Muktinath Temple (Chumig Gyatsa), Mustang, Nepal

Location

Muktinath temple is located in the district Mustang in our neighborhood country, Nepal. It is situated at a distance of 18 km from the district HQ. 

MUKTINATH literally means, the God of Salvation. In Hindu religion Lord Vishnu is supposed to be the God of salvation.

Muktinath Temple

The temple’s altitude being 3800 mts and at the foot of Thorong La Pass mountain (part of Himalaya) in Nepal. The Holy shrine includes, Buddhist Gompa and the Pagoda style temple of Lord Vishnu.

A human sized gold statue of Lord Vishnu is installed inside the temple.

Idol of Lord Vishnu

Importance of the Temple

The devotees believe that visiting this temple and praying Lord Vishnu will brings salvation after death. Muktinath temple is supposed to be among eight sacred telmples of Lord Vishnu on the earth. They are namely, Sri rangam, Sri musnam, Tirupati, Nemisharanya, Todari, Puskar, Badrinath, and one Muktinath (Chumig Gyatsa) in Nepal

Tibetan Buddhist call this valley, Chumig Gyatsa which in Hindi means hundred waters. According to Tibetan Buddhist this valley is the place of Dakinis (sky dancer) and an important place among 24 places of Tantra.

A tantrik sadhu waving his hair in wind

The Buddhist believe that Padmashambhava (the founder of Tibetan Buddhism) meditated at this place before his journey to Tibet.

This is probably the only place on the earth where, you can find all five elements from which all the material things in the Universe are made. According to Hindu and Buddhist philosophies fire, water, sky, earth and air are these five elements. They are all found at the same place together in there own and distinct form.

This place is a small Monestry named Mebar Lha Gompa in the southern corner of temple complex is also called Jwala Mayee temple. A flame of natural gas is burning continuously which is worsiped as Jwala Mayee by the Hindus.

The Buddhist cahanting Mantra

The temple is praised by many Saints of Hindu religion. The script narrating the importance of the temple is available in Vishnu Purana with Gandaki Mahatmya.

It is important to mention here that the temple is equally sacred for both Hindu and Boddhist. It is a great example of a sacred place shared in harmony by devotees of two world religion.

Attractions of The Temple

Muktidham

There is a river named Gandaki flows near the temple. Gandaki river is diverted through the 108 bull faces water spouts at 7 ft height and at a gap of 1 ft in semicircle with continuous flowing water. The water there is chilled like ice. 

108 Bull Faced Water Spouts 

The devotees willing to get Salvation take bath here. Their belief and will power towards God and religion give them energy to take bath in such a chilled water. 

The number 108 is a very sacred in Hindu belief. According to a Tamil saint, there are 108 temples of Lord Vishnu, in which 105 temples are in India, one in Nepal and rest two are outside the earthly realms.

Kunda

There are also two small reservoir (kunda) named Saraswati and Luxmi. To take bath in these kunda wash away the negative karma of the devotees. 

Legend

Once in a battle between Lord Shiva and Jallandhar, it became very difficult to defeat the demon Jallandhar. 

Then Lord Vishnu, the guardian of the Universe decided to help Lord Shiva. The wife of Jallandhar was a pious and virtuous lady named Brinda. The power of being virtuous was helping Jallandhar. 

Then Lord Vishnu in guise of Jallandher breached the chastity of the pious lady Brinda. In this way, Jallandher became weak an Lord Shiva succeeded to kill Jallandhar.

Being angry by the deed of Lord Vishnu, Brinda gave him a curse (shraap) for being insects and flies. As a result Lord Vishnu transformed into insect and fly. Over the time the insect and flies converted into fossils.

Shaligrama Stone

The fossils in the form of stone are found in Kali Gandaki river. These stones are black in color and used to worship as Lord Vishnu and named Shaligram Stone.

Festivals

Rishitarpani, Ramnawmia and Vijayadashmi are the main festivals celebrated here. During these occasions, the devotees gathers in large numbers and celebrate the festivals with hustle and joy.

The local Buddhist nuns take care of this cultural heritage. They are the traditional caretakers of the linage Lama Wangyal who manages Puja, Prasadam and other day today activities of the temple. 

Best Time to Visit

March to June and September,to November are the most suitable time to visit the temple. During this period the weather condition is comfortable.

