The story of Baba Mahendranath is closely connected with the Rapti river and with Lakshmi Narayan Das, later revered as Siddha Purush Pauhari Maharaj. Tradition says that from childhood he bathed in the Rapti and worshipped Lord Shiva beneath a large Peepal tree at the temple site.
Local tradition also remembers this place as the spiritual abode where Pauhari Maharaj received divine knowledge. The present Mahendranath Temple is said to have been built in stone roughly a century ago by Madrasi Baba of Maharashtra.
During the month of Shravan, Kanwariyas bring sacred water from the Sarju bank at Barhaj and perform Jalabhishek of Baba Mahendranath.
The Story of Pauhari Maharaj
The history of Baba Mahendra Nath is deeply connected with the story of Pauhari Maharaj, a revered spiritual figure remembered in the traditions of Mahen.
According to local tradition, Pauhari Maharaj, also known as Lakshmi Narayan Das, was a deeply devoted follower of Lord Shiva. In earlier times, the area around present-day Mahen is believed to have been covered by dense forest. It was here, according to local accounts, that Pauhari Maharaj spent much of his time in meditation and spiritual practice.
A Life Devoted to Lord Shiva
Local tradition says that Pauhari Maharaj would regularly sit beneath a Peepal tree and worship Lord Shiva. He is remembered as a saint who dedicated himself to meditation, prayer and devotion.
As the story has been passed down through generations, this sacred place gradually became associated with the presence and worship of Lord Shiva.
The Divine Encounter
One of the most important parts of the tradition tells of a divine encounter between Pauhari Maharaj and Lord Shiva.
According to the local story, while Pauhari Maharaj was engaged in his spiritual practice, Lord Shiva appeared before him in the form of Ardhanarishwar — the divine form representing the union of Shiva and Shakti.
The appearance of Ardhanarishwar is regarded in the tradition as a profound spiritual revelation and is remembered as a defining moment in the story of Baba Mahendra Nath.