Paudiwala Shiv Temple — Attraction in Himachal Pradesh

Paudiwala Shiv Temple This unique temple is located at Khajurna, Nahan, Himachal Pradesh. It is also known as the Second step to Heaven Temple.

Legend goes that Ravana wanted to achieve immortality. So he performed very severe penance to appease Lord Shiva. Pleased with Ravana's great austerity and penance Shiva appeared and asked Ravana to seek a boon. Ravana asked for a boon of immortality.

Lord Shiva granted the boon and told Ravana that the path to become immortal was not easy. Lord Shiva told Ravana that if Ravana constructs five miraculous stairs to heaven in a single day Ravana can achieve immortality.

Ravana accepted the challenge and began his work to get immortality. Ravana made the first pauri (ladder) in Haridwar, the second Pauri here in Paudiwala, the third Pauri at Chudeseshwar Mahadev and the fourth Pauri at Kinnar Kailash.

After making these four steps, Ravana became tired that and took rest and went off to sleep. When he woke up, it was the next morning. Thus, he could not complete the five steps in one single day and lost his chance to become immortal.

Here at second pauri located in Pauriwala is a baadri where Ravana is said to fill the water for worshiping shiva.

Ravana established Shivalinga here to please Lord Shiva. This is not a common Shivling. Its size increases by one to two inches per year. In the opinion of some it increases the size of a grain of rice and not one or two inches.

It is believed that Lord Shiva lives in this Shiva temple situated in Paudiwala and fulfills every wish of every devotee who comes here.

Every year Shivaratri fair is attended by devotees from far and near by places.

Temple is about 15 mins drive from Nahan. From the junction, where there is a direction board, and an arch featuring the history of the temple, one has to drive 1.5 kms through dirt track to reach the temple. The drive is adventurous as the road is bad although motorable. One can park the car about 300 to 400 meters from Temple and walk for last stretch. During rains, it is risky to drive on this road and one need to use a four-wheel drive vehicle. Alternately, one can do the entire 1.5 km downhill and 1.5 km uphill as a trek on foot through green forest cover. Since the terrain is steep those with health problems and lack of stamina should not attempt the trek.

There are many steep inclines and narrow curves on the rugged path to the temple and one need to have good breaks in the vehicle to ensure safe drive.

This is an interesting temple to visit and spend quite time in the temple vicinity in the lap of nature. Photos by Viswas Menon (c) Viswas Menon Write up complied by...

My visit to the Paudiwala Shiv Temple in Nahan, Himachal Pradesh, was an incredibly peaceful and spiritually uplifting experience, deserving of a full five stars. Nestled in the serene hills of Nahan, this temple is a hidden gem that radiates calm and reverence, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking spiritual solace or simply a quiet retreat into nature.

The first thing that caught my attention was the temple’s location. Surrounded by lush greenery and tranquil hills, the journey to the temple itself feels like a pilgrimage. As you ascend the steps leading to the temple, you're greeted by stunning views of the valley below, with the cool mountain breeze adding to the overall sense of peace and tranquility. It’s a place where nature and spirituality blend seamlessly, providing a perfect backdrop for meditation and reflection.

The temple itself, dedicated to Lord Shiva, exudes a deep sense of devotion and reverence. The simple yet beautiful architecture of the shrine, with its traditional Himachali style, adds to the charm. The idol of Lord Shiva, adorned with flowers and offerings, is a sight that fills you with a sense of awe and respect. The atmosphere inside the temple is incredibly calming, with the soft murmurs of prayers and the gentle ringing of bells creating a peaceful ambiance. It’s easy to lose track of time here as you sit in quiet contemplation.

One of the most memorable aspects of my visit was the warm and welcoming nature of the temple priests and the local devotees. They are more than willing to share the history and significance of the temple, making you feel like a part of the community. Their hospitality adds a personal touch to the spiritual experience, making it even more special.

The surroundings of the temple are equally enchanting. After offering prayers, I took a leisurely walk around the temple grounds, enjoying the serene environment and the panoramic views of the surrounding hills. The natural beauty of the area is breathtaking, with the temple providing a perfect spot to pause and take it all in.

While the temple is not as commercialized as some of the larger religious sites, this only adds to its charm. The simplicity and purity of the place make it a true spiritual retreat, away from the noise and distractions of everyday life.

In conclusion, the Paudiwala Shiv Temple is a serene haven of spirituality and natural beauty. Whether you’re a devotee or simply someone looking for peace and quiet, this temple offers a truly enriching experience. It’s a place that stays with you long after you leave, and I can’t recommend it highly enough. A Great experience in...

Paudiwala Shiva temple which is called the second step to heaven. This is the second step among the stairs that Ravana built to go to heaven. Pauriwala Shiva Temple is situated near Nahin on the way from Ambala to Paonta Sahib. It is about 3 kilometers inside from the highway. The road is a little narrow so drive with caution. Going forward you will get a free car parking facility. Every day devotees from all over the country come here for darshan. This temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is situated in a very beautiful and peaceful environment. Coming here and visiting the temple brings peace to the mind. It is a request to all the devotees who visit the temple premises Maintain peace and order in the temple and allow everyone to have darshan comfortably. I hope you all will be satisfied with the information given by me, and once again I request all religious people to visit with a peaceful mind and maintain peace in every religious place. Thank you. Har Har...