Himachal: Historic Panchavaktra Mahadev temple is situated on the banks of river Vyas in “Chhoti Kashi”, Panchmukhi statue is installed

The city of Mandi in Himachal Pradesh is also known as “Choti Kashi” or “Kashi of Himachal”. Just as Kashi is situated on the banks of the Ganges, in the same way Mandi is situated on the banks of the Beas river. Like Kashi, there are many historical religious places in Mandi too. One of these religious places is ‘Panchavaktra Mahadev Temple’. This wonderful place dedicated to Lord Shiva is situated at the confluence of Suketi and Beas rivers. Panchavakra Mahadev Temple is a very ancient religious place. It was built by Raja Ajbar Sen in the first half of the 16th century. Panchavaktra Mahadev Temple attracts a lot of devotees with its serene beauty. The temple stands on a huge platform and is very well furnished. It is a magnificent temple in the shape of a spire built like the Bhootnath and Trilokinath temples. The best quality of stone has been used in making the roof of the temple. The temple is built in the typical Shikhar architectural style, which looks stunning. In the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, a huge five-faced statue of Lord Shiva is installed. However, only three faces are visible when viewed from the front. This statue is considered unique in terms of religion, sculpture and worship. The statue has five faces, which represent the Aghora, Ishaan, Tatpurush, Vamadeva and Rudra characters of Lord Shiva. Angora is the destructive nature, Ishan is omnipresent and omnipotent, Tatpurusha is her ego, Vamadeva is the female form and Rudra is her creative and destructive aspect. Panchavaktra is defined as the union of all these. The door of the temple is towards the river Vyas. There are gatekeepers on both sides. There are snake figures at many places in the temple. The idol of Nandi is also grand, facing towards the sanctum sanctorum. Panchavaktra Mahadev Temple is one of the protected monuments, which comes under the Archaeological Survey of India and has been declared a national site. It is a peaceful place. Coming here gives a feeling of peace. The silent meditation here inspires people to have good mental health and can purify their souls. Even after facing the deluge in Mandi in the year 2019, the temple is completely safe. More than 30 percent of the temple was submerged by the deluge, but despite this the temple building remained completely safe.