The Dewa Sharif and Mahadeva Pilgrimage Destination

The Dewa Sharif Shrine

Located at the distance of just 12 kms from the district headquarters of Barabanki and 42 kms from Lucknow in the center of erstwhile ‘Awadh’, the pilgrim town of Dewa is the birthplace of Hazi Waris Ali Shah, who impacted the lives of several generations of people with his message of worldly love of human beings. Born in the 1st quarter of the 19th century and died on the 7th of April, 1905, Hazi Waris Ali Shah belonged to a family of Husaini Syeds. In his early childhood, he lost his father, Syed Qurban Ali Shah. He was regarded as a perfect Sufi and a follower of Vedanta and highly respected by the Hindus. In his memory, some of his dedicated followers, both the Hindus and Muslims built the splendid monument of Dewa Sharif Shrine at the place of his death and burial alike.

Urs is organized at the holy tomb in the month of ‘Safar’ (July) every year. The place, where a large fair called ‘Dewa Mela’ is organized to commemorate the Saints, was used to be held the Urs of the father of Hazi Waris Ali Shah by himself in the month of Kartik (October-November). This fair is visited by pilgrims from every nook and corner of the world to be paid a tribute to the great Sufi Saints, Hazi Waris Ali Shah and Qurban Ali Shah, the father of Hazi Waris Ali Shah. The highlight of the Fair is a big cattle market. During the fair, a good variety of cultural programs like an All India Mushaira, Music Confrence, Kavi Sammelan, Seeratun Nabi, Manas Sammelan and so on are organized here. .

This fair offers the opportunity of Some events like Volleyball, Hockey, Athletics, Badminton and so on to the sports loving people to find great pleasure. A variety of handicrafts, toys, household utility items, exotic sweetmeats and tasty snacks are offered by hundreds of brightly lit and decorated shops. The 10 day fair concludes with a brilliant show of Fireworks.

The Mahadeva

Located on the banks of Ghaghra at the village Mahadeva in Tehsil Ram Nagar of district Barabanki, Lodheshwar Mahadev Temple of Lord Shiva, which has been fulfilling the wishes of the devotees since time immemorial and keeps to be so even at present, has the Shivling, one of the exotic & rarest 52 Shivlings on the surface of the earth. While resounding Bam-Bhole, Bam-Bam-Bhole, the devotees moving in groups with Kanwar on their shoulders come to this ancient temple, which is enriched in its ancient history to its credit. Even today, on the occasion of Maha Shivratri in the month of Phalgun every year, the flocks of Lakhs of people come here to offer water to the renowned Shivling of Lord Shiva. .

People say that before the period of the Mahabharat, Lord Shiva revealed His willing to appear on the earth once again. One night, Lord Shiva appeared in the dreams of Pandit Lodhe Ram Awasthi, a learned Brahmin, simple, kind, good natured rustic. On the second day, the childless Lodhe Ram, while watering his field, came to see a hole from where his water was getting guttered into the ground. In spite of trying hard to plug the hole, he didn’t succeed and got back home. Next night, he dreamt the same statue and came to hear whispers stating, “The pit, where water is getting guttered, is my place. Set me there and I would earn fame with your name.” As per the sayings, next day, when Lodhe Ram was excavating the stated pit, his tool struck a hard thing and he saw the same idol before him. The point of the statue, which had been hit with his tool, was bleeding. Even today, this mark can be viewed. In spite of being afraid of this view, Lodhe Ram kept digging out the statue, but he didn’t succeed to find the other edge of the idol, so he let it alone as it is. He constructed the temple at the same spot with half his name ‘Lodhe’ and Lord Shiva’s ‘Ishwar’. In this way, this temple became famous as ‘Lodheshwar’ among its devotees. After this, Brahmin got bliss of four sons, Mahadeva, Lodhaura, Gobarha and Rajna Pur after whom the presently existing four villages were named. Also referred to many examples in Mahabharat, this ancient temple is the place where the Pandavas performed the Mahayagya after the war of the Mahabharat. An existing well named Pandav-Kup can also be seen here even today. As per the sayings, the water of the well has spiritual qualities and removes several diseases of its drinkers. Being organized on the occasion of Maha Shivratri at Mahadeva every year, the fair is unique in the history of the Melas (fairs) all over the world. During this fair, no woman can be found even among the millions of devotees flocking this place.

How to Reach (Accessibility)

By Air

Situated at a distance of approx 47 kms from the Dewa Sharif Shrine, the closest working airport is Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, Lucknow from where private taxis, jeeps and state buses can be availed to get Shravasti in 1 hour and 20 minutes.

By Train

Located at the distances of approx 12 kms and 40 kms from Dewa Sharif, Barabanki Junction Railway Station and Lucknow Charbagh Junction Railway Station respectively, are the nearest railway stations, which are well-connected to the major cities. If you are at the Lucknow Charbagh Railway Station, you can hire an Auto Rickshaw up to Matiyari Crossing from where you can take another auto/tempo up to the Deva. The shrine is located at a little walking distance from the auto stand at Deva.

By Road

Situated near National Highway (NH-2), the shrine is well-linked through main Faizabad Road, Sitapur Road, Sultanpur Road and Kanpur Road.