Sirmaur Mahakaleshwar Shiva Temple, Himachal Pradesh

Address

Sirmaur Mahakaleshwar Shiva Temple, Patlian, Mangarh, Sirmaur district, Himachal Pradesh

Diety

Mahakaleshwar

Introduction

Sirmaur Shiva Temple is situated in Patlian in Sirmaur district, Himachal Pradesh. Sirmaur Shiva Temple is a splendid shrine, situated amongst fields and sal trees. The commanding deity is Lord Shiva. It is believed that the shivlingam here had progressively enlarged in size. Sirmaur Temple is located 5 kilometers from Paonta Sahib. It is an absolute stone temple.

Puranic Significance

The correct age of Sirmaur Shiva Temple has not been determined, but according to the villagers, the constructions were built by the Pandavas during their exile and some others say that the temple seemed to have been built throughout the Gupta period. The Archaeological Survey of India team visited this place and according to them the temple was built in 5th century. This is a significant temple. The temple stands upon a stone brickwork, facing west under the limited place condition. The Mandapa of the temple might have been a spectator area in an open type of construction. The most attractive element of this temple is the splendidly carved stone doorframe of its Garbh-Griha. The Lalatbimba is decorated with flying Gandharvas, Dwarfish dances and musicians. The image of Shiva is fixed in the Garbha-griha. The temple is of the Nagara sikhar style, consisting of a Panchratha workroom with an antarala and a large pillared Mandap. The sanctum is crowned with curvy sikhara, showing five rathas decorated with the miniature chaitya windows.