Kapardeeshwar Temple, Varanasi

Kapardeeshwar Ling was installed by Shiv Gana Kapardi near Vimal Kund. According to Kashi Khand, in ancient times one devotee of Kapardeeshwar named Valmiki was residing nearby. One day a hideous and cruel looking Pishach/demon (ghost) appeared and told Valmiki that he (Pishach) was once residing near the banks of the holy river Godavari and had committed many sins. He learnt that a person who lives in Holy places and commits sins, attains Pishach Yoni and his present appearance was due to his past sins. He appealed to Valmiki to help him.

Valmiki was all the while chanting Shiv Sahasranam(thousand praises of Lord Shiva) and advised the Pishach to take bath in Vimal Kund and pray to Lord Kapardeeshwar. The pishach did as he was told and attained Mukti. After that, Valmiki gave him vibhuti (sacred ash) to be smeared on his forehead and the Pishach followed his instructions. The value of smearing vibhuti on the forehead is amply described in Kashi Khand inasmuch as a person who smears vibhuti in his forhead is safe from untimely death and mishappenings.

After the Pishach attained Mukti, the above Vimal kund came to be called as Pishachmochan Kund (Kashi Khand chapter 54). This huge kund is still existing in the present day and fairly well maintained.

It is believed that people who pray to Kapardeeshwar attain absolute control over emotions and Krodh (anger). They are cleansed of all their sins.