How to Reach

The journey to Muktinath should be devided in two parts. From Kathmandu to Jomsom and Jomsom to Muktinath.

From Kathmandu to Pokhra

1. Go by bus to Pokhra, then the next day by plane to Jomsom airport.

2. Go by plane to Jomsom airport.

3. Or do the 6 day trek to Jomsom, starting from Pokhra.

Starting from Jomsom to Muktinath Temple

1. Walk to Kagbeni to Jharkot to Muktinath in about 7 hrs.

2. Go by local rented horse in about same time.

3. Go by a rented bike sitting on back seat.

Where To Stay

There are enough hotels and guest houses in Jharkot and Ranipauwa nearby Muktinath temple. Tourist or Devotees can stay there comfortably. Many hotels have solar water heaters for taking bath.

Other Facilities

1. Telephone facilities are available in Jharkot and Ranipauwa.

2. Primary health center facilities.

3. Safe drinking water and food in local restaurants.

4. ACAP tourist information center.

Travel Tips

1. Drink plenty of water while trekking.

2. Carry sports shoes and trekking shoes.

3. Jacket or wind cheater.

4. Vaseline cream or moisturizer due to dry weather.

5. Stick for trekking.

6. Thick shocks and gloves.

There is an International Organisation named Muktinath Foundation International, is a non govt, non profit, interfaith organisation, founded in the year 2000 with the help of Muktinath Lama Wangyal.

This organisation supports the local people of Muktinath Valley at the Annapurna trekking circuit in Nepal to preserve, the Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site.

The organisation is run by donation. If some one want to cooperate may contact on line at

www.muktinath.org

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pY__9492asc

Salasar Hanuman ji Temple, Salasar, Churu, Rajasthan, India.

Location

Salasar Balaji Temple is located in the town Salasar in Churu district in Rajasthan. It is an important religious temple of Lord Hanuman, where the devotees from all over the country come here to worship and get blessings from their deity.

Entrance of Temple

Idol of Lord Balaji

This temple is believed to be a Shaktiasthal (place of power) and Siddhpeeth (spiritually proved). The idol of Lord Hanuman is supposed to be a self created (swayambhu), fulfilling all appeasement (manouti) of their devotees.

The idol of Balaji is totally different from all other idols, seen throughout the country. The face of idol is round in shape with moustaque. By a glance (Darshan)  of the holy idol of Balaji, the devotees become full of reverence and head bowed automatically before their deity.

Bhog, Puja and Rituals

Around the temple there are many shops, preparing Bhog (pera,Laddu,Churma ) prasadam for offerings. Devotees purchases Prasadam and offer it to their deity.

The devotees who pray balaji to achieve something in his life or to remove any problem from his life, if fulfilled they came here and offer 1.25 mounds (50 kg) of different kinds of Prasadam such as Laddu ,Pera, Churma etc to their Deity is called  SAVAMANI BHOG.

The Prasadam is then distributed among their family members and relatives and rest is distributed to the other devotees inside the temple.

Savamani bhog is also prepared in the temple kitchen or may be outsourced, depending upon the will of the devotees.

The devotees from Delhi, Jaipur, and other cities of Rajasthan come here on foot, this shows the reverence  and belief to Lord Balaji.

Tying Coconut

The devotees ties coconuts with mouli (red colour sacred thread) and put it in the temple campus with a belief, that his wish will be fulfilled by their deity.

Tying Coconut

Fair and Festivals

A large fair is organized in Chaitra Purnima and Ashwin Purnima (full moon day of Hindi month) in which a large number of devotees gathers and enjoy the occasion.

Hanuman Jayanti  on Chaitra Shukla Chaturdashi, the Birthday of Lord Hanuman celebrated here with pomp and glee.

History Behind The Temple

A Jat farmer of village Ambota in Rajathan, found this idol during cultivating his farm. He handed over the idol to the Thakur of Asota who again handed over it to a Brahmin priest of Salasar, named Mohan Das. One day Lord hanuman appeared in his dream and inspired him, to construct a temple. By the inspiration of his deity he constructed a temple using mudstone in Samwat 1811(1754 AD) at Salasar.

