Pataleshwar Mahadev Temple, Nahan, Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh, India

Pataleshwar Mahadev Temple, Nahan, Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh, India 

Location

The temple is located in the village Patalian near Panwata Sahib in Himachal Pradesh. It is 5 km away from Panwata Sahib on Nahan-Yamuna Nagar road, and vehicle can reach up to the temple campus. Dense forests and Eco - friendly atmosphere brings  supernatural peace among the visitors.

( Shivlingam )

In the Hindu month of Shravan,  akhand path of Shiva purana and japa of Maha Mrityunjaya is arranged. After finishing the celebration a fair and bhandara is organized on a large scale in which large number of people gather and enjoy.

It is a Swayanbhu Shivlinga(self created) and believed that it came out from the earth without any efforts. It is believed that that in ancient time a lion roared daily near the temple in the morning and evening. There is also a beautiful statue of Nandi and snake god which is installed in front of the temple. Many saints came here time to time and meditate here.

History of the Temple

During the exile period of Pandavas, the brother Arjuna meditated hard for lord Shiva. Being pleased, lord Shiva appeared himself before Arjuna and told him for boon. Arjuna prayed lord Shiva to retain himself at this place in the form of Shiva linga for public welfare. Lord Shiva accepted his prayer and told him that one who worships him and pours water on the Shivling will be blessed and fulfilled with all his wishes.

The place where lord Shiva standing a shivling started to come out from the earth by itself. Coming out of the shivling from the earth leads to name Pataleshwar Mahadev.

It is told that every year on Shivratri the Shivlinga increases by an inch. That is why  Pataleshwar Mahadev shivling is unique in the world and has become the centre of religious faith for Hindus. On some height, the temple of  siddh Baba Balaknath temple is situated in front of Pataleshwar Mahadev. The devotees after worshipping shivling go to the Balaknath temple for darshan.

Festivals

The main festival is celebrated in Shravan month. People from nearby villages come here all the month for worship and pour water on the Shivlinga.

Shivratri-a fair on large scale is organized by the local people.

A bhandara is also arranged in Shivratri.

Places to visit

1. Panwata Sahib gurudwara

2. Nahan fort and places near Nahan

How to reach

Panwata Sahib lies on the nh-73 that connects the city of Chandigarh and Dehradun. There are frequent bus sevices from major cities of Himachal, Punjab and Haryana.

Accommodation

Panwata Sahib is the nearest city where one can stay. There are so many hotels and rest houses for comfortable stay.