It is a temple located at a distance of 125 km from Dehradun. Common people and pilgrims visit this unique site for blessings. It is not just an ordinary visit. There are many legendary stories attached to this miraculous abode of Lord Shiva.
The name Lakha Mandal means a lakh Shivlingas. The first sight of the temple will surprise you. This is why the temple is visited by common people too.
There are Shivlinga of all types. There is small Shivlinga, medium size and even a large Shivlinga resting peacefully in the Himalayan foothills. But you will not be able to see lakh Shivlinga’s, which is said to have existed in the 8th century when this temple was built by the Pandavas.
Legend of the Temple
It is a famous pilgrimage site. There are many interesting stories attached to the Lakha Mandal.
Some say this is the place where the world’s first Shivlinga was found. So what is the story behind the origin of Shivlinga?
The worshipping of Shivlinga started at Lakha Mandal. But why do we worship it in the first place? The answer can found in the Ling Purana.
Once upon a time, there was a fight between Brahma and Vishnu to establish their superiority over each other. When this argument turned in a hot raging debate, a burning flame pillar appeared between them. Bothe Brahma and Vishnu were left astonished. They attempted to find the origin and end of this shining flame. However, they could not find its source of origin or end portion of the flame. Both accepted defeat. This is when Lord Shiva blessed both of them to be humble in life. After which Lord Shiva disappeared. The first Shivlinga was established here then.
It is also believed that Vishnu and Brahma were the first to worship the Shivlinga.The Shivlinga called the Mahamandleshwar Shivlinga used to resonate the sound of Om which both of them heard.
There is yet another legendary story surrounding the existence of this temple. It is said that this temple and the Shivlinga was established by Yudhishtra (Elder brother of Pandavas) during their Agyatvaas. When Kauravas found out about their presence here, they together hatched a plan to burn them alive. It was Maa Shakti who saved the noble souls of Pandavas. This is why Shiva and Maa Shakti are worshiped in Lakha Mandal.
Significance of Lakha Mandal
There are two edifices (Dwarpals) facing west which guard the main entrance to the temple. It is believed by many holy saints and the principal followers that if you place a dead body in front of these two edifices and the temple priest sprinkles holy water on the body, then the person springs back to life for few minutes.
The dead person, on being brought back to life, will take Lord Shiva’s name and will be served with Gangajal. After consuming Gangajal, the soul will again leave the body. This way the dead person attains eternity.
Another fact is that if you seek blessings to bear a child on Mahashivratri, by staying all night at the temple and gazing at the Shivlinga chanting Lord’s name, that woman will indeed be blessed with a child.
Some more amazing facts about Lakha Mandal
There are few broken statues inside the temple premise. Though the exact reason for it is not yet known, the locals will inform you that it was a result of colonial rampage in India. They too know that India was a rich country and every empire which ruled India wanted to deprive it of its wealth. So, perhaps, this site too was dug to rob India of its wealth. However, there is no archaeological evidence to establish this fact as yet.
Another very flabbergasting fact about this amazing temple is a Shivlinga which is like a mirror. It is your usual black stone Shivlinga, but when you pour water on it, the Shivlinga shows your face. Isn’t that amazing and very unique?
Many people visit this temple to seek blessings of Lord Shiva. It is truly a special experience to be here.
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