Pathankot Kathgarh Mahadev Temple, Himachal Pradesh

Address

Pathankot Kathgarh Mahadev Temple, Pathankot, Indora – Kathgarh Rd, Tehsil, Indora, Himachal Pradesh 176401

Deity

Mahadeva(Shiva) Amman: Parvati

Introduction

• Shiv Mandir Kathgarh is a unique and famous temple located in Himachal Pradesh.
• The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
• It houses a large Shivalinga that is vertically split into two parts, worshipped as Shiva (larger portion) and Parvati (smaller portion).
• The distance between the two parts changes with the seasons (summer and winter).
• The temple, built in Mughal style, is 6 feet long and 5 feet round, and the Shivalinga is made of wood that automatically splits into two and reverts to its original state.
• It is located 7 km from Indora in Himachal Pradesh and 3-4 km from Mirthal in Punjab, at the confluence of the Beas and Choch rivers.

Puranic Significance

• According to the Shiv Purana, there was once a conflict between Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma over supremacy.
• The two were about to use the destructive weapon Pashupat, which would have caused widespread ruin.
• Lord Shiva intervened, appearing as a fire pillar between them to prevent the destruction.
• Lord Vishnu, in the form of a boar (Shukara), attempted to find the bottom of the pillar, while Lord Brahma’s swan flew to find the top.
• Lord Vishnu returned unsuccessful, but Lord Brahma falsely claimed to have found the top, bringing a Ketki flower as proof.
• Impressed by Lord Vishnu’s truthfulness, Lord Shiva blessed him with a status similar to his own.
• This pillar of fire is believed to be the Shivalinga in the Kathgarh Temple.

Special Features

• The temple features a 6 feet long and 5 feet round Shivalinga that is unique in the world.
• The Shivalinga automatically splits into two pieces, which are later restored to their original form.
• The distance between the two parts of the Shivalinga is believed to increase and decrease over time.
• The larger part is worshipped as Lord Shiva, and the smaller part as Mata Parvati.

Festivals

• Maha Shivaratri, Ram Navami, and Janmashtami are celebrated with great grandeur at the temple.

Century/Period/Age

1000 Years old

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Nearest Bus Station

Pathankot

Nearest Railway Station

Mirthal Station

Nearest Airport

Gaggal

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