Lakhamandal temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is present in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand. The name the complex has origins in the words ‘Lakha‘ meaning ‘many‘ and ‘Mandal‘ meaning ‘Temples or Lingam‘. Moreover, devotees believe that a visit to this temple is capable of absolving one’s sins.
Lakhamandal – Facts
| Deity | Lord Shiva |
| Location | Jaunsar-Bawar region of Dehradun district, Uttarakhand |
| Best Time to Visit | October to March |
| Darshan Timings | 7 AM to 6 PM |
| Entry Fees | Free |
| Dress Code | Traditional Wear |
| Festivals | Mahashivratri |
The Shivling here is made of graphite which shines on pouring water on it.
It also ends the miseries of life. River Yamuna flows near the village in which Lakhamandal is present. It is also a part of the Char Dham Yatra destinations within Uttarakhand.
What are the timings of Lakhamandal?
Here are the timings of Lakhamandal:
| Open | Close | |
| Timings | 7 AM | 6 PM |
What is the significance of Lakhamandal?
The significance of Lakhamandal is the main attraction of the temple complex is a Shivalingam made of graphite. When water is poured over Shivalingam, it reflects the light and shines, hence illuminating its surroundings. Also, the temple has the northern Indian style of architecture (Huna architecture).
Beliefs also say that a person who dies in front of the twin statues of Manav and Danav momentarily returns to life. This is because Manav keeps the person alive while Danav takes the person’s soul to Lord Vishnu’s divine abode.
What is the history of Lakhamandal?
The history of Lakhamandal is that the temple is present near the place where Duryodhana conspired to burn Bhaskara alive in Lakshyagraha (a house of shellac). Moreover, two statues of Manav and Danav are present near the main shrine and devotees consider them to be of Pandava brothers Bhima and Arjuna.
These statues are the dwarpals (door guards) of the shrine. They also resemble Jai and Vijay, the doormen of Lord Vishnu. Dhundhi Odaari is a cave present near Lakhamandal and devotees believe that it is the place where Pandavas hid in order to protect themselves from their cousin Duryodhana. Dhund means “fog” and odaari means “cave“.
Festivals celebrated at Lakhamandal
The main festival celebrated at Lakhamandal is:
- Mahashivratri: This festival is in the honor of Lord Shiva. Devotees believe that he is the Adi guru who is the source of the Yogi tradition. It is observed by remembering Shiva and chanting prayers, fasting, doing Yoga, making offerings to the deity, as well as meditating.
How to reach Lakhamandal?
Here’s how to reach Lakhamandal:
- Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (130 km away).
- Train: The nearest railway station is Dehradun railway station (107 km away from Lakhamandal).
- Road: Buses to Chakrata are available from ISBT Kashmere Gate. One can hire a bus or taxi from Chakrata to Lakhamandal.
Where to stay near Lakhamandal?
Some of the places where one can stay near Lakhamandal while undertaking the Char Dham Yatra are:
- Hotel Shiva Residency: The property offers a multi-cuisine restaurant, conference hall, doctor on call, safe deposit lockers, travel desk, laundry, secretarial services, generator back-up as well as Wi-Fi internet facility.
- Hotel Saffron Leaf: 4 km from ISBT and Dehradun Railway Station, the hotel offers a fitness center, travel assistance, and a multi-cuisine restaurant.
- Hotel LP Residency: The hotel is a perfect retreat for visitors and business travelers. It offers WiFi, parking, laundry, room service, credit card acceptance and many more.
Please carry valid ID proof such as Aadhar Card. It is needed at the time of booking of the rooms.
What are some temples near Lakhamandal?
Some of the temples near Lakhamandal are:
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Uttarkashi: The temple is one of the most sacred temples in Uttarakhand, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is present on the banks of river Bhagirathi and is one of the Char Dham Yatra destinations within Uttarakhand. The Shiva lingam here is 56cm in height and is tilted towards the South. The lingam is a Swayambhu, that is, the lord has manifested the lingam himself. During the Magh Mela, devotees visit the temple to take a holy dip in the river Bhagirathi. It is also a part of the Char Dham Yatra destinations within Uttarakhand.
- Shakti Temple: This temple is present on the opposite side of the Vishwanath temple in Uttarkashi and is in honor of Goddess Parvati. Also, the main attraction of the temple is a huge ‘Trishool‘ which is 6 meters high. Moreover, it is over 1500 years old.
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