Lodheshwar Mahadev Temple, Barabanki

Lodheshwar Mahadev Temple is a Shiva temple at the village of Mahadeva, Ram Nagar tehsil, Barabanki district, on the bank of the Ghaghra. Its Shivling is described as one of the rarest of the 52 found at Shakti Pithas across India, and Lodheshwar is the family deity of the Lodhi Rajputs. Tradition links the temple with the Mahabharata: the Pandavas are said to have performed a great sacrifice here, and a well called Pandav-Kup survives, its water believed to cure many ailments. Another story says Lodheshwar told the Lodhis fleeing Parshurama to lay down their weapons and take up farming.

Two fairs are held at Mahadeva. At Mahashivratri, in March–April, millions of devotees gather, and kanwar pilgrims from Kanpur, Banda, Jalaun and Hamirpur bring Ganges water to offer to Shiva. A local fair in November–December includes a large cattle market.