A slightly different legend is also famous among the devotees. In a dream, Lord Balaji directed to Thakur of Asota to shift his Idol by a bullock cart and leave the Bull of the cart to move freelly. The place where the bulls stop, construct a temple at that place. Thakur brought a cart with two bulls and put the Idol on it, leaving the bull to move freely.

The place where the bulls stopped, Thakur constructed a temple there. Since then the place was given the present name Salasar. This all happened by the order of Balaji.

Although there is no citation available for this occurrence.

Construction of Temple

As the time passed, the renovation of the temple was done time to time. Now, it is a beautiful temple entirely made of white marble. Even the prayer hall and circulatory path for Parikrama constructed extensively with white marble, giving it a worth look.

The Garbhagriha (place of Idol) is covered with artistic work of gold and silver. All the utensils used for Puja, rituals, Bhog Prasad, and Arti are made of either gold or silver.

Administration

The temple is being managed by a Trust namely Hanuman Seva Samiti. Public facilities like roads, bathrooms, wash rooms, water supply, medical aid, charitable hospitals are all managed by the Samiti.

Facilities

1.  Many more Dharashalas are available near the temple at moderate rates for comfortable stay.

2.   Many good restaurants are just around the temple for food.

3.   Many sweet shops for Prasad, Pataka, photos of Balaji and religious books are near the temple.

4.  Toilets and bathrooms.

5.   Free medical assistance run by the temple committee.

6.   Drinking water facilities for devotees.

Places To visit Nearby

Anjani Mata Mandir

This temple is dedicated to Mata Anjani, the mother of Lord Hanuman situated at a distance of one km from Salasar

Khatu Shaym baba temple

The famous Shyam Baba temple is only 80 km from Salasar. The devotees coming to salasar genrally visit few more temples namely Ranisati Dadi temple, Jhunjhunu, Menhdipur Balaji and other small temples nearby.

Laadlu Jain Temple

It is a famous Jain temple only 40 km from Salasar.

Where to stay

There are more than 50 Dharamshalas all are very near to the temple and most of them are run by the trust. So the rates of comfortable rooms are moderate. Some of them are namely -

1. Ramswaroop Seva Sadan

2. Bombay Wala Dharamshala

3. Guest House of Kolkata

4. Kejariwal Dharamshala

5. Agrawal Seva Sadan

6. Sharda Seva Sadan

7. Fatehabad Dharamshala

Timings of Temple

Temple opens at 4.00 am in the morning and closes at 10.00 pm night in regular days, but on occasions such as Hanuman Jayanti and other festivals, it remains open 24 hrs. Depending upon the gathering of the devotees the committee decides the timings.

How To Reach

By Road

Bus services are available from Delhi, jaipur, and all major cities of Rajasthan. State transport buses of Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi ply regularly on Delhi – Jaipur – Sikar – Salasar road route. One can reach easily by road to Salasar. The distance from Jaipur is approximately 160 km.

By Rail

The nearest Railway station is Sikar or Jaipur. From their only road is the option. From old Delhi some trains are available on Ahmedabad route by which one can reach Jaipur or Sikar.

By Air

Jaipur is the nearest airport aprox 170 km away. Delhi is well connected all over major cities of India by air route. Flight of Indian airlines for Jaipur is available daily.

Video link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cz6bG80lfGw

Tungnath Temple, Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand, India.

Location

Tungnath temple is located in the district of Rudraprayag, in the state Uttarakhand, India. It is an excellent surprise of nature at an altitude of 12073 ft. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Here, the Arm of Lord is worshiped.

Tungnath Temple

Rhododendron Flowers through out the trek

This is the only shrine in the world at such an altitude and approximately more than 1000 yr old.

According to Hindu mythology, Himalaya is the abode of Lord Shiva and his consort Parwati is the daughter of Himalaya. Probably this is the reason that most important temples of Lord shiva are situated in Himalaya.

Tungnath temple is situated below the Chandrashila peak. The hill of Tungnath devides mandakini and Alaknanda, which rises from Kedarnath and Badrinath respectively. Trek to Tungnath begins from Chopta. The trek route provides enough of natural beauty of Garhwal valley.  Beautiful flowers of Rhododendron delight the visitors through out the trekking. To view the Himalayan peaks Choukhambha, Nanda devi, Neelkanth, Kedarnath, Panch chuli, Bandarpanch and trishul make journey easy and live. The easy stones paved route with benches to rest at places lightens the trouble and tiredness of trekking.

