SHYAMA KALI -MANDI

Bhoot Nath Temple

Baba Bhootnath is a manifestation of Lord Siva. It is said one cow would go out and stand near a stone and milk would gush out of her uddersThe owner got frightened and the story spread fat and wide.Raja Ajbar Sen of Mandi learnt about the story. The Raja had a dream the very night he was told about it, that Lord Siva wanted him - dig under the stone.  The Raja immediately did so and the idol of Siva was found.

When the present Mandi was founded by Raja Ajbar Sen (1499-1534 A.D.),he built the temple and installed the deity. Baba Bhootnath is the guardian deity of Mandi and the shrine is daily visited by hundreds of devotees.

It is believed that in case there is a severe drought in Mandi water taken from the river Beas should be poured over the deity and it would surely rain by the time the, water would trickle down to river Beas again. Newly born babies and calves are brought to Bhootnath God and consecrated to him. People believe this consecration would guard against dangers.

It is a Shikhara type of temple. There is a small porch; and a cellar surmounted by a spire. The Mandap in front is a later addition. There are fine pillars supporting the porch with capitals carved in elephants, the arch being trefoil.

[ Back ] [ Up ]