Lakhamandal Temple
Embark on a journey through time at Lakhamandal temple
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE TEMPLE
Facts to Remember
Starting Point
Lakhamandal, Dehradun Dist., Uttarakhand
Duration
1 Day Darshan
Difficulty
Easy
Max. Altitude
Approx. 2,500 ft
Best time to travel
Sep to Nov, Feb to March
Total Distance
Approx. 120 km from Dehradun
ABOUT THE TEMPLE
Introducing the Divine
Lakhamandal, located on the bank of the Yamuna River in the stunning sceneries of Uttarakhand, is an ancient temple cloaked in mystery and intrigue. It is located on the Yamunotri highway in Dehradun district around 120 km from Dehradun and 75 km from Mussoorie. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to date back to the Mahabharata era and is extremely important in Hindu mythology and history. Pilgrims and spiritual seekers believe that visiting this temple shrine will put a stop to their misfortunes.
Lakhamandal Temple due to its association with various mythological legends, makes it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and spiritual seekers alike.
ORIGINS AND LEGENDS
Unraveling the Mythology
Legend has it that Lakhamandal derives its name from the Sanskrit words "Laksha" (lac) and "Mandal" (palace), echoing the fabled palace made of lac mentioned in the epic Mahabharata.
According to Hindu mythology, this was the site where the Kauravas, led by the cunning Duryodhana, the oldest Kaurava, tried to burn the Pandavas alive by trapping them in a palace constructed of highly flammable lac palace (Lakshagriha) at Lakhamandal.
But the Pandavas succeeded in making their getaway, and the temple bears witness to this age-old story of Mahabharata.
ARCHITECTURE AND RITUALS OF THE TEMPLE
Enchanting Moments
Architecure of Lakhamanadal Temple
Danav and Manav's twin figurines stand next to the main shrine as its dwarpals or doormen. The local legend has it that when someone was dying or had just died, they were put in front of these dwarpals and sprinkled with Ganga Jal, they would briefly return to life to say final goodbyes to their loved ones before finally expiring. Manav would keep the person alive, while Danav took the person's soul to Lord Vishnu.
Intricate stone carvings adorn the Lakhamandal temple walls, depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. The sanctum sanctorum also houses a sacred lingam, symbolizing the cosmic energy of Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of the temple. Surrounding the main shrine are smaller shrines dedicated to various other Hindu gods and goddesses.
LOCATION, VIEWS AND AMBIENCE
Where faith meets Majesty
Lakhamandal Temple is located on the Dehradun - Yamunotri highway.
Some of the attractions surrounding the temple are Yamunotri, Gangotri, Chakrata, Mussoorie and Dhanulti.
HOW TO REACH & CLIMATE CONDITIONS
Undertaking the journey of Discovery
How to reach Lakhamandal Temple
You can directly reach Lakhamandal temple by road from Dehradun via Chakrata or Mussoorie.
The nearest Interstate Bus Station (ISBT) is in Dehradun but the closest largest town is Chakrata. The nearest railway station and airport is in Dehradun.
Weather Conditions at Lakhamandal Temple
Lakhamandal has hot summers while winters are extremely cold and stingy. The monsoon is wet and windy.
TEMPLE TRAVEL GUIDEBOOK
Detailed Information
Private Transport
You can directly reach Lakhamandal temple by road from Dehradun through private transport via the following routes:
Dehradun - Vikasnagar - Lakhamandal temple
Dehradun - Mussoorie - Lakhamandal temple
Dehradun - Chakrata - Lakhamandal temple
Public Transport
You can avail a bus towards Barkot or Lakhamandal from Dehradun or Vikasnagar and avail a local taxi to the temple from Lakhamandal.
You can hire a local taxi from Dehradun to Lakhamandal.
Important note: The frequency of public transport between Dehradun/Vikasnagar and Lakhamandal or Barkot is low.
By Road
The nearest Inter State Bus Station (ISBT) is in Dehradun.
Distance between Dehradun & Lakhamandal: Approx. 120 Km
Distance between Vikasnagar & Lakhamandal: Approx. 90 Km
Distance between Mussoorie & Lakhamandal: Approx. 75 Km
Distance between Chakrata & Lakhamandal: Approx. 35 Km
By Train: The nearest railway station is Dehradun. From there you can either take a bus or a local taxi to Lakhamandal.
By Flight: The nearest airport is Dehradun Airport. You can reach Lakhamandal by hiring a local taxi from Dehradun airport.
DID YOU KNOW THESE INTERESTING FACTS?
Tales of the Temple
Mysterious Underground Tunnels: Legend has it that beneath the Lakhamandal temple lies a network of mysterious underground tunnels, whose origins and purpose remain shrouded in mystery, fueling speculation and intrigue among historians and archaeologists.
Ancient Ritual Practices: Lakhamandal temple is renowned for its preservation of ancient ritual practices, including unique ceremonies and offerings that have been passed down through generations, providing a fascinating glimpse into India's rich cultural heritage.
Enigmatic Stone Carvings: Visitors to Lakhamandal are often captivated by the temple's enigmatic stone carvings, which depict scenes from Hindu mythology and ancient scriptures, offering insights into forgotten tales and symbolic interpretations lost to time.
Natural Healing Springs: Hidden within the temple complex are natural healing springs, revered for their therapeutic properties and believed to possess mystical powers of rejuvenation, attracting pilgrims seeking spiritual and physical healing.
TEMPLE ROUTE
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Pick-up from Delhi or Dehradun, Arrival in Chakrata
Day 2: Lakhamandal Temple Darshan
Day 3: Departure to Delhi or Dehradun