Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (November 2015) |
| Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple | |
|---|---|
Pracheen Shiv Mandir | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Hinduism |
| District | Pathankot District |
| Location | |
| Location | Doong |
| State | Punjab |
| Country | India |
  Location in Punjab | |
| Geographic coordinates | 32°25′30″N 75°43′59″E / 32.4251°N 75.7330°E |
| Website | |
| mukteshwarmahadev | |
Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple, also known as Mukesaran Mandir, is a popular shrine to Shiva and man-made cave complex located near Pathankot City on Shahpur Kandi Dam road. It is a Hindu temple containing representations of Ganesha, Brahma, Vishnu, Hanuman, and Parvati. It is considered to be one of the most sacred places around Pathankot. According to legend, the Pandavas stayed in the caves for a night during their exile (Agayatwas), and it is said that some of the caves date to the time of the Mahabharata.
Location
The site is on the way to Shahpurkandi and is situated on the bank of the Ravi River, 22 km from Pathankot City.[1] Situated on a hilltop, Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple contains a white marble Lingam and a copper Yoni. They are surrounded by the idols of Brahma, Vishnu, Paravati, Hanuman and Ganesha.
Derivation of the name
There is a legend that the Lord Shiva slayed a demon here and granted him salvation (Mukti).[2] In Hindi, the word Mukteshwar means "God of Relief or "Lord of Salvation", thus making this the "Temple of Salvation".[3]
Annual fair
A fair, called the Mukesran Da Mela, is held annually at this place in the month of April, to mark the Baisakhi festival. Also, every year a big festival is held on the day of Shivratri, followed by two more celebrations, Chaitra Chodiya and Navaratri. Somvati Amavasya is another big fair organized by the temple committee. Many pilgrims from all over Punjab and the nearby states of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir come here to worship.
References
- ^ "Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple, Pathankot". templepurohit.com. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
- ^ "Mukteshwar Dham Temple". Times of India Travel. Retrieved 13 June 2020.
- ^ Banerjee, Reetwika (24 February 2020). Mystic Himalayas. Evincepub Publishing. ISBN 978-93-89774-98-6.