Shanaleshwara Swayambhu Temple – Punjab

Address

Shanaleshwara Swayambhu Temple – Punjab

Nalas village,

Rajpura Tehsil,

Punjab 140401

Moolavar

Shanaleshwara

Introduction

• Location: Nalas Village, 7 kilometers away from Rajpura, Punjab.
• Deity: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, specifically the Shanaleshwara form.
• Maintenance: Managed by the ascetic sadhus of the Juna Akhara Foundation.

Puranic Significance

• Legend: A cow is said to have continuously showered milk on the lingam, which was located in a jungle. The temple was built by the Maharaja of Patiala in 1592.
• Historical Tradition: The temple has been home to sadhus since the 15th century.
• Lingam: The Shanaleshwara lingam is considered one of the Pancha Bhoota (Five Elements) lingams and is revered for its natural (self-created) form.

Swayambhu Lingam

• The Shanaleshwara Temple houses a Swayambhu lingam, a self-created or natural form of Shiva’s presence.
• Swayambhu Lingams are naturally occurring stones believed to embody the divine power of Shiva and do not require prana pratishtha (formal consecration).
• The lingams are typically oval-shaped stones discovered in the places where they stand.

Festivals

• Maha Shivaratri is the major festival celebrated here.
  • A three-day fair is held during this festival, attracting thousands of devotees.
  • Devotees often undertake foot pilgrimages to the temple, starting from their homes, with volunteers serving food along the way.

Century/Period

1592

Nearest Bus Station

Nalas

Nearest Railway Station

Rajpura Junction

Nearest Airport

Chandigarh

Location on Map

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