It is said that Lord Rama meditated here to get rid of the sin (Brahama Hatya) achieved by killing Ravana, who was a Brahmin.

The numbers of devotees are lessor than that of Chhota chardham ie Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri. Even then the number of devotees visiting here are in thousands.

On the way to Tungnath, devotees enjoy the beauty of nature in form of flower,falls, and the aroma of fresh air.

History of the Temple

History relates the temple to Mahabharat period. Pandavas were the victorious of Mahabharat war. They killed all their relatives, cousins, neighbours in this war in large numbers.and collected the sin of killings.

The Sage rishi Vyas suggested to beg pardon from Lord Shiva. Only, he can give you liberation from the sin.

Firstly Pandavas went to Kashi in search of Lord Shiva but in vain. They did not find Lord Shiva there. Secondly, they came to Himalaya. Lord Shiva was angry with Pandavas for such a mass killing in Mahabharat war.

Lord Shiva changed him self and turned into a Bull. But Bhim , one of Pandavas brother recognized and pursue to stop him, from being evaporated.

Lastly Lord Shiva given excuse to Pandavas, but rematerialised his body and placed them at five locations in Himalaya, known as PANCHKEDAR. One of them is Tungnath where the Bahu (hands) of Lord Shiva is worshipped.

It will not be a diversion to the subject, to  name the places which are included in  Panchkedar.

1. Tungnath (12073 ft) – Hand of Lord Shiva.

2. Kedarnath (11755 ft) – Hump

3. Rudranath (7500 ft) – Head

4. Madhya Maheshwar (7200 ft) – Stomach

5. Kalpeshwar (7200 ft) – Hair (jata)

All the five temples are built by Pandavas in the honor of Lord Shiva.

Places To Visit Nearby

Chopta

Chopta is situated at an altitude of 2900 mts on Gopeshwar – Ukhimath road and about 4 km from Tungnath temple. This is the main place from where trekking to Tungnath  starts.

Deoria Lake

Deoria Lake

The lake is situated at a height of 2387 mts on Ukhimath – Chopta road. The lake is surrounded by snow covered hill of Choukhambha range of Himalaya. It is a beautiful lake and worth visit for trekers and who loves camping.

Dear Sanctury

Kanchula Korak musk dear sanctuary is a dense forest situated at a distance of 7 km from Chopta. The covering area of the sanctuary is about 6 sq km.

Chandrashila Peak

Gangadham Temple at Chandrashila Peak

It is a 2 km trek from Tungnath. According to hindu belief Lord Rama meditated here to get rid of the sin of Brahama Hatya after killing Ravana, Its beauty is beyond explanation. Snow covered peaks of Himalaya Choukhambha, Nanda Devi, Neelkanth, can be viwed from here.

Guptakashi

Ardhanarishwar Temple

Guptakashi is a village at an altitude of 1319 mts in the district Rudraprayag. Guptakashi, which litrally means hidden place. Pandavas resided here during their exile period.

There is a temple in the village in which the idol of Lord Shiva in form of Ardhanarishwar is installed. Guptakashi is supposed to be second pious place after Kashi Vishwanath.

How To Reach

Rishikesh is the starting point for Tungnath. Hire a taxi and reach Chopta by NH – 58 via Deoprayag – shrinagar – Rudraprayag – Karnaprayag. From Chopta is a 4 km trek to Tungnath Temple.

The nearest air port is Dehradoon. Flights from Delhi to Dehradoon are available.

Nearest Railway station is Rishikesh. From Rishikesh road is the only option.

Where To Stay

There are few good hotels within 10 - 12 km radius to stay comfortably. 

Maya deep herbal resorts, Duggal Bittha – 3.5 km 

GMVN Tourist guest house, Ukhimath – 7.5 km 

Devbhoomi Hotel – Main market bus stand, Ukhimath – 11.5 km 

Hotel Raj Palace, Guptakashi – 11 km

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfYAA__iUzc

Shyam Baba Temple, Khatu, Sikar, Rajasthan, India.

