Geparnath Mahadev Temple

Geparnath Mahadev Temple is a historic Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, located near Kota, Rajasthan, India. Surrounded amidst natural beauty of forests, this temple features self-performing Abhishekam of Shiva Lingam by a natural water stream, attracting numerous devotees and tourists.

History
Built in the 16th century, this temple is attributed to the wife of King Bhoj. It is nestled 400 feet deep in the hills, and one has to climb down around 350 steps to reach the temple.

Architectural Features
The temple is situated at a place on the banks of the Chambal river. Here a stream of water keeps falling on the Shiva lingam naturally. Near this, there is a reservoir made in a natural form in which the devotees take bath.

Cultural Significance
The temple is renowned for its annual Maha Shivaratri fair, which draws thousands of visitors from distant areas. This event underscores the temple's religious importance and its role in local traditions.

Conservation
Since 1961, the Archaeological Survey of India has protected the temple, preserving its historical and cultural heritage.

Tourism
The temple's natural beauty and spiritual significance make it a potential site for tourism development. Locals suggest that its infrastructure should be enhanced to promote local tourism.

Incidents
In 2008, a tragic incident occurred when the temple steps collapsed, trapping 135 visitors in which one person died due to the stairs of the temple collapsed. This event brought national attention to the temple's condition and accessibility.

In another incident in 2022, when two students drowned in Kund (reservoir) at temple, one deceased was from Bihar and the other from Madhya Pradesh.