In most places, devotees worship a complete idol of Lord Shiva, but the Kathgarh Mahadev Temple in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, stands out as the only temple in the world where a Shivling, divided into two distinct parts, is worshipped. This Shivling, known as the Ardhanarishwar Shivling, symbolizes both Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The two parts differ in shape and size, and their distance from one another is said to change according to the movement of planets and constellations.
An Ever-Changing Phenomenon
Situated 15 kilometers from the Damtal area in Indora subdivision, Kathgarh Mahadev Temple is an ancient Shiva temple renowned across Himachal Pradesh and neighboring states like Punjab, Haryana, and Jammu & Kashmir. This temple’s uniqueness lies in the shifting distance between the two parts of the Shivling. During the summer months, the distance between the parts increases, while in winter, it decreases, with the two halves uniting on the auspicious occasion of Shivratri. The Shivling’s section representing Shiva measures 7-8 feet in height, while the part representing Parvati is 5-6 feet tall. Made of blackish-brown stone, the Shivling is octagonal in shape.
Mythological Origins
According to the Shiv Puran, the origins of the Shivling trace back to a fierce war between Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu. Witnessing the destruction, Lord Shiva appeared in the form of a ling to restore peace. It is believed that this ling appeared at the present site of the Kathgarh Mahadev Temple.
Another legend connects the Shivling to the local Gujjar community, who once lived in the area. They would place milk pots on a rock in the form of shivling, which was believed to rise on its own. Bhairav Ji would repeatedly carve it down, but it would continue to grow. Upon learning about this, the king excavated the site, and scholars advised worshipping Lord Shiva during the month of Shravan. This led to the self-manifestation of the Shivling in its present form, with the two parts symbolizing Shiva and Parvati. The stone Shivling stands 5.5 feet tall, and a smaller stone, just two inches away and about one and a half feet shorter, represents Parvati. By January 15, the distance between Shiva and Parvati reduces, and after that, it begins to increase again. Devotees visit the temple to make wishes, and upon fulfillment, they undertake yatras to the site.
Historical Significance
Alexander’s Connection
The temple’s history intertwines with the arrival of Alexander the Great in 326 BC. According to folklore, when Alexander reached a village named Mirthal near the Beas River, he witnessed a Fakir worshipping the Shivling. Despite Alexander’s offer to take him to Greece with immense wealth, the Fakir refused, asking only to be left undisturbed in his worship. Impressed by this act, Alexander leveled the land and built a boundary wall around the Shivling. He also constructed octagonal platforms towards the Beas River, which remain intact today.
Alexander’s conquest campaign is believed to have ended at this site. His soldiers, overwhelmed by the bravery and patriotism of the local people, refused to advance further, leading Alexander to change his plans. Historian Shri Sukhdev Singh Charak mentions in his book History and Culture of Himalayan State that Alexander’s last camp was near Mirthal, making Kathgarh a historically significant site.
Contributions of Maharaja Ranjit Singh
During the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the temple received significant attention. Deeply impressed by the Shivling’s sanctity, Ranjit Singh ordered the construction of a beautiful temple to protect the self-manifested Shivling from the elements. He also took measures to improve the surrounding area, ensuring the temple’s preservation and enhancing its accessibility for devotees.
Celebrations and Devotion
The Kathgarh Mahadev Temple becomes a hub of activity during the annual four-day fair held on Shivratri. Organized by the Kathgarh Mandir Nyas, this fair attracts devotees from across the country, especially during Shivratri and Mondays of the Saavan month. Worshippers believe that darshan of the Ardhanarishwar form of Shiva and Shakti resolves all familial and mental troubles, bringing peace and prosperity.
The temple stands as a testament to ancient Indian architecture and spiritual heritage. With its octagonal Shivling and platforms offering a view of the Beas River, the temple serves as both a religious site and a historical landmark. The well near the temple, whose water was once cherished by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, remains another point of attraction for visitors.
Visiting this sacred site offers a profound experience, blending devotion with a deep sense of cultural and historical pride.
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