Bhagsunag Temple, Mcloedganj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, India

Bhagsunag Temple

The temple of Bhagsunag is located 18 kms from Dharmshala and 3 kms north of Mcloedganj in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, India. The place is at about 260kms from Shimla. This temple is dedicated to God of Snakes (Naag Devta), basically to Lord Shiva. It is believed that this temple is constructed 5000 years ago. It was rebuilt and developed later on during Gorkha regime.

Every year in the month of September a fair is organized. In the fair, one can see the himachali culture and their festivals very closely. The region of Dharmshala is full of temples of God and Goddess in which Jwalamukhi Devi, Chamunda Devi, Brajeshwari Devi and so many other religious places which are worth seeing. The sacred people from various places of Punjab, Haryana and throughout the country visit these centres of reverence.

History of the Bhagsunag Temple:

There is a very interesting story behind this temple. Around 5000 years ago, a demon king named Bhagsu ruled this place. He had so many mysterious powers. Once upon a time a crisis spread all over his regime and created acute shortage of water. The people started to leave his regime. When the King Bhagsu observed this, he went to hills in search of water. Approximately at the height of 18000ft, he saw a large fountain. By his mysterious power, he stole the water and filled it in his Kamandal (small pot) and moved towards his capital. The reservoir was the residence of Snake God (Naag Devta). Nag Devta came to this place and found the reservoir empty. Nag Devta got angry and chased the king Bhagsu. Nag Devta challenged the king Bhagsu for fight. In that fight, king Bhagsu got defeated and prayed to Nag Devta to forgive him. 

Nag Devta forgiven him and asked for something he desires. King bhagsu then narrated that the peoples of his kingdom are facing acute shortage of water. Nag devta blessed him the solicit gift and immediately thee water fountains started flowing for his kingdom.

From that time and even today, these fountains are flowing continuously. Further, Nag devta told that this place will be known as BHAGSU NAG in future.

It is believed that after drinking this holy water of the fountain, once can overcome from so many disease. Since then this place became the centre of reverence for the people. At present below this temple, there are two stage swimming pools for visitor’s recreation. It looks very amazing and beautiful with continuously flowing fresh water.

Other Near by places to Visit

Dal lake, Triund Hill, Tushita Meditation Centre, Himachal Vipasyana Centre, Bhagsu Water fall.

Dal Lake

The lake is situated at an altitude of 1900 meters near the village Tota Rani which is 8 kms from Mcloedganj. This is a beautiful lake which is surrounded by the Deodar trees and a small Lord Shiva Temple on the bank. There is also a temple of Durveshwar Mahadev by the side of the lake

Triund Hill:

It is a famous and popular picnic spot which can be reached by 9 km trek from Mcloedganj at a height of 9000ft. It is suggested to keep your own food and drinks with you as only few shops are there which may be closed during some odd hours. There is also a forest rest house near the ridge which may be booked in advance through Himachal Tourism offices in Kotwali Bazar.

Triund Hill

Tushita Meditation Centre:

Lama Thubten Yeshe, a highly qualified and talented teacher of Tibetan Buddhism tradition established this meditation centre in 1972 at Mcloedganj

Himachal Vipasyna Meditation Centre:

Various courses of Vipasyana Dhyanam are being run at this centre. They teach Vipasyana Techniques developed by Goenka

Bhagsu Waterfall:

Bhagsu waterfall is situated one km from Bhagsunag temple. During monsoon, this fall releases heavy water upto cascade of 30ft. It looks ornamental and is worth seeing.

There are also so many religious temples near Dharmshala e.g. Brajeshwari Devi, Jwala Devi, Chamunda Devi and many others which can be visited. In Dharmshala, one can do shopping of Tibetan craft related things.

Bhagsu Waterfall

Bhagsu Waterfall:

Bhagsu waterfall is situated one km from Bhagsunag temple. During monsoon, this fall releases heavy water upto cascade of 30ft. It looks ornamental and is worth seeing. 

There are also so many religious temples near Dharmshala e.g. Brajeshwari Devi, Jwala Devi, Chamunda Devi and many others which can be visited. In Dharmshala, one can do shopping of Tibetan craft related things.

How to Reach

By Air: The nearest airport is Gaggal, 15 km from Dharmshala

By Rail: The nearest rail head on the narrow gauge is Kangra, which is 20km from Dharmshala. Broad gauge nearest rail head is Pathankot which is 85 km from Dharmshala.

By Road: Buses from cities of Himachal and Punjab ply on the road for Dharmshala, from where one can visit these places by taxi or by car

Where to Stay:

Hotels of every budget are available at Dharmshala and Mcloedganj where one can stay comfortably.

During the rule of Raja Bhagsu there was once a severe drought in his capital. The local chiefs requested the king to do something or else the people would leave his kingdom. The king promised to do something this and set out himself in search of water. After about 3 days of searching he reached the Sacred Nag Dal (Lake) at a height of 18000ft.

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