ARDHNARI TEMPLE-MANDI

The Krishna Mandir at Mandi raised by Raja Suraj Sen who ruled Mandi State from 1637 to 1664 A.D. with an image of Madhav Rao is held in very high respect. The Raja had a number of sons who all died premature. The worried Raja set up this image and the temple out of remorse.

The Raja formally handed over his kingdom to God Madhav Rao and during the rest of his life he ruled as the vicegerent of the God. The image of Madhav Rao (Lord Krishna) made in silver was set up in 1648 A.D. and a Jagir in perpetuity was assigned to him.Lord Krishna in this icon of Sri Madhav Rao is worshipped with due ceremony on all important occasions.

On every important festival, Madhav Rao is taken out in a procession. He is treated as the guardian deity.It is significant that at the time of accession of the State to the rest of India after Independence, the Raja had to take formal orders from the deity for the merger. The importance of Madhav Rao is emphasized when on "Shivratti" all the gods and goddesses repair to Mandi to do honor to him.

[ Up ] [ Next ]