Search Indian Maps, Pincodes, Local Info and more...
Uttaranchal Lakhamandal Temple
Lakhamandal is one of the ancient Hindu temples, located 75 km from Dehradun in Mussoourie-Yamunotri Road, in the state of Uttarakhand. This is a Shiva temple with lot of devotees particularly from Shakti Cult, who have implicit faith that visiting this temple shrine will ward off their misfortunes.
Lakhamandal implies that it is equal to one lack temples or large number of Lingams assembled at one place to bless the devotees. Apart from its religious significance, this location carries importance because of a large number of art works in the form of sculptures and inscriptions of 5th century, excavated and identified by the Archaeological Survey of India.
The main attraction in this shrine is the Lingam which is of graphite stone, shining well in wet condition and producing reflections in its surroundings. The architectural style of the temple is of North Indian type which is followed in the mountainous regions of Garhwal, Jaunsar regions and at Himachal area.
Lakhamandal temple is in Lakhamandal village of Dehradun district, where Yamuna River flows.
History
According to the legends prevailing in the region as shared by the local people, this temple and the surrounding area were the location where Duryodhana of Mahabharata epic cunningly organized to burn alive his cousins and political rivals, the Pandava in the lacquer finished Lakshyagriha house. But by the cautions taken Pandavas, and by the providence of Shakti, they escaped the risk of being burnt. It is said to be the reason of a Shakti Temple having been constructed here, in commemoration of the sacred power of Shakti, the form of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva.
The present temple structure was constructed with numerous stone engraved figures conveying mythological themes during 8th Century.
Description
This large Shiva temple is well preserved and maintained according to temple architecture with a 'triratha sanctum' of five-storeyed 'rekha-sikhara' equipped with a frontage of modern hall and porch. The vedic aspects are accomplished by the mouldings of khura-kumbha, kapotapaliand kalasaupon a Jangha with rathas capped by udgamas. The bhandra niches, which are now empty, are having udgamasat the top, carrying figures or heads of Shiva. The shikhara is squat and ponderous, while slightly ornamented with gavakshas and bhumi-amalakas. In the sanctum Shivalinga is enshrined and one can enter the same from a doorway of three sakhis decorated with different type of scrolls.
There are also two statues of Danav and Manav installed beside the main shrine, implying Dwarapals or Doormen. These figures also resemble Jai and Vijay, the mythological doormen of Lord Vishnu. This spot is believed to offer salvation to the soul of the person who prays them at the time of death.
There is a cave near this place is called Dhundhi Odaari, which means misty hidden place, the local people believing that Pandava brothers took refuge in this cave at the time of torture by Duryodhana.
‘Baishakhi’ festival falling on 15th of April is celebrated in this place in a grand manner, which is attended by large number of tourists.
How To Reach
Lakhamandal temple lies 75 kilometers outside Dehradun and it is in the Naugaon-Barkot Route, while bus and taxi services are available from Dehradun, one can reach Dehradun by Air, Rail or Road.
By Air
To reach Dehradun by Air, there is Jolly Grant airport which is well connected with Delhi and most of the important airports of India.
By Rail
Dehradun Railway station is one of the major rail heads in the North, with many direct trains from all the major junctions in India, which include Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Varanasi and Lucknow.
By Road
Bus transport facilities, including Luxury bus services, are available to reach Dehradun from various towns of Uttaranchal, besides long distance buses from places like Delhi, Agra, Lucknow, Kolkata, Mumbai, Jaipur and even Chennai which is very far away.
Other Attractions Of Dehradun
Dehradun is a wonderful location lying at the foothills of Himalayas, offering tourists a number of spots besides Lakhamandal temple, which include
- Tapkeshawar Temple, which is a Shiva temple located within 6kms from the city center, where water droplets from a rock, fall directly on the Shivalinga in the sanctum.
- Sahastradhara, which is a location where the Baldi River falls down from a height of 9mtrs and the water from sulphur spring here, is believed to cure diseases.
- Tapowan, which is a spot giving beautiful view of the mountainous region and according to the epic Mahabharata, it is in this spot that Guru Dronacharya had had penance after Kurukshetra war.
- The Forest Research Institute, which houses a museum showcasing diverse botanical specimens from the Himalayan foothills.
- Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, a place preserving specimens of mountain geology, giving scope to gain deep knowledge in this branch of science.
- Rajaji National Park lay in a sprawling area of 820 sq.kms, hosting 23 species of mammals and 315 of avifauna.
There are few other tourist attractions also such as Robber’s Cave, Malsi Deer Park, Laxman Siddh Chandrabani etc, which deserve visit during tours to this place.
Photo Gallery