Panchvaktra, Temple — Attraction in Himachal Pradesh

Panchvaktra Temple, Mandi Situated at the confluence of the Rivers Suketi and Beas, the serene beauty of the Panchvaktra temple attracts a large number of visitors from across the country. The temple stands on a huge platform and is very well furnished. Panchvaktra temple is a supreme shrine dedicated to Lord Shiv. The temple is built in the typical Shikhara architecture style which looks astounding. Temple got its name from the five faced statue image of Lord Shiva, out of which only three can be seen when viewed from the front.

It is one of the protected monuments which comes under the Archaeological Survey of India and has been declared a national site. Inside the Panchvaktra temple, there is a huge statue of Lord Shiv. The statue has five faces which depict about the different character of Lord Shiv- Aghora, Ishana, Tat Purusha, Vaamdeva and Rudra. Angora is the destructive nature, Ishana is omnipresent and omnipotent, Tat Purusha is his ego, Vaamdeva is the female facet and Rudra is his creative and destructive aspect. Panchvaktra is defined as the union of all these.

The foundation date of the Panhvaktra temple is still unknown. As per the historical facts, the temple was restored under the reign of Sidh Sen's kingship (1684-1727) as it was damaged due to flood. Main porch or Mandap of the temple is supported by 4 minutely carved pillars.

It's a peaceful place; tranquillity descends in the aroma of the temple. A silent meditation here can bestow the people with good mental health and purify their souls. Panchvaktra temple, no doubt, is our...

Cross Bhootnath Bazaar and exit towards Beas river. Take right and walk up to the temple. Ask around for direction as there are many temples in front of each other and around. Panchvaktra Temple is over 600 year old temple is visible from a long distance. Beyond expectations, it turned out to be a really ancient temple - look and feel of it took us into some past era. The five-faced Shivji's idol is duplicated - one is inside the garbh-greh (sanctum) while other one, outside the sanctum. The five faces of Bhagwaan Shankar depict his different characteristics- Aghora (destructive), Ishana (omnipresent and omnipotent), Tat Purusha (ego), Vaamdeva (feminine) and Rudra (creative and destructive). As in other Himachali temples, Nandi ji is standing alert waiting for Lord's movement/command and a god is hanging by his tail.

The stone used to build the temple, idols and sculptures bears supreme power for floods could no destroy this or submerge it. Yes, stone at many places is washed. The temple area is absolutely clean and was flocked by young students enjoying the calm of riverside and the temple.

Archaeological Survey of India protects this monument as this is a national site. Not sure why but there was no pujari/priest there. I waited over half an hour but it felt the temple was just not attended by an authority. Sad that such a marvel and that too at such a pleasant and peaceful location,...

The serene beauty of the Panchavaktra temple located at the confluence of Suketi and Byas rivers attracts a large number of visitors from across the country. The temple stands on a huge stage and is very well equipped. Panchavaktra Temple is a supreme temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is built in distinctive summit architectural style that looks stunning. The temple got its name from the five faced statue of Lord Shiva, of which only three are visible when seen from front.

This is one of the preserved monuments that comes under the Indian Archaeology Survey and has been declared the national site. There is a huge statue of Lord Shiva inside the Panchavaktra temple. The statue has five faces that depicts the different characters of Lord Shiva - Aghora, Ishan, Tatpurush, Vamdev and Rudra. Angora is destructive nature, Ishan is omnipotent and almighty, elephant is her ego, Vamdev is feminine aspect and Rudra is her creative and destructive aspect. Panchavaktra is defined as a combination...