Tarkeshwar Mahadev, Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh India

The temple Tarkeshwar Mahadev finds a mention in Puranas. There is a huge pond nearby which is supposed to have been dug by a demon (Asur) named Tarak, who was killed by Lord Shiva, hence the name Tarkeshwar Mahadeo. As per mythological belief Ma Laxmi went into prolonged meditation (Tapasya) after hearing the eulogizing description of Lord Shiva from Lord Vishnu. Even after prolonged meditation when Lord Shiva did not appear Mahamaya (Laxmi) dug a pond in the north of Tarkeshwar which was later known as Laxmi Pond. Goddess laxmi lives here and is known as Vaishnavi Devi along with Goddess Saraswati.