A medieval shrine, Bhagsunath is Shiva Temple situated about 3kms from Mcleodganj. The temple has been highly revered by the Hindus and the Gorkha Community. The sacred shrine is famed for its two pools that are believed to have healing properties. The best time to visit Bhagsunath Temple is during the annual fair that takes place here in the month of September. The Dal Lake, Kotwali Bazaar and Bhagsu Fall are the main attractions around this holy shrine.The legend has that King Bhagsu built this temple after seeking forgiveness from Snake God. It is believed that Nag Devta was raged in anger as King Bhagsu stole water from the sacred Nag Dal Lake here. Later, the king repented and built the temple in reverence to Nag Devta.According to another legend, this shrine was the patronage of a specific Gorkha community called Bhagsuwala (after the God Bhagsunag). It is also believed that these rulers built the two pools of water here with tiger-head spouts. A double-story wooden house for pilgrims was also built by them.early 18th century, the Gorkhas came here with British[which?] to settle and they formed the 1st Gorkha Rifles in 1815 (The Malaun Regiment). Bhagsu is also the home of 1st Gorkha Rifles (The Malaun Regiment). Bhagsu is named after the Bhagsunag temple [3] currently in McLeodGanj station.In Indian mythology, the snake god, Nagdevata, got into a battle with King Bhagsu, who had stolen water from the sacred NagDal Lake. King Bhagsu was defeated and eventually forgiven, and the site was consecrated as Bhagsu Nagpopularly known as Bhagsunath Temple, it is highly revered by the local Gorkha and Hindu community. The two pools around the temple are believed to be sacred and are considered to contain miraculous powers of healing.History: The legend has that King Bhagsu built this temple after seeking forgiveness from Snake God. It is believed that Nag Devta was raged in anger as King Bhagsu stole water from the sacred Nag Dal Lake here. Later, the king repented and built the temple in reverence to Nag Devta.Bhagsu/Bhaksu (also known as Bhagsunag or Bhagsunath) is a village near McLeod Ganj in Dharamshala, in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, India. The village is the site of Bhagsunag waterfall and the ancient Bhagsunag Temple.According to local legend, 5,000 years ago, Nagdevata, the snake god was drawn into a battle with a local king, Bhagsu, who stole water from the sacred Nag Dal Lake. King Bhagsu was vanquished and forgiven by the god and the site consecrated as Bhagsu Nag.Bhagsu? Bhagsu is a small village which is situated at an height of around 2100 mtrs above the sea level near Mcleodganj in Dharamshala district of Himachal Pradesh. Bhagsu is famous for the Bhagsunath waterfall and a ancient Bhagsunag Temple.Bhagsu Falls is located 2 kilometres away from the main market area of the Bhagsunag village, Mcleodganj. If you are travelling from Dharamshala, the waterfall is at a distance of 3 kilometres. From the temple, the waterfall is just a stone's throw away distance so you can walk to the falls from the temple.main highlight is the waterfall itself with the Bhagsunag waterfall height being 30 feet and 6,960 metres above sea level. This 7 km trek will take about 6 hours to complete and will also include a visit to the very famous Bhagsu Nath Temple. The guide will assist the group with the trails being familiar with the routes and trek trails from the right places to take halts to get some mind-blowing pictures clicked.मरते समय राक्षस राजा भागसू ने देवता के प्रति अपना अत्यंत सम्मान व्यक्त किया जिससे नाग देवता वास्तव में प्रसन्न हुए।नाग देवता ने उनसे उनकी मृत्यु की इच्छा पूछी, जिस पर उन्होंने उनकी तरह विश्व प्रसिद्ध होने और अपने देश के लिए जल पाने की इच्छा व्यक्त की।नाग देवता ने तथास्तु कहा और ख़ुशी से कहा कि "इस स्थान पर आपका नाम मेरे नाम से पहले आएगा"। तभी से इस स्थान का नाम भागसू नाग पड़ गया । आज इस घटना को 8084 साल हो गए हैं. कलयुग में राजा धर्म चंद यहां राज करते थे, उनके सपने में भगवान शिव ने उन्हें इस स्थान पर अपना मंदिर बनाने...
Read moreBhagsunag Temple is a 5100 year old Hindu abode on the slopes of the picturesque Dhauladhar range in the village Bhagsu, some 2 kms from McLeod Ganj.
A major earthquake in 1905 destroyed much of this age old temple as also the Kangra valley and the British garrison. With that calamity, the rulers of India, the Brits changed their plans of making Dharamsala their summer capital, choosing instead another nearby hill-station, Shimla. Even as that decision was made, the legendary 1815 raised battalion Gurkha Light Infantry which became the 1st Gurkha Rifles rebuilt the town and temple.
Presently there is little to show of the temple’s old glory. All that remains are ancient stone sculptures of Hindu gods, much of which are either defaced or have been ravaged by time. In the compact sacred premises, and courtyard, today are framed pictures of Lord Shiva and Parvathi, young Krishna riding the sea-serpents, Dal Lake and so on; more recently sculptured idols of goddess Kali, Hanuman, Shiva, Ganesha… and several plaques of fallen Gurkha war heroes fill this holy place. A dharmashalla or free lodging for pilgrims/travelers is across the narrow lane, built by the Gurkha Rifles regiment in 1939. Adjoining this is what looks like a ‘swimming pool’ - actually it is a freshwater spring, in which pilgrims to take a holy dip. On our visit we saw several tourists and their children in swimming gear taking a break from a hot day in the tank.
En route to the temple one sees several inns, modern shops, eateries including pizzerias...and mountain goats – evidence of the resident Gaddi tribals who make a living in traditional herding and farming. Things u can do Take a dip in the chilly waters of the holy pond, which is also known as the 'jalkund'. There is also a well-maintained swimming pool for the general public in front of the sacred pond, where you can enjoy a swim. After offering prayers, you can either proceed to the Bhagsunag Waterfalls or merely sit back and enjoy the stillness and tranquillity of the temple and...
Read moreThe Bhagsu Nag Temple, nestled in the serene town of McLeod Ganj near Dharamshala, is a sacred site that beautifully combines natural beauty and spiritual significance. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this ancient temple holds immense religious importance and is a major attraction for both devotees and tourists.
One of the most striking features of the Bhagsu Nag Temple is its picturesque setting. Surrounded by lush greenery and the majestic Dhauladhar mountain range, the temple offers a tranquil and scenic environment that enhances the spiritual experience. The sound of the nearby Bhagsu waterfall, which cascades down in close proximity to the temple, adds to the serene atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for meditation and reflection.
The temple's architecture is simple yet elegant, reflecting traditional Hindu design. Inside, the sanctum houses a Shivalinga, where devotees offer prayers and seek blessings. The temple complex also includes a small pond, believed to have healing properties, where visitors can take a refreshing dip.
A visit to the Bhagsu Nag Temple is not just about religious observance; it is also an opportunity to immerse oneself in local culture and traditions. The temple is frequently visited by locals, and witnessing their rituals and ceremonies provides a glimpse into the vibrant cultural tapestry of the region.
For those who enjoy trekking, the temple serves as a starting point for several trekking routes, including the popular trail to Bhagsu Waterfall and beyond. The combination of spiritual ambiance, natural beauty, and cultural richness makes the Bhagsu Nag Temple a must-visit destination in McLeod Ganj. Whether you are a devout pilgrim or a curious traveler, this temple offers a peaceful retreat and a memorable experience amidst the...
Read more