The story of the Nageshwar Temple in Nageshvara spread far and wide, capturing the fascination of many. According to the legend, an underground chamber beneath the temple could only be seen by true king devotees. This chamber was said to have been created by the demon king Ravana to store his gold and jewels. Ravana performed penance to Lord Shiva for 1,105 years at this location. When Lord Shiva finally appeared, Ravana requested that anyone who entered the chamber gain the power of destruction. Lord Shiva refused this request but agreed to protect the door from unauthorized entry.
He gave Ravana a trident-shaped key and revealed that the door could only be opened with seven keys, which were scattered across the world. It is said that no one has ever opened the door and Rumors also suggest that Ravana created seven doors: one for himself and six for his sons. However, they all perished in the war, including Ravana.
King Himavat, intrigued by the story, decided to visit the Nageshwar Temple. As a devoted follower of Devi Parvati, he gained access to the underground chamber. There, he discovered Ravana's door, which remained closed. Believing he should take one of the seven doors, King Himavat selected the one adjacent to Ravana's and dedicated it to Devi Parvati. He filled this door's chamber with gold and jewels, mirroring Ravana's actions. At the center, he erected a grand statue of Devi Parvati and performed penance for 1,000 years.
For 800 years, he engaged in unwavering penance, seeking the favor of the divine. Still his devotion did not go unnoticed. One serene evening, as the sun dipped below the snow-capped peaks, Devi Parvati, the goddess of love and devotion, descended from her celestial abode, her presence illuminating the entire valley.
"Himavat," she called, her voice as soothing as a gentle breeze, "your devotion has pleased me. What boon do you desire?"
King Himavat, humbled and in awe, bowed deeply. "O Devi Parvati, I wish for whoever first enters this door to receive the power of resurrection. Additionally, I seek a safeguard for this door, akin to the one possessed by Ravana."
Devi Parvati, her eyes filled with divine grace, responded, "Very well, Tathastu."
She handed Himavat a key shaped like a sword, its hilt adorned with intricate carvings. "Himavat, as you wish, this door can only be opened by seven keys. The key in your hand is one of them. The remaining keys have been sent to various locations around the world. Moreover, this door can only be opened by chosen individuals."
Himavat, overwhelmed with gratitude, replied, "Thank you so much, Devi Parvati."
With a gentle smile, Devi Parvati vanished, her divine presence lingering in the air. Before departing, King Himavat took a moment to inscribe the entire story of Ravana and himself onto a massive rock. This rock, placed between the two mystical doors, served as a silent guardian of the ancient secrets and the divine will that had shaped their fates.
Determined to fulfill his divine mission, Himavat embarked on a journey to locate the remaining keys and identify the chosen individuals. His quest was shrouded in mystery, the true purpose known only to him and the deities. As he traversed the vast and varied landscapes of the world, he carried with him the hope and blessing of resurrection, a gift that would one day change the destiny of those deemed worthy.