Do You Know That Baijnath Mahadev Temple In MP Was Built By A Shiva-Devotee British Couple In 1883

The British ruled India for over two centuries, but unlike the Aryans, the Arabs, the Afghans, the Turks, and people of other ethnicities who came to India and embraced Indian culture, they always remained outsiders.

Though they built many churches and cathedrals where thousands of Indians got converted to Christianity, the British never accepted Indians as their own.

But there are a few exceptions to this. One such relic is the story of a British couple who got  Baijnath temple in Agar Malwa, Madhya Pradesh, renovated around 1883.  

The website of Municipal Body of Agar Malwa also attests to the authenticity of the story.  But why did a British couple, who till date had nothing to do with Hinduism or Lord Shiva spent lots of money for temple’s renovation? 

The couple got this temple renovated as a tribute to Lord Shiva for saving the life of the husband who had gone to fight against the Afghans on north-west frontier which falls in today’s Pakistan.

After the war, the officer claimed that Lord Shiva disguised as a Yogi saved his life from the menacing Afghans while answering to the prayers of his wife.

But who was this British couple?

The story goes back to 1879 of British India where Lieutenant Colonel C Martin was posted in Agar Malwa area of central India. The British Indian army was fighting an intense battle against the Afghans refused to bow down despite many attempts. Lt Col Martin was also sent on the frontier in 1879.

Lt Col Martin keep his wife posted about war through letters

 Though gone on the frontier, Lt Col Martin kept sending letters to his worried wife about his well being. A few month passed, though Martin’s wife was worried for him, but letters kept informed that her husband is still alive.

But soon, Martin stopped sending letters

The battle got further intense. The menacing Afghans were giving the British a tough time and rest was taken care of by the rough terrain that Afghanistan is. The frequency of letter decreased and soon there were no letters coming from Martin’s side. His wife got worried about her husband.