Mankameshwar Temple, Agra

Mankameshwar Temple at Rawatpara, near Agra Fort railway station, is a Shiva temple believed to be one of the oldest in Agra. Tradition holds that Shiva himself founded the silver-covered lingam in the Dvapara Yuga, at the time of Krishna's birth in Mathura.

A flight of some twenty steps leads down to the sanctum, where the lingam is surrounded by images of Shiva's family. Worshippers can go right up to it only if they are not wearing leather or trousers, pyjamas or salwar suits. Behind the sanctum, small shrines within the complex honour Hanuman, Krishna, Rama, Narasimha, Ganga, Saraswati, Gayatri, Kaila Devi and other deities.