Bhootnath Temple, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh

Bhootnath Temple, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh

Bhootnath Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Mandi Town in Mandi District in Himachal Pradesh, India. The temple is situated in the heart of the present town of Mandi and located on the banks of Beas River. This Temple is considered as one of the oldest temples and among the most visited tourist places in Mandi. 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.

Legends

As per legend, Raja Ajber Sen had a dream in which a cow is emptying her udder at a particular spot in a forest in Mandi. The king went to spot that appeared in his dreams next day. He carefully excavated the spot and found a Shivalinga after hours of digging. The King built this temple in honour of the Linga found in the woods and named it as Bhootanatha. He also shifted his capital from Bhiuli to Mandi and also initiated the observance of the Shivaratri festival at Mandi.

History

Bhootanatha Temple is considered as one of the oldest temples in Mandi. It was built in 1527 AD by Raja Ajber Sen.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards south east. This Temple is in active worship. This Temple consists of Sanctum, Antrala and Maha Mandapa. Nandi can be seen before Maha Mandapam, facing the sanctum. The Maha Mandapa is a rectangular structure and follows pidha style architecture. The Mandapa is supported by 12 pillars. The sanctum is square on plan and is situated on little elevated position.

The Sanctum houses the presiding deity, Bhootanatha in Linga form. The Shikara over the sanctum is trianga in plan. An image of four headed Brahma can be seen in the niche at the backside of shikara. The shikara is crowned by an amalaka and kalasha. Idols of Vishnu, Durga and Hanuman can be seen in the temple premises.

Festivals

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2023/05/mandi-shivaratri-fair.html

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Mandi Bus Stand, 55 Kms from Joginder Nagar Railway Station, 56 Kms from Kullu Manali Airport, 67 Kms from Kullu, 75 Kms from Baijnath, 91 Kms from Palampur and 132 Kms from Shimla. The temple is situated in the heart of the present town of Mandi to the right of the Palace which is now the Deputy Commissioner office.

Location