Shukreshwar Temple, Varanasi

 Long time ago, Shukra came to Kashi, intalled a Shiv Ling, dug a Well and started worshipping Lord Shiva by offering various prayers. He offered various types of flowers, leaves etc. in the course of his pooja. Shukra thus prayed Lord Shiva for several years. Despite his devotion, Lord Shiva did not appear before him.Shukra then started surviving by consuming the fumes of burnt rice husk and he continued his sincere prayers for a long long time. Finally Lord Shiva appeared before him and blessed him with divine wish. Shukra started singing various kinds of praises of Lord Shiva and again started performing various Poojas. Lord Shiva was overwhelmed by Shukra’s sincerity and stated that the latter will be regarded as his (Lord Shiva’s) own son.

Lord Shiva also told him the secret of Mrita Sanjivini (elixir or potion capable of giving life to the dead). Lord Shiva also granted that Shukra will shine in the Galaxy among all planets and those marriages which are cosummated with Shukra in a favourable position will be blissful and happy marriages. (Even today, when marriages are fixed, the astrologers ensure that Shukra’s planetary position is not adverse).

Those who worship the Ling installed by Shukra (Lord Shiva named this Ling as Shukreshwar) will be blessed with all happiness and attainment in life. A devotee who performs pooja etc. of Shukreshwar Ling for one year with complete devotion will be blessed with good children and will attain all happiness. After narrating all these, Lord Shiva disappeared into the Shukreshwar Ling. (Kashi Khand, Chapter 16).

Even today, when a person is having a very good time, people regard him as having a Shukra Dasa (time allotted to Shukra in a person’s life). Similarly, for marriage purpose Shukra is given much importance.

There is a well called Shukra Koop nearby which is supposed to have divine properties.