - Pishach entered into Benares to worship
Lord Shiva. It was stopped at Panchkosi roads
by deities. However, it overcame them and settled in Benares. Day after day thereon, it started its atrocities
and did not allow any deity to stay in Benares. The worried deities approached Bhaironath - the kotwal
or deified Chief Magistrate of Benares. Bhaironath had a fierce battle with the
Pishach at the spot where the present day tank is located. He severed the head of
Pishach and submitted it to his master Lord Vishweshwara.
The
demon on becoming body-less had not lost its life and its tongue and therefore
implored Lord Vishweshwara not to banish it from the city but to allow him to
reside on the spot where it was decapitated. It also requested that all pilgrims
proceeding to the city of Gaya should be directed first to visit the Pishach mochan. To this
Lord Shiva gave his consent, believing that the Pishach acted out of its devotion and ordered that
it should not allow any other evil spirit to visit Benares. ![]() |
Pishach Head now - 2019 |
That particular kund
is built in regular manner with Ghats or stone stairs on the four sides leading
down to the water.
These waters are considered to have peculiar efficacy in
ensuring deliverance from the power of demons and all kinds of bad evil spirits thus preventing horrible dreams or destroying their bad effect thereby removing mental and physical sickness.
![]() |
Pishach Mochan Temple built by Meera Bai on the banks of the kund |
The main temple has Lord Shiva, beyond him on
the wall lies Lord Ganesh covered in Sindoor.
![]() |
Lord Shiva with Lord Ganesh on the wall behind |
While Lord Shiva's vehicle Nandhi lies in front.
![]() |
Lord Shiva's mount- Nandhi |
Beyond the main shrine; lies the hideous head of the demon Pishach facing the
Lord Shiva and the Lord Hanuman under another roof.
![]() |
Pishach head facing Lord Mahadev |
![]() |
Pishach Head- Lord Shiva- Nandhi all in a straight line |
Every year annual Lota Bhanta mela occurs at
Pishach Mochan Kund.
Keeping aside the veracity of the myths and stories, Pishach Mochan temple is a one of the good places to visit, particularly when oneself is "In and around Rudravāsa".
Keeping aside the veracity of the myths and stories, Pishach Mochan temple is a one of the good places to visit, particularly when oneself is "In and around Rudravāsa".
Good presentation
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