Mantalai Temple, Jammu and Kashmir

Mantalai Temple, Jammu and Kashmir

Mantalai Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Mantalai village near Patnitop hill resort in Udhampur District in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India. The temple is situated on the banks of Mantalai Lake. This temple was built around 80 years ago. The temple is considered as the birth place of Mother Parvathy.

Legends

As per legend, it is believed that Goddess Parvathy was born in this place. It is also believed that the site where the Mantalai lake is located now was used as a Homa Kund for Parvati's marriage with Lord Shiva.

The Temple

The temple is situated at an elevation of 1450 meters from the mean sea level surrounded by deodar trees. The temple is situated on the banks of the Mantalai lake. Though, it is called as lake, it is actually a pond. The temple consists of sanctum only. Presiding deity is called as Aparneswar. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Linga. It enshrines an idol of Parvati as Kanya and idols of Lord Shiva & Parvathy as a couple.

It also enshrines another set of idols of Lord Shiva, Parvati and Ganesha in a corner. Two idols of Nandi can be seen facing towards the shrine. A divine rock (pathar) related to the wedding of Parvati and Lord Shiva is also present in this temple. This temple offers great views of the mountain landscape in the surroundings.

Festivals

Chaudash, Purnima, Amavasya, Punya Jayeshth Purnima and Vyasa Purnima are the festivals celebrated here.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 8 Kms from Sudh Mahadev Temple, 51 Kms from Patnitop, 57 Kms from Udhampur, 122 Kms from Jammu, 126 Kms from Jammu Airport and 209 Kms from Srinagar.

Location