If you are living in Punjab and are looking to visit a historical place on a low budget, then Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple is a good choice for you. Here you can feel the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains and the flowing Ravi river. This place is easily approachable anywhere in Punjab and other cities in India.
In this article, we are going to introduce this less-discovered historical temple. First time I heard about this temple from one of my friends. And after hearing I never believed him because I was never seen such a beautiful and hilly place in Punjab.
As I am living in Amritsar so we decided to visit this place which is around 140 km on my bike. This journey is the most memorable journey of my life because we visit there on the bike, and we enjoyed the journey by having views of fields around the road.
History of Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple
Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple is located in Doongh Village, Shahpurkandi 22 km away from Pathankot District in Punjab, India. Here are cave temples that are dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Shiva. These cave temples are located on the banks of the Ravi river. These historical cave temples have been used by the Pandavas for staying during their final year in exile.
Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple is situated atop a hill and contains a beautiful marble Shiva Lingam and copper Yoni. According to Mythology, this Shiva Lingam was built by the Pandavas to worship the lord, Shiva. There are idols of various Hindu deities including lord Brahma, Vishnu, Hanuman, Parvati, and Ganesh surround the Lingam.
According to Hindu Mythology, these caves are around 5500 years old and temples were built by Pandavas during the time of Mahabharata. These caves served as a shelter for Pandavas during their final year of exile. They stayed here for six months during the exile period also known as ‘Agyatvas’.
This temple is also known as Mini Haridwar because the people who can not do ash immersion of their kin at Haridwar, come there and flow their it in the Ravi River at Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple.
Important Details Of Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple
Temple Timings: The temple is open 24 hours, devotees can visit any time of the day.
Aarti Timings: Morning- 05:30 AM and Evening- 07:00 PM
Langar Facility: Everyday 10:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Average time required for sight-seeing: 45-60 minutes
Attractions: Mukesran Da Mela in the month of April, Shivaratri, Chaitra Chodiya, Navratri Festival, Somvati Amavasya Mela.
How to Reach Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple?
Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple is easily approachable via road, train, and air.
By Road: This place is located at a distance of 25 km from Pathankot Bus Stand and you can easily reach here by road on a local bus, or your bike or car.
By Train: Pathankot city is well connected with the railway network and the nearest railway station from this place is 25 km. You can visit here by train from any part of India and then book a local taxi from the railway station to visit this place.
By Air: You can also choose Air transportation and took a flight from Delhi to Pathankot. The nearest airport is at a distance of 5 km from the city and is almost 27 km from this place.
If you love traveling to explore new places then you can add this place to your list. I assure you will love this place and feel mental relaxation after visiting here. If you have also visited this place before then add your views in the comments below.