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Panchvaktra Temple is an essential part of India’s spiritual history in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, at the base of the Shivalik ranges. The journey to this temple is equivalent to your journey to art, history, and heritage. Its beautiful architecture, spiritual meaning, and exciting stories make it a popular pilgrimage site. Passing through the hallowed galleries of Panchavaktra Temple lets you discover the temple’s long-standing past and beauty in architecture. It explains why the temple has a rich cultural background, and finally, it enlightens you about the god with five faces.
Quick Details About Panchvaktra Temple
Elevation: 2495 ft
Where To Stay: Mandi, Rewalsar
Where To Eat: Raajmahal Place Restaurant, Valley View Restaurant, Beas View Restaurant, Café Evergreen, Café 1823, Himachal Dhaba
Panchvaktra Temple Timings: 5:30 AM – 8:30 AM
Best Time To Visit: October- March
Nearest Railway Station: Pathankot
Nearest Airport: Bhuntar Airport
Panchvaktra Temple History
Photo: Bimal Ranabhat / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The exact date of the foundation of the Panchvaktra Temple Himachal Pradesh is unknown. But the locals believe that the temple was built by a sage who envisioned Lord Shiva in his five-faced form. The temple was damaged due to floods but later restored during Sidh Sen’s kingship.
Suggested Read: Famous Temples In Mandi For A Blissful Experience
Location
Photo: Mark Snape / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Panchvaktra Temple in Mandi is located in the state of Himachal Pradesh, at the foothills of the Shivalik range and the junction of the Beas and Suketi rivers. The 600-year-old temple has a heritage value and is enlisted in an archaeological survey of India.
How To Reach
Photo: Timothy Gonsalves / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Devotees and tourists can reach the temple by air, train, and road.
By Air: The nearest airport in Mandi is Bhuntar Airport, which is about 60 km away. Travelling by taxi or local bus takes 2 hours
By Train: The nearest railway station is Pathankot, around 200 km from Mandi. Another option is Joginder Nagar Railway Station, which has limited connectivity. You may take a rented taxi or cab and take a local bus, it will take six hours to reach Mandi
By Road: Road travel is easy as it is well connected with all the major cities in the state and the neighbouring states. HRTC buses offer regular bus services to Mandi from different towns
Suggested Read: The History And Significance Of Popular Himachal Temples
Places To Visit Around
The temple is surrounded by serene and picturesque landscapes offering diverse experiences, from natural beauty to cultural richness. There are many places to explore around the temple Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, such as
1. Baba Bhootnath Temple
Photo: Jagdeep sharma / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Bhutnath Temple is the temple of Lord Shiva and is located near Panchvaktra Temple. The temple is famous for its ancient architecture and has religious significance. You may meditate here, as it offers serenity and peace of mind that inspires tourists and devotees.
2. Trilokinath Temple
Photo: John Hill / Wikimedia Commons
The Trilokinath Temple, surrounded by picturesque landscapes in Mandi, is a tribute to the rich cultural heritage of Himachal Pradesh. This revered monument, one of the best places in Mandi, seamlessly fuses the Hindu and Buddhist architectural forms to attract worshippers and tourists alike. This holy temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Hence, sanctity and tranquillity are evident here. Visitors who wish to meditate or engage in reflective thinking must consider this temple.
Suggested Read: Discover The Spiritual Majesty Of Jwalamukhi Temple
3. Barot Valley
Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh / Wikimedia Commons
Barot Valley is known for its scenic beauty and untouched natural surroundings. Travellers can enjoy trekking, camping and trout fishing in the sparkling waters of the rivers that flow through the valley. Adventure enthusiasts have various trekking paths, many leading to splendid viewpoints and enchanting waterfalls hidden amidst thick foliage. Verdant landscapes make Barot Valley a perfect place for nature photography and birdwatching.
Things To Do: Trekking, hiking, camping, bird watching and fishing in Uhl River
4. Bir Monastery
Photo: Deepak Bhargava / Wikimedia Commons
The monastery is situated in the scenic village of Bir in Himachal Pradesh. It is famous for being the centre for Tibetan Buddhist meditation. People sometimes call the Deer Park Institute “Bir Monastery.” It is a place where people can learn about ancient Indian wisdom practices. It is part of a big Tibetan town built in Bir after China took over Tibet.
Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Himachal Pradesh For Your Next Vacation
5. Tarna Mata Temple
Photo: Bombayboom / Wikimedia Commons
Tarna Mata Temple is a temple for the goddess Shyama Kali on the top of Tarna Hill. It offers a picturesque view of the valley and Beas River. The hike up the hill is satisfying, and the views from the top are breathtaking. You can enjoy a picnic here with family and friends or may go for adventurous treks.
6. Pandoh Dam
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons
This place is located on the Beas River and is known for its panoramic beauty. It is the dam on the Beas-Sutlej link project. It is a famous place for photography and picnics. The dam also offers boating and fishing and is surrounded by green valleys and mountains.
Suggested Read: Top Things To Do In Himachal Pradesh
Where To Stay
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Some stay options near the temple include Hotel Koyal, Da Shack, Hotel Sangam, Hotel Highway, Raj Mahal Palace, The Regent Palms Hotel, Munish Resorts, and King City. These accommodations offer all the facilities that guests need, making them feel at home.
Where To Eat
Photo: Rajeeb Dutta / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
There are many places in Mandi that offer delectable food options for every kind of picky eater. Some of the options near the temple include Brindavan Veg Restaurant, The Last Monk Cafe, Chawla’s 2 Since 1960, The Treat Restaurant, Uptown Cafe and Restaurant, and Punjabi Dhaba Mandi.
Suggested Read: Explore Chintpurni Temple In Himachal Pradesh
Best Time To Visit
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The best time to visit the Panchvaktra Temple in Mandi is from March to June and September to November as the temperature is pleasant for sightseeing. Other than that, the temple receives a high footfall during the annual festival of Maha Shivratri.
Interesting Facts About Panchvaktra Temple
Photo: Aakash Sethi / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
- The five faces of Lord Shiva represent his different characteristics like Tat Purusha, Aghora, Ishana, Vaamdeva, and Rudra.
- The temple is under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India.
- The stone used to build the temple is said to have such powers that it prevented floods from completely destroying it.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Jwala Devi Temple
Other Factors To Consider
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Average Cost Of The Trip: Travelling by public transport, bus or train from Chandigarh to your destination is very cost-friendly. The complete package for the 2-day trip could be just ₹3000. Once you get to Mandi, you can walk down to the temple or take an auto rickshaw.
Tips For Travellers
- No headphones are allowed.
- Carry woollens as it could be cold in higher altitude
- Keep cash, as the small shops do not accept digital payments on the way.
- Don’t carry any plastics, as these are banned in the valley.
A trip to Panchvaktra Temple with TripXL provides the perfect spiritual and natural tourism opportunity in Mandi. Whether exploring the unique architecture and serenity of the temple or discovering nearby spots, like Rewalsar Lake, every moment adds to your cultural chronicles. Travellers can experience the tradition of Himachal Pradesh and its culture with beautiful drives through scenic routes filled with various local cuisines. TripXL makes temple visits easy through expert guidance, ensuring an unforgettable experience. Book your next trip, look no further than TripXL.
Cover Photo: Aranya Kar / Wikimedia Commons
