Lakhamandal temple

Lakhamandal is an ancient Hindu temple, situated in Dehradun district, is dedicated to lord Shiva.This temple is popular amongst the people who belong to the Shakti Cult. They believe that a visit to this temple shrine will bring an end to all their misfortunes and ill destiny. They accept the trouble to come over to this place from far and wide, solely in search of peace and eternal bliss.


Attraction of this temple shrine is the graphite Lingam which shines when water is poured on it and one can see his/her reflection in it.

LEGENDS & BELIEFS :

According to the local people, this temple and the adjoining area is believed to be the place where Duryodhana of Mahabharata episode conspired to burn alive the Pandava in the Lakshyagriha house, constructed with shellac.

Twin statues of Danav and Manav are found beside the temple's main shrine. They are believed to be the dwarpals (doormen) of the temple. They also resemble Jai and Vijay, the doormen of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that in the ancient times when someone was dying or had just died, when brought in front of these statues came alive or lived for some moments before going to their peaceful death. Local people believe that it was the power of Manav who kept the person alive and Danav was the one who ultimately took the person's soul to Lord Vishnu's abode.

There is also a cave near this place which is called Dhundhi Odaari in the local Jaunsari language. Dhundi or Dhund means "misty" or "foggy" and odaar or odaari means "cave" or "a hidden place". The local people of this area believe that the Pandava took refuge in this cave to save themselves from Duryodhana.

Best time to Visit : March and June

HOW TO REACH :

Lakhmandal is situated in Uttaranchal on the bank of Yamuna at a distance of 35 kms. from  Chakrata  and 128 kms. Past Kempty Falls, 75 kms on the Mussoorie-Yamnotri road lies Lakhamandal, having a historical as well as mythological significance.