Pathankot Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple Punjab

Address

Pathankot Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple Doongh, Pathankot District, Punjab 145029 Phone: 094173 24685

Deity

Mukteshwar Mahadev AMMAN: Parvati

Introduction

• Name: Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple (Mukesaran Mandir)
• Location: Near Pathankot City on Shahpur Kandi Dam road.
• Significance: A popular shrine to Shiva with a man-made cave complex.
• Idols: Contains representations of:
  • Lord Ganesha
  • Lord Brahma
  • Lord Vishnu
  • Lord Hanuman
  • Goddess Parvati
• Historical Legend: Believed that the Pandavas stayed in the caves during their exile (Agyatwas). Some caves date back to the Mahabharata era.
• Temple Structure: Features a white marble Shivling with a copper Yoni, surrounded by idols of various deities.

Puranic Significance

• Age: Estimated to be 5,500 years old, with roots in the Mahabharata.
• Mythology:
  • Shakuni’s scheme to defeat Yudhisthira in a game of dice led to the Pandavas losing their kingdom.
  • Resulted in their exile of 12 years plus one year of Agyatvas, during which they had to remain unrecognized.
  • During this period, the Pandavas stayed near the Ravi River, built four caves, and constructed the Shiva temple on the hilltop.
  • They worshipped Shiva and created the Shivling present in the temple today.
  • The Havan Kund made by the Pandavas is still visible in the temple.
• Cultural Importance: Known as “mini Haridwar,” where people immerse ashes of their kin in the Ravi River when they cannot go to Haridwar.

Special Features

• Cultural, Religious, and Spiritual Significance: Holds deep value for locals and devotees.
• Historical Heritage: The caves served as refuge for the Pandavas during their exile.
• Ash Immersion: Important site for ash immersion ceremonies, serving as an alternative to Haridwar.

Festivals

• Daily Rituals: Regular worship and rituals dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Annual Fair: Mukesran Da Mela held in April to mark the Baisakhi festival.
• Shivratri Festival: Celebrated with great fervor.
• Chaitra Chodiya Festival: A three-day festival occurring a month after Shivratri.
• Navratri Festival: Celebrated annually.
• Somvati Amavasya: Another major festival organized by the temple committee.
• Pilgrimage: Attracts many pilgrims from Punjab and nearby states (Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir), especially during Mukesran Mela and Shivratri.

Century/Period/Age

1000-2000 Years old

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Nearest Bus Station

Pathankot

Nearest Railway Station

Pathankot Junction

Nearest Airport

Pathankot, Chandigarh

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