You might wonder, if she doesn’t see her shadow in the well, how is that related to her death? Let me explain. Usually, people toss coins or draw water from wells. But what if I told you that this well could show you your death too? Yes, you read that right—a well that predicts death.
This is the story of a woman in Kashi, Varanasi, where I went to explore the mysterious Chandrakoop Well, rumored to predict death. How can a well predict death? The whole tale is spine-chilling! It is believed that if someone looks into the well and cannot see their shadow, they might die within six months.
What happened to that woman? Was she dead or alive? Is this just a chilling rumor or a dark truth? Join me as we uncover the mysteriously unique story of Chandrakoop, the well that predicts death in Varanasi.
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The name ‘Chandrakoop’ comes from two words: ‘Chandra,’ meaning moon, and ‘Koop,’ meaning well. According to Hindu mythology, this well was created by Chandra, the moon god, who was also a devotee of Lord Shiva.
Chandra Koop Siddheshwari is believed to be older than the holy river Ganga. To please Lord Shiva, Lord Chandra created the Chandreshwar Ling, a revered Shiva lingam, and meditated there for a long time. During this period of meditation, he established Chandrakoop. It is believed that drinking water from this well can free a person from lack of knowledge. The ling and the well are worshipped together, and simply gazing into the well can purify one’s mind, body, and soul.
The Kashi Khand, a part of the Skanda Purana, offers a detailed account of Chandrakoop, emphasizing its mythical origins and importance. It is said that Chandra dug the well with his own hands, establishing it as a sacred space for spiritual practices.
Another relatively lesser-known temple in Varanasi is Sagas Bavji Temple. Despite its lesser fame, it holds significant spiritual value for devotees of Lord Shiva.
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I spoke with a man in his late 40s who shared a chilling experience. He recounted how his sister—the very woman I mentioned at the beginning of this story—looked into Chandrakoop and noticed she couldn’t see her shadow. Her family thought she was just making a joke, but tragically, she passed away within a month and a half. Could it be a mere coincidence?
But wait, there’s more. I also talked to a local priest who told me about another priest from his neighborhood. This priest visited Chandra Koop Siddheshwari, couldn’t see his shadow in the well, and sadly, he too passed away just 2.5 months later. It’s quite shocking, isn’t it? There are numerous stories like these that make you wonder if there’s something real behind the rumors.
Even today, people believe that similar incidents happen. While some visit the well just for spiritual purposes and don’t pay much heed to what happens when you look into it. Despite the fear, Chandrakoop still draws curious visitors and devotees. It’s said that if you can see your shadow in the well, you’ll stay in Varanasi to attain moksha or spiritual liberation. Even I’m tempted to take a look into the well myself, but I’m too scared to do it!
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Once at the Siddheshwari Temple, follow signs or ask locals for directions to Chandrakoop, which is located within the temple grounds. You’ll also find Chandreshwar Ling here, one of the nine Navagraha Shiv Lings associated with the nine celestial bodies in the temple.
However, Chandrakoop can be visited at any time of the year, as the temple remains open throughout the year.
Also Read: Discover the Soul of India: Places to Visit in Varanasi
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