Gabhashteeshwar Shiv ling is one of those shiv lings which are situated in Kashi, (Varanasi) Uttar Pradesh. Kashi Khand tells about the importance of this shiv ling and the story behind it.

Legend

Gabhashteeshwar Shiv ling is said to be established by Lord Shiva himself, as the story mentioned in the Kashi khand. At one point, Lord Surya built a Shiv Ling and a Devi statue at Panchanada Teerth (Panchganga Ghat) and began praising Lord Shiva ardently. (Pinchganga Ghat’s significance is discussed elsewhere.) The intense heat produced by Lord Surya’s prayers began to reflect their intensity. The sun’s rays started to warm up.

Finally, it became so intolerably uncomfortable for all living things that all physical activity virtually ceased. When Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati learned of this, they physically manifested in front of Lord Surya. The moment Lord Surya opened his eyes and began singing the praises of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, the two of them were overjoyed.

Lord Surya received various wonderful desires from them. The moment Lord Surya opened his eyes and began singing the praises of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, the two of them were overjoyed. Lord Surya received various wonderful desires from them.

The Shiv Ling that Lord Surya had installed shall be named as Gabhasteeshwar, Lord Shiva informed Lord Surya. A person will be free from all sins and will undoubtedly achieve Moksha if they take a bath at Pancha Nada Teerth (Panchganga) and worship Gabhastheeswar. (Chapter 49 of Kashi Khand)