Location

Khatu Naresh Shyam Baba Temple is located in Khatu (a small city), district Sikar in Rajasthan. This temple is dedicated to Shyam Baba, basically, a manifestation of Barbarik, a character in the story of Mahabharat. He was the son of Ghatotkach and grand son of Bhim (one of the Pandavas).

Only the idol of severed head of Barbarik is worshiped inside the temple in the form of Shyam Baba.

Idol of Khatu Shyam

Temple 

The Idol is sculpted from the rare Makrana marble piece. The main devotees of Shyam Baba are the people belonging to Haryana, Rajasthan and Agrawal community (Marwaris) of Rajasthan. Although the devotees from all over the country and abroad come here to worship Baba Shyam.

After donating his head for a good cause, Lord Krishna blessed him that in kaliyuga you will be worshipped like me.

Story behind the Temple

After many years of Kaliyuga started, some villagers of Khatu saw an amazing incident. A cow come at a particular place and starts flowing milk spontaneously from its udder. The people who witnessed this incident started digging the place and found a buried HEAD. The villagers handover the Head to a Brhmin who kept it and started to worship the head.

In the mean time, one day the King of Khatu Roop Singh Chauhan had a dream and inspired to build a temple. The idol of head was installed in it. The day was the 11 th day of Shukla Paksha (bright half) of the Hindi month Phalgun. This temple was constructed in 1027 AD. After that in 1720 AD this temple was renovated by the behest of the King of Marwar.

The story of finding the buried head relates this incident to Mahabharat period. At the end of Mahabharata the head of Barbarika drowned in a river, named Rupwati by Lord Krishna Himself giving him, a lots of blessings. This was the head found in village Khatu.

There is also another legend slightly different from it. The wife of King Roop Singh Chouhan had a dream and inspired to dug the place indicated in the dream. The king found a buried head from this Place. Due to digging the place became deep like a reservoir and is now known as Shyam Kund. The devotees visiting the temple take holy dip in this KUND.

Shyam Kund

Ancient story behind the Temple

Barbarika was the son of Ghatotkach and the grandson of Bhim. Barbarika wanted to see this adventurous battle of Mahabharata. Now, Barbarik started his journey to Kurukshetra on his blue coloured horse. 

Before starting his journey, he assured his mother that, he will help the defeating party in the battle.The weapons with him was only his bow with three arrows. 

Lord krishna was knowing that Barbarika is a so brave that he alone is sufficient to change the complete scenario of Mahabharata war.

Lord Krishna than in guise of a Brahmin, appeared before Barbarika and raised a doubt that simply with these three arrows, how you are thinking to fight in this Mahayudh (great war). Then Barbarika told Lord Krishna, that only one arrow is sufficient, to kill all the enemies in the war. 

Surprisingly Lord Krishna told Barbarika that we are standing below this peepal tree, now show me how with one arrow you can destroy all the leaves of this tree. 

Then, Barbarika released one arrow from his bow plating, whispering some Mantras. The arrow after piercing all the the leaves touched the spot near the toe of Lord Krishna. Now, Barbarika thought that the things are not so as it appears. He now requested the Brahmin to show his real identity.

Lord Krishna then appeared before him in His Devine form.

Barbarika now prayed Lord Krishna in many ways. Lord Krishna then sought charity from Barbarika. Barbarika promised to fulfil his wish. Lord Krishna asked him to donate his own Head. Donation of your Head will be a charity for a good cause.

This happened on 12 th day of bright half (SHUKLA PAKSHA) of Hindi month Phalgun on Tuesday.

Request of Barbarika

Before decapitating himself, Barbarika told Lord Krishna of his great desire to view the forthcoming battle and requested him to facilitate the same. Lord Krishna agreed with his proposal and placed the head on top of a hill from where he could be able to see the entire battle.


Judgement by Barbarika

At the end of the battle, the victorious Pandavas brothers discussed among themselves as to who was responsible for their victory. Krishna suggested to ask this question from Barbarika who was the real watchman of the whole war. Barbarika's head suggested that it was Krishna alone, who was responsible for the victory. His advice, His presence and his game plan had been very crucial.

