Kunteshwar Mahadev Mandir in Barabanki: the temple linked to Kunti and the Parijaat tree
About 38 km east of Barabanki town lies Kintoor, a village that takes its name from Kunti, the mother of the Pandavas. The village is dotted with old temples and ruins, and the best known is the Kunteshwar Mahadev Mandir, a Shiva temple that, according to local tradition, was established by Kunti herself. In this VoxyTalksy video we visit the temple and listen to the stories the villagers tell about it.
The legend of Kunti
Local belief holds that during the Pandavas' time in exile, Kunti worshipped Lord Shiva here. According to one popular tale, Arjun brought the Parijaat tree from heaven so that his mother could offer its flowers to Shiva. Priests and devotees told us many such stories, which you can hear in the video. As with most temple legends, these are matters of faith rather than recorded history, but they are deeply important to the people who live here.
The Parijaat tree next door
A short distance from the temple stands Kintoor's famous Parijaat tree, which is protected by an order of the district administration. Botanically it is a baobab — a species native to Africa — which makes its presence in Uttar Pradesh remarkable. A radiocarbon study in 2019 dated its oldest samples to roughly 775 years. Newly married couples visit it for blessings, and a fair is held here every Tuesday.
Visiting Kintoor
- The temple and the Parijaat tree can be seen together in a half-day trip from Lucknow or Barabanki.
- Mondays, the month of Sawan and Mahashivratri draw the biggest crowds.
- Carry water and cash; facilities in the village are basic.
If you live in Lucknow and have never been to Kintoor, this is one of the most interesting short trips you can make. Watch the video for a full tour of the temple.
