The Ziro Valley in Arunachal Pradesh is famous for its Apatani tribe and the music festival that is held every year in the region. But, another interesting aspect of Ziro is quite mystic and spiritual in nature which makes it conducive to the appetites of seekers after authentic soul food.

From the Shiva Purana
The 17th chapter of the ninth volume of the Shiva Purana mentions that the highest Shivlingam will be found at a place called Lingalaya. Later, that place will be known as Arunachal.

True to the Puranic prophecy, a holy Shivalingam was discovered by a woodcutter long time ago in Ziro Valley. It is about 25 feet high and 22 feet wide, and four feet of the Shivlingam is under the ground.

Located close to this Shivalingam is a standing image of Goddess Parvati and Swami Kartikeya to the right of it. To the left of the lingam, the images of Lord Ganesha and Shiva’s vehicle Nandi are engraved on a stone. This lingam is the newest archaeological discoveries made in Arunachal Pradesh state in the late 1970s.

The holy site has been named Siddheshwarnath Temple where Mahadeva is present on the Karada Hill of Ziro Valley. Kardo Mahadev Temple is 6 kilometers from Hapoli, the main market of Ziro, which can be accessed via foot or a taxi from Hapoli. One of the intriguing features of this Shivalingam is the flow of water at its base is perennial. In addition, the garland of sphatik or Rhinestone beads can be seen on the upper part of the lingam. All these features have been present in their natural form ever since the discovery of Shivalingam. Because the temple is located in the Kardo forest area of Ziro Valley, it is also called Kardo Shiva Mandir.

How to reach Kardo Shiva Temple
The distance of Ziro from Itanagar or Naharlagoon railway station is about 120 KM. Ziro valley is located 100 km from Lakhimpur in Assam. From Lakhimpur, tourists can take a shared taxi ride. Alternatively, take a flight or train to Guwahati and get on-board a taxi or bus to reach Ziro.