Located about 4 miles from Dharamshala, the Bhagsunag Temple is an ancient highlight on any trip to Himachal Pradesh, India. As a place of worship for both Hindu and Gorkha believers, this temple offers quiet spaces for meditation and outdoor pools. For a uniquely Hindu experience, visit the Bhagsunag Temple on your next vacation to Northern India.
History of the Temple
According to legend, this temple is a consecrated site revolving around a battle between a snake god and King Bhagsu. Reportedly, the king stole water from the NagDal Lake. Then, the snake god named Nagdevata battled the king until his defeat. Over time, the king was forgiven of his transgressions. Ultimately, the temple was built to commemorate this battle. It was named Bhagsunag, which connects the two names for eternity.
For the Gorkha community, this temple has a history involving an ancient group named Bhagsuwala. Followers believe these ancient peoples constructed the two pools at the property today. Currently, the Gorkhas and Hindus enjoy this temple as a collective group for worship and relaxation.
Meditating at the Temple
Regardless of your religious background, exploring the temple is a bucket-list item. First, marvel at the exterior architecture. With a mixture of Indo-Tibetan and Himachali accents, the structure offers a taste of history in this corner of India.
Enter the temple to find a shine to Lord Shiva. Here, consider a meditative moment as you appreciate the Shiva idol housed inside. Naturally, visitors are welcome to meditate anywhere on the property, but the interior space tends to be calmer and quieter than the exterior.
Taking a Dip in the Pools
Outside the Bhagsunag Temple are two pools. The smaller pool is loosely translated to "jalkund." Defined as a water basin, this shallow pool is often used for religious purposes. Nearby, there's a larger pool for visitors. Consisting of cool water from the mountain runoff, this pool is particularly popular on hot days.
If you're planning on a trek up the hillside, stopping for a swim can enhance your experience. According to the locals, both pools have healing properties. Oftentimes, visitors enjoy the pool and meditate as a way to connect with the land and religious deities.
Trekking to Nearby Attractions
One of the reasons why the Bhagsunag Temple is popular with travelers is its proximity to other attractions. For example, it's about 2 miles from the famous Dalai Lama Temple, where His Holiness often worships. Also, the temple is on a hiking trail taking visitors to Bhagsunag Waterfall. Discover this serene location where the water flows down the hillside and creates a meditative sound. Ideally, add several attractions to your daily itinerary to truly experience India's rich culture.
With no entry fee and easy access to other attractions, the Bhagsunag Temple offers several hours of fascinating architecture and meditative reprieves for visitors and followers alike. Ideally, pay attention to the posted visiting hours to get the most out of your visit. This temple remains a highlight on any itinerary near McLeod Ganj and beyond.
