Una Shiv Bari Temple – Himachal Pradesh

Address

Una Shiv Bari Temple- Shiv Bari, Himachal Pradesh 177203

Deity

Shiva

Introduction

• The Shiv Bari Temple is situated along the Hoshiarpur-Dharmsala road, near Gagret in Una, Himachal Pradesh, on the banks of the Swan River (Sombhadra).
• Also referred to as Shivabari or Drone Shiv Mandir, it is believed to be around 5,000 years old and is one of the places where Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of a Pindi (Shiva Lingam).
• The temple is steeped in rich history, closely linked to Guru Dronacharya, the revered teacher of the Pandavas and Kauravas from the Indian epic, the Mahabharata. The area surrounding the temple was once known as Drone Nagri (the village of Guru Drona), and it is believed that he resided here.

Puranic Significance

• According to local legends, Guru Dronacharya lived in the village of Ambota, near the temple. The Swan River, flowing beside the temple, was a significant part of his spiritual routine. Guru Drona would take a holy dip in the river and then proceed to the Himalayas for his daily prayers to Lord Shiva.
• Guru Drona’s daughter, Yayati, was curious about her father’s routine and inquired about it. Guru Drona encouraged her to first chant the sacred mantra, “Om Namah Shivaya”, with deep belief and devotion. Yayati followed his guidance with unwavering faith, and her devotion pleased Lord Shiva.
• Lord Shiva appeared before her in the form of a child and played with her. This astonished Guru Dronacharya, who realized that Lord Shiva had manifested before his daughter. At Yayati’s request, Lord Shiva agreed to remain at the site forever in the form of a Lingam.
• Guru Drona subsequently constructed a temple and installed the Shiva Lingam, which is believed to be a self-manifested Lingam.
• Another belief surrounding the temple is its connection to the Mata Chintpurni Temple, located nearby. Lord Shiva, in the form of Maharudra, is said to protect Mata Chintpurni from the south, along with four other Maharudras positioned in different directions.
• A fascinating legend recounts that during Aurangzeb’s reign, the Mughal emperor attempted to excavate the Pindi (Shiva Lingam) from the temple. As the soldiers began digging, a swarm of red insects emerged from the Lingam, rendering them senseless. Aurangzeb, witnessing the supernatural event, surrendered to Lord Shiva and sought forgiveness for his actions. After the villagers sprinkled the sacred Jalhari water on the soldiers, they regained their senses and fled, leaving the temple unharmed.

Special Features

• The Shivlinga in the temple is in the form of a Pindi, a circular stone, and is believed to be self-created.
• The temple is situated within the dense forest of Ambota village, creating a serene and spiritual atmosphere.
• Within the temple, there are idols of various ancient deities, including Virbhadra, Swami Kartikeya, Lord Kuber, and Lord Ganesha.
• Several Samsadhis (burial places) of saints who meditated in the area can be found around the temple.
• The temple is surrounded by four Shamasans (cremation grounds), one in each direction, symbolizing the sacred significance of the site.
• Four wells were constructed near the temple by the kings of Jammu and Amb, who, after their desires were fulfilled by Lord Shiva, offered these wells as gratitude.
• The water of Jalhari (the sacred water from around the Pindi) is considered the main Prasad (offering) at the temple, and it is believed to have divine powers.
• The forest around the temple contains trees whose wood is reserved for sacred purposes, such as cremation, Yajna (sacrificial rituals), Bhandara (community feasts), and Dhuni (sacred fire for sadhus).

Festivals

• The temple celebrates the festival of Mahashivratri with great fervor, attracting thousands of devotees who come to seek blessings from Lord Shiva.
• A large fair is also organized during Shivratri, and many pilgrims visiting Mata Chintpurni Temple make it a point to visit the Shiv Bari Temple during this time.

Century/Period/Age

5000 years old

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)- Himachal Pradesh

Nearest Bus Station

Gagret

Nearest Railway Station

Amb Andaura

Nearest Airport

Dharamsala (DHM)

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