Bhootnath Temple is a Hindu temple located in the town of Kotwali Nagar in Himachal Pradesh, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Bhootnath, who is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The temple was built in the year 1527 by Raja Basdeo Chand, and is one of the oldest temples in Himachal.
History behind the Bhootnath Temple in Himachal Pradesh
The Bhootnath Temple is a popular tourist spot in Himachal Pradesh. It is situated at an altitude of 2,200 meters above sea level. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and it is said that the deity has been worshiped here since time immemorial.
The name of the temple is derived from the Hindi word ‘bhoot’, which means ‘ghost’ or ‘spirit’. According to legend, the temple was built by a demon king named Ravana. It is said that Ravana was a great devotee of Lord Shiva, and he had built a number of temples dedicated to the deity.
However, the most famous among all these temples was the one located at Mount Kailash, where Ravana had offered his ten heads to Lord Shiva as a sacrifice. When Lord Shiva appeared before Ravana to grant him a boon, Ravana requested that his head be restored so that he could continue to worship Lord Shiva with all his might.
Lord Shiva obliged, and it is said that the Bhootnath Temple was built at the site where Ravana’s head fell when he offered it to Lord Shiva.
Few facts about the temple::
The temple was built when the state capital of Himachal Pradesh was relocated from Bhiuli to its current location. Some refer to the temple as Bhiuli Temple. Long lines of devotees form to see the famous Shiva Linga and to perform pujas and offerings. The Temple is very old and is associated with many beliefs and stories. Shivlinga has been installed in the temple’s vicinity. This temple is well-known among devotees for its Mahashivratri fair, which is celebrated here with great devotion and show. Every year, Raja Madhav Rao visits this old historic temple before beginning the Shivratri procession.
Large carcades are held throughout the city, with people thronging the streets to catch a glimpse of the revered Mahadeva idol. Fairs have been organised, and people frequently fast on the night of Shivratri while singing hymns and praises to Lord Shiva.
Oldest temple of Himachal Pradesh: Himachal Pradesh, which is one of the most gorgeous and frequented hill states in India, is renowned for its culture, natural splendour, delicious cuisine and ancient temples. As the state contains some of the country’s oldest temples, it is also known as the Land of the Gods. Himachal, a slice of heaven on Earth, has a rich mythological past, which is why it has so many temples. The Bhoothnath Temple is one of the oldest temples of Himachal Pradesh.
Symbol of an appearance of God Shiva:
The controlling god is the Great Lord Shiva, and it was built when the state capital was relocated from Bhiuli to display put. Bhootnath Temple, with a symbol of an appearance of god Shiva is synonymous with Mandi. The holy bull, Nandi’s symbol, stands in opposition to the elaborate twofold curve of the haven. Elephants are sensitively carved into the shade, basement, and mandap.
What makes the Bhootnath Temple in Himachal Pradesh so famous?
The Bhootnath Temple is a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists alike. Located in the town of Manali, the Bhootnath Temple is said to be one of the most sacred sites in Himachal Pradesh. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and is said to be one of the oldest temples in the region.
So why is the Bhootnath Temple so famous? Here are five reasons:
1) The Bhootnath Temple is one of the most important Shiva temples in India.
2) It is said to be one of the oldest temples in Himachal Pradesh, with some historians claiming it was built over 3,000 years ago.
3) The temple complex includes several smaller shrines and temples, making it a fascinating place to explore.
Attainment of the Shivling:
Ajbar Sen, according to legend, described a bovine personally milking a specific stone in a forest. Lord Shiva is said to have appeared in the king’s imagination. And he requested that Ajbar Sen remove the Shiva Linga from the site. Following that, when the king excavated in that location, he obtained the Shivling during the excavation; at that time, the king established a temple in this location. Since then, every year on Shivaratri, we have celebrated Lord Shiva with great pomp and display. You can visit this religious place at any time of the year. This location is only 17 kilometres from the Mandi district.
What is the significance of the Bhootnath Temple in Himachal Pradesh?
A legend is told of the building of Bhoothnath Temple. Raja Ajber Sen is said to have heard a story about a cow offering milk to a specific stone in a forest in Mandi in 1526. Lord Shiva is said to have appeared in the Raja’s dream and directed him to extricate the Shiva Linga buried there. Following that, the Raja discovered the Shiva Linga at the indicated location, which he deified in a temple he built in 1526 at the location where it was discovered. He named it “Bhootnath Temple” and began the Shivaratri festival at Mandi. Concurrent with this event, the Raja shifted his capital from Bhiuli to Mandi.
The Bhootnath Temple is a very significant temple in Himachal Pradesh. It is said to be the place where Lord Shiva appeared to Rama and gave him the blessing of invincibility.
Best Time To Visit:-
The Bhootnath Temple welcomes visitors on a grand scale. Mondays are thronged on a huge scale as it is an auspicious day for the followers of Lord Shiva in Hinduism.
Watch out:
Maha Shivaratri is a sacred festival celebrated here with great fanfare. The entire temple is exquisitely decorated and is flooded with devotees from the early hours. Aarti of the Shivalinga is done twice a day and devotees do the abhisheka of the Shivalinga with the Panchamrit. As a result, ensure that you are present at Bhootnath Temple on this holy day.