Date: 7th June 2019
Venue: Lakhamandal, Uttarakhand

Our Uttarakhand trip has been an eclectic mix of a range of experiences. We started with an adventure trail comprising trekking and rappelling. During the course of our trip, we also visited the beautiful Mahsu Devta Temple. The 9th century temple is located in the valley surrounded by jaw dropping beautiful mountains and forests.

Our temple trail continued the next day when we drove towards Lakhamandal Temple. This temple is 35 km from Chakrata and is located on Gangotri Yamunotri Road in the Jaunsar-Bawar region. The Lakhamandal Temple, just like the Mahsu Devta Temple, is constructed in ancient Nagara style of North Indian architecture. Lakhamandal temple is Lord Shiva’s abode in mountains and is estimated to be constructed circa 12th to 13th century. The name came from “Lakha” that means several thousand and “Mandal” that refers to Shivalinga. Apparently Archaeological Survey of India (“ASI”) has found several Shivalingas during excavation in nearby areas. These Shivalingas are in various sizes – small medium and big. One can have a look at these Shivalingas in the temple premises of Lakhamandal.

The chief priest at the temple told us several legends about the temple and the mythology attached to it. There are two beautiful statues of gatekeepers who apparently are Manav (man) and Danav (demon) guarding the temple. The temple also relates back to the story of Lakshagriha (The House of Lacquer) in Mahabharat. Legend has it that this is the area where Kauravas conspired to kill Pandavas by burning them alive.

The sanctum sanctorum of the Lakhamandal temple holds many rare idols of Indian Gods. Most of these are Shiva, Parvati and their family. We spent a good couple of hours at Lakhamandal Temple looking at these beautiful figurines.

Another interesting thing at Lakhamandal temple is a unique Shivalinga installed outside the main temple. The USP of this Shivalinga is that it becomes reflective, like a mirror, after water is poured on it. Excited, all of us took turns to pour water on the Shivalinga and captured our mirror reflection on camera. It was as clear as we were told.

Though it was very sunny when we visited, time flew while we looked at the temple, talked to the priest and listened to these interesting stories. We were totally oblivious to the weather. This was another piece of hidden history, we covered during our fascinating trip to Chakrata. Uttarakhand needs so much more exploration and we are still reeling with surprise.