Ardhnarishwar Temple, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh

Ardhnarishwar Temple, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh

Ardhnarishwar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Mandi Town in Mandi District in Himachal Pradesh, India. The Temple is situated on the banks of Beas River. Mandi is often referred to as Varanasi of Hills, or Choti Kashi, or Kashi of Himachal as the town hosts 81 temples spread across its area.

History

The temple was built in 17^th century CE during the reign of Raja Sidh Sen of Mandi. It is one of the protected monuments under the control Archaeological Survey of India.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards north east and in poor state of preservation. This temple consists of sanctum, antrala and maha mandapa. The roof over the maha mandapa is collapsed. The mandapa has four shrines at its corner. The sanctum is triratha on plan. The sanctum enshrines an image of Ardhnarishwar (Combined form of Lord Shiva & Parvati). The right half of the image represents Lord Shiva and the left half represents his consort Parvati.

Lord Shiva is depicted with his typical knotted hair and wearing a garland of skulls, an entwined serpent, a musical instrument in one hand and a Damru or drum in the other. His consort Parvati is shown wearing a diadem, a pair of earrings and a ring on the nose. There is a slab joined to the image on which the mounts of the deities namely the bull and the lion are artistically carved. Images of Bhairava and Hanuman can be also be seen.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Mandi Bus Stand, 55 Kms from Joginder Nagar Railway Station, 56 Kms from Kullu Manali Airport, 66 Kms from Kullu, 74 Kms from Baijnath, 91 Kms from Palampur and 140 Kms from Shimla. The Temple is located in area of New Mandi on Mandi Pathankot National Highway. The temple is situated in the heart of the present town of Mandi very close to the Bhootnath Temple.

Location