Mahakaleshwar Temple, Mangarh, Himachal Pradesh

Mahakaleshwar Temple, Mangarh, Himachal Pradesh

Mahakaleshwar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Mangarh Village in Pachhad Tehsil in Sirmaur District in Himachal Pradesh, India. This temple is considered as one of the oldest temple in Himachal Pradesh. Mangarh Village is situated between Sarahan and Rajgarh Town. 

Legends

As per legend, Pandavas took shelter in disguise during their Ajnatavas in Mangarh. During their stay, they installed a Shiva Linga and worshipped it. It is said that the presiding deity of this temple is considered as the Shiva Linga worshipped by the Pandavas.

History

The temple is believed be built in 9^th century CE. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

The Temple

This temple is facing towards west. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala and mandapa. The sanctum is pancharatha and square on plan. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Mahakaleshwar, in the form of Shiva Linga with a pranala towards north. The doorway of the sanctum has three bands of decoration. Images of the river goddesses Ganga & Yamuna, amorous couples and dvarapalas can be seen at the base of the doorway.

The lalatabimba has image of Lord Shiva at this central position flanked by six figures on either side. The architrave has images of Navagrahas with Surya being at the centre. The sanctum is crowned with curvilinear sikhara, showing five rathas decorated with the miniature chaitya windows. The vedibandha mouldings and bhadra niches on the exterior walls are completely absent in this temple. 

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 31 Kms from Sarahan, 55 Kms from Rajgarh, 57 Kms from Kumarhatti Dagshai Railway Station, 64 Kms from Koti Railway Station, 84 Kms from Sirmaur, 99 Kms from Chandigarh and 110 Kms from Chandigarh Airport. Mangarh Village is situated between Sarahan and Rajgarh Town. 

Location