Madareshwar Mahadev Temple

Madareshwar Mahadev Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated inside a natural cave on a hilltop in the eastern part of Banswara city, Rajasthan. Built during the 11th-12th centuries by the Paramara rulers, this cave shrine holds significant religious importance as the starting point of the traditional Kavadi Yatra pilgrimage that ends at Baneshwar Temple.

Visitors can expect to climb steps to reach the temple carved within a natural cave on a hilltop. The temple offers panoramic views of Banswara and provides a spiritual atmosphere similar to Amarnath. The cave shrine houses an ancient Shivling and sacred stone. Visitors experience both open and closed spaces within the natural cave formation.

Built during the 11th-12th centuries CE by King Mandlik of the Paramara dynasty, who ruled the Vagad State. The Paramara rulers patronized both Jainism and Saivism during this period. The temple has been declared a centrally protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India.

The temple serves as the starting point of the annual Kavadi Yatra (Kawad Yatra), an important religious pilgrimage that culminates at Baneshwar Temple. During the yatra, pilgrims fetch water from the Mahi River to worship Lord Shiva. The temple holds immense religious significance among devotees of Lord Shiva.