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About Shiv Mandir Kathgarh
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Shiv Mandir Kathgarh is one of the very famous temple in Himachal Pardesh. This
temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and Parvati. Temple is situated 7 Kilometers from
Indora on the meeting point of the Beas and the Choch rivers, built in Roman architectural
style housing two Lingas of light grey Sandy stone of 6’ and 4’-7” in height having
octagonal base with every side measuring 1’-3” and 1’-3” above the ground level
personifying Lord Shiva and Parvati respectively. These Lingas which are in direction
of North-West stand 3 1/2" apart at the bottom and inclining towards each other
with just 2" away from each other at the top.
History & Legends
According to a story in “Shiv Purana” there was a war between Lord Vishnu and Lord
Brahama as to who is supreme of the two. They were about to use “Pashupat” which
would have brought destruction and annihilation all around. Lord Shiva could not
help seeing all this and he appeared as a fire pillar between the two and both the
warring Lords became peaceful and wanted know as to what this fire pillar is? Lord
Vishnu disguised as ‘Shukara’ went to ascertain the bottom and Lord Brahmaas swan
flew into the sky to have a look at the top of this fire pillar. Lord Vishnu came
back without reaching the farthest point of the pillar in the ground. Lord Brahma
came back with a ‘Ketki’ flower saying that it was lying on the top of the pillar.
Both the Lords reconciled. Lord Shiva then appeared and was very happy with the
devotion and truthfulness of Lord Vishanu and awarded him equality with self. This
great fire pillar came to know as linga of Lord Shiva in Kathgarh Temple.
Reference to the temple is also found in “History and culture of Himalayan States”
by Prof. Sukhdev Singh Charak. It is said that the army of world conqueror Great
Alexander of Macedonian got demoralised on reaching Kathgarh and he returned back
home from this place. Parveen Gupta in his book “Apna Shahar Pathankot” says the
conquering campaign of Great invader Alexander stopped near Pathankot (River Beas)
and he has to change his plans.
According to another story in Indian epic 'Ramayana', king 'Bharat',
the brother of lord Rama, use to pay obeisance to Lord 'Shiva' at this pillar
on his way to his grandparents in 'Kashmir'.
Facilities
Facilities like free Langar, Toilets, Parking, Canteen, Library and Sarai for stay
are available. Besides medium range lodges are also available at Yatri Nivas Kathgarh,
Indora Rest House.
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About Managementt
With the grace of God, Management Committee came into existence in 1984 for the
development and upliftment of the temple and neglected surrounding areas. The committee
was registered as a society in the year 1986.
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Photos Albums
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