Madhya Pradesh, also known as the heart of India is famous for its rich and ancient heritages. Known for its ancient temples, Madhya Pradesh is home to the Pashupatinath Temple. The temple is situated in Mandsaur district, near the banks of river Shivna.

The centre of attraction in this temple is the effigy of lord Shiva that has eight faces. The eight faces of lord Shiva depicts eight rasa or the eight emotions of mandkind. However, experts have also defined the eight faces differently.

This artistic effigy is built-up smooth, glowingly dark coppery fiery rock-block. Weighing over 46 quintals, this effigy of Lord Shiva has depictions of the four stages of mankind, ie. the Balyakaal (Childhood), Yuvaavastha (Adult), Prauravastha (Middle Age) and the Vriddhavasta (Old Age).

The Pashupatinath temple is 90 feets long, 30 feets broad and 101 feets high. The peak of this temple carries a Kalash (Pot), weighing over 100 kgs and is covered by pure gold.

According to Hindu mythology, during the Guptkaal (Ancient age) a washer man, Udaji dreamt of Lord Shiva, speaking to him. Lord Shiva told Udaji about the rock on which Udaji washed clothes, Shiva said he resides in it and thereafter this effigy was carved out of the rock.<

This effigy of Lord Shiva is said to be of the time of great Indian poet Kalidasa.