Other names of Shyam Baba

1. Sheesh ke Dani – means the donor of the head. (that is why only head is worshiped).

2. Hare ka sahara – means support of the defeated.

3. Teen banh dhari – means bearer of three arrows.

4. Khatu Naresh – means King of Khatu.

5. Kaliyuga ke Awatar – God in Kaliyuga, as blessed by Lord Krishna.

Festivals

Phagun Mela 

This is the main festival celebrated on 12 th day of bright half (shukla paksha) of Hindi month Phagun, generally in march every year. The devotees from all over the country in large numbers come here and enjoy the festival.

According to District Administration 5 to 10 millions devotees visit the temple on this occasion. Unofficially the gathering is more than that.The devotees have to wait for hours in a long serpentine queue to get a glance of their Deity. All Dharamshalas and guest houses of temple trust and town remains full packed during this fair.

District Administration takes care of law and order and deploy extra manpower to control this huge gathering.

Famous singers from all over the country come here and perform Bhajan and Kirtans through out night. The devotees take a dip in such a religious and joyful environment.

Shyam Kund

The place where the Head of Baba Shyam was retrieved is now a pond, named as Shyam Kund. The devotees take holy bath in it, with this believe that all the physical, mental and spiritual problems will be removed from his life.

Nissan Yatra 

Ringus is also believed to be a religious place because the body of Baba Shyam is here. It is located at a distance of 17 km from the temple. Devotees with Nissan (a flag of triangular shape) walk over the distance on foot and offer the Nissan to the shyam Baba temple. Thousands of devotees take part in this Nissan Yatra.

Shukla Ekadashi and Dwadashi

11th and 12th day of every bright half of the Hindi month throughout the year are of a special significance to the temple. Darshan of Shyam Baba in these two days is considered auspicious. Thousands of devotees come and worship in these two days. 

Other festivals

Some other Hindu festivals Krishna Janmashtami, Jhoolini Ekadashi, Basant Panchami, are also celebrated here with joy and enthusiasm.

Administration

The temple administration is managed by a committee registered under a Public Trust. The committee manages the following work inside the temple. The members of the committee are mostly chouhan kshtriya, the decedents of Chouhan Dynasty. 

1. Distribution of Prasadam.

2. Control of gathering during Occasions.

3. Cleanliness inside the temple campus.

4. Lighting arrangements.

5. Goushala managed by the committee.

6. Child education.

7. Security checks.

8. Dharmashala allocation to the devotees.

Places to visit Nearby

Shyam Bageechi

A garden managed by the Temple committee is very a sacred garden. The flowers are picked from here to be offered to Baba Shyam.The great devotee of Baba Lt. Aloo Singh ji's samadhi is also in side the premises.

Gourishankar Temple

It is a renowened temple of Lord Shiva. There is a legend that Mogul Emperor Aurangzeb with his soldier attacked the temple. the soldier used spear on Shivlinga to destroy it. Fountains of blood started to coming out from lingam creating a terror. Then the soldier ran away leaving the temple with fear. One can still see the mark of spear on Lingam.

Laxmangarh Fort 

Luxmangarh fort is constructed by Luxman Singh, a Rajput King in 1862 AD. He established the city Luxamangarh around it in the year 1864 AD.

Luxmangarh Fort

Jeenmata Temple

The sacred shrine of Jeenmata is believed to be a thousand year old. millions of devotees assemble here for a colorful festival, held twice in a year during two Navratras in the Hindi month, Chaitra and Ashwin.

Jeenmata Idol

Where to stay

There are many Dharamshalas in Khatu available for comfortable stay. Many Hotels and guest houses of every budget are available. Overall there is no problem in staying at Khatu.

How to Reach

By rail

Nearest Railway Station is Ringus, only 17 km away. Rail facilities are not proper. Better to take road route from Jaipur.

By road

Jaipur and all other cities of Rajasthan, Haryana, and Punjab are well connected by road to Khatu. From Jaipur, the distance is 80 km. One can reach easily by his own car or taxi.

By air

Nearest airport is Jaipur only 80 km from Khatu. Flights for major cities are available from Jaipur.

Masroor Temple, Kangra valley, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India.

Masroor Temple

Location

Masroor Temple is located in Kangra valley, at a distance of 38 km from Kangra town on Nagrota – Surian link road in the state Himachal Pradesh.

It is also known as Masroor Rock cut temple because the main temple and 14 other temples side by side are carved out of a single rock (monolithic rock).

