Mamleshwar Temple, Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir

Mamleshwar Temple, Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir

Mamleshwar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Pahalgam village in Anantnag District in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India. The Temple is situated on the banks of the glacial Kolahoi stream. Pahalgam is situated at an altitude of 2130 meter. Pahalgam offers spectacular views of the Himalayas.

Legends

As per legend, the spring in the courtyard is the same spring where Parvati bathed and had asked Lord Ganesha to safe guard the entrance. Lord Shiva was denied entry by little Ganesha which left him in fury. Shiva in anger decapitated Ganesha and later at the request of Parvati brought him back to life.

History

The temple was believed to be built during 400 AD. It is said that King Jayasimha (1128 – 1155 AD) have adorned the temple with a golden kalasa, or finial as per Rajatarangini.

The Temple

The Temple is situated on the banks of the glacial Kolahoi stream. The Temple consists of sanctum and frontal porch supported on two fluted columns. The Sanctum is 8' square internally. Presiding Deity is called as Mamleshwar. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Lingam might be of recent addition.

The temple was externally covered with a thick coat of lime plaster. There is a spring of remarkably pure water rises under the site of the temple. The waters from the spring are enclosed in a basin in front of the stairs. The Temple was originally surrounded by a rubble-stone wall, of which the foundations are still visible on the north side.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Pahalgam Bus Stand, 41 Kms from Anantnag, 45 Kms from Anantnag Railway Station, 91 Kms from Srinagar and 91 Kms from Sringar Airport. Pahalgam is well connected to Jammu and Srinagar via a good network of roads.

Location