Darjeeling Mahakal Temple, West Bengal

Address

Darjeeling Mahakal Temple, Chauk Bazaar, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101

Deity

Shiva, Buddha

Introduction

• The Mahakal Temple (Mahakal Mandir) is a sacred site dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Darjeeling, West Bengal, India.
• Built in 1782 by Lama Dorjey Rinzing, the temple is situated atop Observatory Hill and represents a harmonious amalgamation of Hindu and Buddhist religions.
• The temple is located behind Chowrasta, encircled by Mall Road on the ridge of Darjeeling town.

Puranic Significance

• The Mahakal Temple stands on the historical site of a Buddhist Monastery named Dorje-Ling, constructed by Lama Dorjey Rinzing.
• The area was originally a sacred spot for the Lepcha people, who later shared it with the Bhutias.
• Following the invasion of the Gurkha Army around 1788, the monastery was desecrated and destroyed, leading to its eventual representation by the majority Nepali community.
• Legend states that three Shiva Lingas—representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwar (Shiva)—manifested at the site in 1782.
• After the monastery was plundered during the Gorkha invasion in 1815, it was relocated to Bhutia Busty, about a mile away, where it became known as the Bhutia Busty Monastery.
• The name Darjeeling is derived from the monastery’s name, Dorje-Ling.

Special Features

• The main temple is dedicated to Shiva, attracting devotees from all walks of life for both leisure and pilgrimage.
• The temple features bells and colorful prayer flags lining the uphill path and shrine.
• Inside the temple, there are three gold-plated Lingams representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwar.
• Idols of Buddha are present alongside the Lingams, with both a priest and a Buddhist monk performing rituals and prayers together.
• A white chorten (Tibetan memorial shrine) within the temple complex contains the relics of Dorjey Rinzing, the original builder.
• The area is dotted with smaller shrines dedicated to Goddess Kali, Goddess Durga, Saat Kanya Bhagavati Devi, Ganesha, Krishna, Rama, Shirdi Sai Baba, Hanuman, Goddess Parvati, Radha, and other deities.

Festivals

• All festivals related to Shiva and Buddha are celebrated with great enthusiasm and fanfare at the temple.

Century/Period/Age

1782

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)- West Bengal

Nearest Bus Station

Darjeeling

Nearest Railway Station

New Jalpaiguri Station

Nearest Airport

Bagdogra

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