The altitude of the temple is 2500 ft, above sea level in sanctuary area of Pong Dam. People knowing this place, plan in their itinerary during any trip to Mcleodganj, Dharamshala, Palampur or Kangra. Spectaculer view of the snow peaked Dhauladhar range, mesmerizes the devotees and tourists alike.

Main Deity

Lord Rama Temple

The main Shrine is in the cente, and a group of seven small temples on each sides. The main Deities inside the temple are in the form of three beautiful stone idols of Lord Rama, Mata Sita and Lakhsman. Art historians consider that initially this temple was dedicated to Mahdeva and after an ancient earthquake it was reshaped into a shrine of Lord Rama. The image of Lord Shiva is present in the center of the lintel at main door. 

The entire theme of the temple revolves around the festivity and coronation of Lord Shiva. That is why the local people believe that originally, the temple was of Lord shiva. There is a pond in front of the temple in which the reflection of the temple looks marvelous.

Architecture

The temple is an ancient one and constructed in between 7 Th – 8 Th century, also known as Himalayan Pyramid. The temple’s architect reflects the architectural style of the Kailashnath temple (Ellora cave) of Maharashtra which is also of the same period. 

The tourist visiting this rock cut temple are mesmerized by the grandeur and magnificence of the statues, carvings and sculpture adorning the walls of the temple. Kangra valley experienced an extremely powerful earthquake in 1905. Wonderful Masroor temple suffered heavily and partly turned in to ruins. Debris of the temples still lies around them. Slower but not less destructive has been erosion by weather and vegetation One by one the wonderful carvings have eroded leaving a boring, flat surface. Even today, the ruins and timeworn condition of carvings, states the quality and master-ship in art of the past. 

The awesomely ornamented carved temples are the only rock Shrines in the northern part of India.

A Supreme Creation

Ornamental Carving

Rock cut style is much more difficult than the structural one. In the structural work the artist shapes the material as he likes. But cutting of rock is done according to the nature of stone making limitations of handling the tools on it.

It is amazing that the artists of 7 th – 8 th century carried out their purpose, resulting a unparalleled creation in the form of this temple. Some of the most beautifully carved panels are now in the state museum Shimla.

Already in 1914 temples became a national monument. Archological Survey of India maintains the site and a ticket of Rs 5/- for each entry inside the temple is collected. Now this temple is considered to include in the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Heritage institutions have done much to preserve and renew this amazing structure. 

Festivals

Ram Nawmi and Janmashtami are the main festival celebrated with joy and entheuism. Only these two days, every year, local people can access the temple for free.

Legend

There is an interesting story behind the temple. Pandavas during their long exile period came here and stay for a countable period of time. In one area of the temple, there is a Dungeon (kaal Kothari) with half built staircase. Pandavas unfolded the secret to build a stairway to heaven, but on the condition that the stairway should be built in one night but before, early morning. 

Knowing this Lord Indra (the king of heaven) became worried. He thought that the Heaven will be accessible for the earthly beings, without his permission. He disguised himself as rooster and crowed loudly before the very early morning. Pandavas upon hearing the rooster cowing thought that they were unable to complete the stairway in time.

They left the staircase incomplete. One can see it at Masroor even today.

Near By Places to Visit

1. Chamunda Devi temple

2. Jwalamukhi devi temple

3. Vrajeshwari devi temple

4. Chintpurni devi temple

Above four temples form a circuit of Devi temples of Kangra district in HP. 

One should must visit these temples.
How to reach

By road

Buses are frequent from Kangra and Dharamshala to Nagrota Surian ,and Masroor is only 3 km away from this route. Get down at Peer Bhindi bus station and can take a walk of 3 km in hills. If not interested in walking taxis are available at this place.

By rail

The closest railway station is Una which is connected via a narrow gauge line with Ranital. This narrow gauge line from Pathankot passes throgh many smaller station before reaching Joginder Nagar.

The other broad gauge rail head is Pathankot which is aproximately 88 km from Dharamshala. Pathankot is linked to all major cities of India.Travellers can avail buses or taxi from here to reach Masroor.

By air

Gaggle is the nearest airport. It is located at a ditance of 72 km from Dharamshala and 8 km from Kangra. Jagson airline which flies only for four days a week. Other airports are located at Shimla Chandigarh and Pathankot.

