"Experience spiritual tranquility in the Himalayas."
Bhagsu Nag Shiva Mandir is a holy pilgrimage spot in Dharamshala. It is a famous tourist plus religious site that is visited frequently by the wayfarers and tourists. This temple is located in the Himalayan foothills and never fails to draw the visitors from different parts of the state of Himachal Pradesh. The sanctum of this small temple houses a Mukhalinga i.e. a Shivalinga with 5 faces that represent the 5 elements.
Why Is It Famous?
The construction of Bhagsu Nag Shiva Mandir has a legend associated with it. King Bhagsu and to eliminate the problem of drought in his region, he went to the Himalayan foothills and saw Nag Dal river. Using hill magical powers, he stored the waters of the river in his Kamandal. When the serpent king saw the condition of his lake, he was infuriated and challenged the king for the bout. Though the king accepted the bout challenge, he was unable to defeat the serpent and surrendered in front of him. He requested the serpent king to allow waters from his river to flow through his region in order to relieve his subjects. Bhagsu also said that the name of the serpent will also be associated with the place forever.
A 5-faced Mukhalinga is located in the sanctum of the Shiva Temple and it represents the 5 elements.
Best Time To Visit:-
Bhagsu Nag Shiva Temple is visited on by the locals and tourists alike to offer the prayers to Lord Shiva. This temple witnesses a huge footfall of the pilgrims throughout the year, especially on Mondays and auspicious days of Nag Panchami and Maha Shivaratri.
Watch Out!
Do not miss to participate in the early morning abhisheka aarti of the Mukhalinga that takes place on Maha Shivaratri. The divine aura of the temple during those hours is tranquilizing.
Reaching There:-
Kangra is well-connected to the rest of Himachal Pradesh via all major highways, railways, and airways. It can be reached via luxury interstate buses, express trains, and flights that ply in plentitude from cities of Himachal Pradesh. Commuting within the city can be done by hiring the local transit.
Nearest Railway Station:- Pathankot Railway Station
Nearest Airport:- Kangra Airport
