Baba Bhootnath Mandir- Himachal Pradesh

Address

Baba Bhootnath Mandir- Bhoot Nath Road, Samkhetar, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh 175001

Diety

Baba Bhootnath Amman: Parvati

Introduction

The Bhootnath Temple is an ancient temple located in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. Situated in the heart of the town, it is one of the famous places of pilgrimage in Mandi. Located in the main street heart of the town was built by Raja Ajber Sen in 1527 AD.

Puranic Significance

A legend is told of the building of Bhoothnath Temple. It is said that, in 1526, Raja Ajber Sen heard the story of a cow offering milk on her own volition to a particular stone in a forest in Mandi. Lord Shiva is said to have appeared in the Raja’s dream and directed him to extricate the Shiva Linga that was buried at that site. Thereafter, the Raja found the Shiva Linga at the indicated location, which he deified in a temple that he erected in 1527, at the place it was found. He called it the “Bhootnath Temple” and started the observance of the Shivaratri festival at Mandi. Concurrent with this event, the Raja shifted his capital from Bhiuli to Mandi. Bhootnath Temple is an enticing edifice built in the typical Shikara style of architecture. It is exquisitely carved in a serpentine manner and houses the idol of Nandi Bull in the courtyard. The other figurines like Lord Vishnu, Goddess Durga, Lord Hanuman, etc. can be seen inside.