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Virbhadra, Rishikesh, Dehradun district, Uttarakhand · 30.0675°, 78.2801°
An ancient Shiva site near Rishikesh where excavation revealed continuous occupation from about the 2nd to the 8th century, including a middle-phase shrine with a linga and plain facade and a later structure of the 7th to 8th centuries. Shivratri and the month of Sawan draw all-night jagran, special pujas and a fair.
What follows is the temple’s own traditional account, transmitted through liturgy and local memory. It is recorded here as tradition, not as attested history.
Virbhadra is remembered as the fierce form Shiva created out of his rage after Sati immolated herself when insulted by her father at a sacrifice.
coordinates: wikipedia-2026-08-27 · sources retrieved 2026-08-26 · dynasty page: Undetermined
Answers only from cited records
Opening the line…