According to Purāṇas (Puranas), the planet Maṅgala (Mangala; Mars) is red in colour and his complexion is blood red. He is Śiva’s (Shiva’s) son and born of him. Therefore, Mars is a form of Mahādeva (Mahadeva). Skandapurāṇa (Skandapurana) chronicles that this ruddy complexioned form of Mahādeva had been manifested in Mahākālavana (Mahakalavana) on the bank of the river Śiprā (Shipra) in the kingdom of Avantī (Avanti). This holy place is renowned as Aṅgāreśvara (Angareshwara). Paying homage to Aṅgāreśvara śivaliṅga (shivalinga) that was established by Brahmā et al, purges all sins committed. The piety of praying here is equivalent to visiting other places of pilgrimage such as Vārāṇasī (Varanasi), Kurukṣetra (Kurukshetra) [the holy land of Kuru], and Gayā (Gaya).

This place is also known by the name Aṅgārakeśvara (Angarakeshwara). Aṅgāraka (Angaraka) or Maṅgala came to Kāśī (Kashi), created a śivaliṅga, and named it after himself. There he was engaged in rigorous religious austerities till his body emanated power like burning ember/cinder. Appeased by Aṅgāraka-Maṅgala’s prayers Śiva graced him with boons. Henceforth, Aṅgārakeśvara Śiva became prominent here as a deity. It is chronicled in Purāṇas that Aṅgārakeśvara is located in Pāñcamudra (Panchamudra), a great holy place situated to the north of Aśvatareśvara (Ashwatareshwara) and Kambaleśvara (Kambaleshwara) liṅgas.