Where to Stay

There is no fascility available for stay, nearby temple. Kangra is only 38 km. There are many hotels available at Kangra. Some of them are Imperial height resort, Hotel Atithi etc. 

Shiv Bari Temple, Gagret, Una, Himachal Pradesh

Location

Shiv Bari Temple is located in the village Gagret, distt Una in Himachal Pradesh. It is an ancient temple approximately 5000 yrs old. This is also known as Drona Shiv Mandir. It is believed that Guru Dronacharya ( Guru of Pandava and Kourava ) was the resident of this village.

Entrace of Shivbari Temple

Shivlingam in form of Pindi

About the Temple

Shivlinga inside the temple is in the form of Pindi (a circular stone). Temple is situated amidst the dense forest of village Ambota in Gagaret. It is believed that the lingam here, is a self created Lingam. There are idols of Virbhadra, Swami Kartikey, Lord Kuber, Lord Ganesha, all are believed to be ancient one.

The Samsdhis (burial place) of many Saints are here who meditated here in past. There are four Shamasan (place of cremation), situated in four direction to the temple. There are four wells constructed there by the King of Jammu and Amb after, getting their desire fulfiiled by Lord Shiva.

At present Pt. Ajay Sharma is the priest there.

The water of Jalhari (the space around pindi) after worship, sprinkled on the devotees and believed as the main Prasad (offering) of the temple. Ample of trees around the temple are there, which can be used only for Cremation, Yajna, Bhandara, Dhuni ( fire place for Sadhus) etc. 

The wood of these tree are not used for any other purposes (believing it as the order of Lord Shiva).

A big fair is organized during Shivratri. The devotees visiting Mata Chintpurni, come here and enjoy the fair.

History behind the Temple

It is believed that Guru Dronacharya was the resident of the village Ambota. A river named Swan is flowing near the temple. After taking a holy dip in Swan, Guru Dronacharya used to go Himalaya for praying Lord Shiva. It was his daily practice.

There was a daughter of Guru Dron, named Yayati. Once Yaati insisted her father where he used to go. Seeing her persistence Guru told her, firstly you start chanting ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ at home with belief, than after I will tell you the fact.

Yayati did accordingly and started chanting the Mantra with belief and full concentration. After few days, Lord Shiva became pleased with her deep devotion and appeared before her. 

Lord Shiva himself became a child and started playing with her. Guru Dron became surprised after knowing the fact. After all, he understood everything. Now Yayati requested Lord Shiva to remain here forever.

Then Lord Shiva agreed to remain here in the form of Lingam.

Then, Guru Dron constructed a temple here and installed a Shivlinga inside the temple.

According to another belief, Lord Shiva here is in south of Mata Chintpurni temple in the form of Maharudra in addition to four Maharudras in four direction to protect her.

Incident during Mogul period

Mogul Emperor Aurangzeb came here with their soldier and attacked the temple. They started to excavate the Pindi. Surprisingly, red color insects started to coming out from the Pindi, in huge quantity and began to bite, the soldier leaving them senseless. Seeing this the Emperor surrendered before Lord Shiva and begged apologies for his deed.

The villagers then sprinkled the pious water of Jalhari, on them which brought the soldiers in sense. After, this miracle of supernatural power, they fled away from the temple.

There is an important accreditation of the temple that the second Saturday of Hindi month Baishakh is believed to be the most religious day. On this day the desires of devotees are fulfilled by Lord Shiva.

Places to Visit Nearby 

• Chintpurni Temple

          The temple is only 17 km from here and a famous Mata temple. One should must visit this                    temple.

Mata Chintpurni Temple

• Bombay Picnic Spot

         The spot is only 10 km away, comprises of Hotels Restaurants and Amusement park. 

• Derababa Bharbhag Singh

          A famous religious place of Sikhism.

Dera Bharbhag Singh

• Sadashiv Temple 

          A Lord Shiva temple only 2 km away.

How to Reach

By rail

The nearest railway station is Amb Andura only 5 km away from the temple on Delhi – Una rail route.

By road

Village Gagret is located on Jalandhar – Mandi NH -70 and 26 km from Hoshiarpur and 32 km from Una, the district HQ.

By air

The nearest airport is Gaggal near Dharmshala,