Mamaleshwar Mahadev temple is located in Karsog in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. It is an ancient temple with very interesting architecture. Lord Shiva, Parvati, and all the Rudras are enshrined in a single temple.
This is the most famous Shiva temple in the Karsog Valley and town. Although the town is densely populated, the ancient temple is located in a sparsely populated suburban area. The temple, made of stone and wood, stands on a high plinth and features an arched roof made of square slates.
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Among the most interesting things to see here are a musical instrument played by the Pandavas of the Mahabharata and an ancient grain weighing 200 grams! Nearby, the Kamakshi Temple in Karsog is also worth visiting, known for its unique architecture and exquisite wooden carvings on its outer walls.
History of Mamleshwar Mahadev
The valleys of Himachal Pradesh are a top choice for tourists visiting the region. The mosques here are adorned with nature sculptures, but the sculptures of the Karsog Valley are particularly famous. The Mamleshwar Temple is located 100 km from Karsog Valley. It is believed that the Pandavas spent time here 5,000 years ago. The fire pit from the Mahabharata era is still burning…
The Mamleshwar Temple has a fire pit that has been continuously burning. The legend is that the Pandavas lit this fire pit 5,000 years ago, and it has been burning ever since. The local people believe that the Pandavas lit this fire pit for worship during their period of exile. It is said that during the month of Sawan, Parvati and Shiva are present in the temples here.
5000-year-old wheat grain
It is said that the Mamleshwar Temple houses a 5,000-year-old grain of barley, weighing 250 grams. It is believed that the Pandavas arranged food during their exile using this grain. The presence of five lingams together in the Mamleshwar Mahadev Temple is also a special feature. Several years ago, many Shivlings, and statues of Lord Shiva and Vishnu were also found near the temple.
Bhim’s drum is kept in the temple
A large drum, believed to have been made by Bhim during their exile, is kept in the Mamleshwar Temple. Bhim used to play this drum in his spare time, and when they left, he placed the drum in the temple.
Final Words
This is one of the oldest temples in the hills and is said to have been built by the Pandavas of the Mahabharata. It is dedicated to Shiva and the fire in it keeps burning all the time. The people have very great faith in this god as a giver of rain. When the rains do not fall at the proper time, the people assemble in the temple and pray to the god who gives rain in return.
A special disciple of Shiva, known as Bhanaitu, is said to possess the power of digesting brick-bats. When he sits on the burning fire in the temple, Shiva enters his body making him impervious to injury.
The idol of the god is carried in a chariot when visiting another place. Many gold and silver ornaments decorate the idol which is accompanied by hundreds of followers including pipers and chobdars.
None can enter the temple with his shoes on, while women are never permitted access. Towards the west of the temple is an idol of another god which nobody sees for fear of immediate death. While worshipping him, the pujari closes his eyes to avoid all chances of seeing the god. The use of charpies is also forbidden within the temple walls.
Close to the temple is a heavy stone which is capable of being lifted by the little finger of any widow who is prepared to become a sati. In the old days when the sati ceremony was popular amongst the widows in the State, the widows used to lift the stone before they plunged into the sacred fire as it is believed that by doing so they avoid feeling the burning.
