Lakhamandal Shiva Temple

Overview

The Lakhamandal-Laksha Grah temple is located in Uttraranchal on the bank of Yamuna with a distance of 35 Kms and also 128 Kms from Chakrata.On the Mussoorie- Yamnotri road lies the Lakhamandal temple past to the Kempty Falls of about 75 Kms.This temple has a mythological as well as historical significance.The temple figures conspicuously in the epic book of Maharashtra.

Legends

Legends apprise that the Kauravas made a shelter house and conspired to burn the Pandavas alive.It is also believed that the place where Kaurava's tried to kill the Pandava's by burning them in the castle is located in Lakshagrah. In order to burn the Pandavas the Kauravas had built their "Laksha Grah" (house of lac). In the village there are two remarkable well executed figures in the form of stones, of Arjuna and Bhima.The pretty deep cave not far off a hill lock of Laksagrah helped them in surviving, it is about 10 minutes walk from the village. The exit of the cave is said to be connected to a tunnel leading towards the Yamuna River bed nearby in which the Pandava's escaped the fire. Another cave near this place is called Dhundhi Odaari in the local Jaunsari language. Dhundi or Dhund means "misty" or "foggy" and odaar or odaari means "cave" or "hidden place". The local people think that the Pandava took refuge in this cave to save themselves from Duryodhana.

About the temple

Chakrata which is known for its environment and pollution free atmosphere is situated at a distance of about 98 Kms from Dehradun at an elevation of about 7000ft(2118 mts). It has a cantonment township and the northern part of Chakrata sub-division provides a fascinating landscape for trekkers and the nature lovers. The virgin forests of Conifers, Rhododendrons and Oaks are the best for long walks.It contains temples which is dedicated to, the five Pandava brothers, Parasuram and Kedar. Twin statues of Danav and Manav are located beside the main shrine. The statues are its dwarpals (doormen). Some people believe these statues to be those of Pandava brothers Bhima and Arjuna. They also resemble Jai and Vijay, the doormen of Lord Vishnu. When someone was dying or had just died, an appearance in front of these statues, returns them briefly to life before finally expiring. The power of Manav kept the person alive, while Danav took the person's soul to Lord Vishnu's abode.

Rare Facts

Excavations are still revealing ancient artifacts near the temple. Just behind the temple there is a "shinning" shiv ling, once water is pored over it it becomes shiny and one can see their own reflection on it.

Location

This temple lies 128 km. from Dehradun, and 35 km. from Chakrata on the Mussoorie-Yamnotri road, past Kempty Falls.[3] It is built in North Indian Architectural style, which is common in the hilly regions of Garhwal, Jaunsar and Himachal. The Yamuna River flows alongside Lakhamandal village where the temple is situated.

Accessibility

Lakhamandal is located at 100 kms in mussoorie road from chakrata.

Road

Taxis or buses can be taken from Chakrata to reach the temple.

Rail

The nearest rail head is Dehradun Railway station (107 kms).

Airport

The nearest Airport is at Jolly Grant Airport (130 kms).