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.
this place looks magical in a historical sense. I love visiting old places!
I never knew about this temple! It is so serene… My mom would love going there. Thank you for sharing!
It was a pleasant surprise for us too.
I live this! How fantastic that you were able to speak to the Chief Priest at the temple. I always tell my children, the best education, is to travel. Thanks for sharing!
Wow this may have been so exciting for u. My husband is a shive bhakt and would love to see all the shivlings and murtis of shiv parvati n family.
I don’t know I feel that there is magic in all our temples. They give that positive vibes and a good feeling even though I am not that religious. Lakhamandal Looks like another magical place that needs to be added to my list.
This temple was more about goosebumps than religion.
Thanks for sharing your experience! The Shivalinga mirror sounds really cool to see. I’d love to see it myself!
Oh wow, this looks like such an amazing experience.
India is full of wonders. I am so happy you have covered so many places from our country. I really want to try out that mirror effect. It’s a balanced outing saas
I was there on this trip with you, Sundeep. Quite a trip it was, with some very unique personalities 😃
Yes, indeed very memorable.
Wow what a beautiful post on Lakhmandal Temple. A good hike plus such a divine experience is all it takes for the trip to be good. And indeed Uthrakhand is divine and serene to visit.
This temple is unique and thanks for sharing information about it.
Wow this is an awesome experience! I love a combination of adventures and cultural experiences. A little trek would also be nice, as I can’t go on a really long hike. 🙂 Very interesting.
Lovely post! I have been yearning to travel but cannot do so because of the pandemic and lockdown. Your article provided me a wonderful virtual tour. Thanks!
That is what we strive out for..thanks for the kind words.
Uttarakhand is a state where mysticism is in the air. Lakhamandal fits in perfectly in the scheme of things of this state that is known as Devbhumi. Shiva temples always have an enigmatic aura and this one too seems to be enveloped in a divine aura. The reflective Shivling in the open is something really unique.
The whole temple is sheer magic!
I have not been to Uttarakand, but i have heard a lot about it from my husband. He has been there and we are waiting to go there together. Surely pinning your post for whenever i do land there.
Lakhamanda of Uttarakhand looks so amazing. The Shiva temple is so interesting. The fact that the place is also associated with Mahabharat makes it even more interesting. The Shiv Ling is really unique, hope to visit the place next time we in those parts.