Una Shiv Bari Temple - Himachal Pradesh

Address

Una Shiv Bari Temple- Shiv Bari, Himachal Pradesh 177203

Diety

Shiva

Introduction

Shiv Bari Temple in Una, Himachal is situated on Hoshiarpur-Dharmsala road, near Gagret on the bank of river Swan (Sombhadra). Shiv Bari, Shivabari or Drone Shiv Temple is said to be around 5000 years old. It is said to be one of the places where Lord Shiva is present in the form of a Pindi/ Shiva Lingam. The temple is said to have a rich history behind from the times of Guru Drone, Drona or Dronacharya. The temple and the dense forest around is once said to be the Drone Nagri(village of Guru Drona). This is also known as Drona Shiv Mandir. It is believed that Guru Dronacharya (Guru of Pandava and Kourava ) was the resident of this village. He was the Guru of royal families, Pandavas and Kauravas.

Puranic Significance

It is believed that Guru Dronacharya was the resident of the village Ambota. A river named Swan is flowing near the temple. After taking a holy dip in Swan, Guru Dronacharya used to go Himalaya for praying Lord Shiva. It was his daily practice. There was a daughter of Guru Dron, named Yayati. Once Yaati insisted her father where he used to go. Seeing her persistence Guru told her, firstly you start chanting ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ at home with belief, than after I will tell you the fact. Yayati did accordingly and started chanting the Mantra with belief and full concentration. After few days, Lord Shiva became pleased with her deep devotion and appeared before her. Lord Shiva himself became a child and started playing with her. Guru Dron became surprised after knowing the fact. After all, he understood everything. Now Yayati requested Lord Shiva to remain here forever. Then Lord Shiva agreed to remain here in the form of Lingam. Then, Guru Dron constructed a temple here and installed a Shivlinga inside the temple. According to another belief, Lord Shiva here is in south of Mata Chintpurni temple in the form of Maharudra in addition to four Maharudras in four direction to protect her. Mogul Emperor Aurangzeb came here with their soldier and attacked the temple. They started to excavate the Pindi. Surprisingly, red color insects started to coming out from the Pindi, in huge quantity and began to bite, the soldier leaving them senseless. Seeing this Emperor surrendered before Lord Shiva and begged apologies for his deed. The villagers then sprinkled the pious water of Jalhari, on them which brought the soldiers in sense. After, this miracle of supernatural power, they fled away from the temple. There is an important accreditation of the temple that the second Saturday of Hindi month Baishakh is believed to be the most religious day. On this day the desires of devotees are fulfilled by Lord Shiva.

Special Features

Shivlinga inside the temple is in the form of Pindi (a circular stone). Temple is situated amidst the dense forest of village Ambota in Gagaret. It is believed that the lingam here is a self created Lingam. There are idols of Virbhadra, Swami Kartikey, Lord Kuber, Lord Ganesha, all are believed to be ancient one. The Samsdhis (burial place) of many Saints are here who meditated here in past. There are four Shamasan (place of cremation), situated in four direction to the temple. There are four wells constructed there by the King of Jammu and Amb after, getting their desire fulfiiled by Lord Shiva. The water of Jalhari (the space around pindi) after worship, sprinkled on the devotees and believed as the main Prasad (offering) of the temple. Ample of trees around the temple are there, which can be used only for Cremation, Yajna, Bhandara, Dhuni (fire place for Sadhus) etc. The wood of these tree are not used for any other purposes (believing it as the order of Lord Shiva). A big fair is organized during Shivratri. The devotees visiting Mata Chintpurni, come here and enjoy the fair.