Bhootnath Mandir (temple), dedicated to Lord Shiva, was established by King Ajbar Sen of Mandi state in 1527 BC. The history of Mandi Nagar is connected with the history of this temple. In ancient times, the capital of the princely state of Mandi was Purani Mandi. The place where this temple and the city are located was a deserted forest and the place was used for pasture. The present Mandi city was started by Raja Ajbar Sen in 1520, and the Bhootnath temple was completed in 1527 AD.
According to legend, a Brahmin cow used to release milk from her udders every day at this place in the old market. When King Ajbar Sen came to know about this, and Lord Shiva gave an example, the king started digging at this place. When the Shivling came out of the ground, the king installed it and got a grand temple built here. By cutting the surrounding forests, a new city was established, which is today’s Mandi Nagar.
Mandav Rishi also used to do penance for Lord Shiva at this place. Once Lord Shiva appeared to Rishi Mandav along with ghosts and his ganas, due to which Rishi Mandav called Shiva as Bhootnath. This temple is a unique example of the Shikhar style in which the precinct of the temple and the sanctum sanctorum are visible. Shivling is installed in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. There is Sheshnaga in brass over the Shivling. A brass statue of Parvati is installed behind the Shivling. The brass copy of Ganapati is present in the temple.
There is a pinnacle above the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. The assembly hall of the temple is built on pillars. Narasingha, Vishnu, Radha, Krishna, and Vaishno Devi have been established later in the courtyard of the temple. Worship is done in the temple at 10 am and 5 pm. The temple is worshiped four times during the days of Shivratri. Inside the temple, there are two drums made of Bakal wood for playing at the time of worship. The festival of Shivratri begins with the worship of Shiva in this temple. In every Shravana month, worship is done by offering water to the Shivling.
Click to learn more about ‘Rewalsar Lake’.
Click to learn more about ‘Khuarani Temple (Mandi)’.
Remember these Couplets – This photo was taken at Shri Radhavallabh Mandir in Vrindavan (Uttar Pradesh).
The Red Fort (28° 39′21″ N 77° 14′25″ E) is a 17th-century fort complex constructed by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the walled city of Old Delhi. It served as the capital of the Mughals until 1857, when Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar was exiled by the British Indian government. During the British period, the Fort was mainly used as a cantonment, and even after Independence, a significant part of the Fort remained under the control of the Indian Army until the year 2003.
Mughal Emperor Shahjahan started construction of this massive fort in 1639, and work was completed in 1648 (almost 10 years). The Red Fort was originally referred to as “Qila-i-Mubarak” (the blessed fort) because it was the residence of the royal family. The planning and aesthetics of the Red Fort represent the zenith of Mughal creativity, which prevailed during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan.
Red Fort showcases a very high level of art form and ornamental work. The artwork in the Fort is a synthesis of Persian, European, and Indian art, which resulted in the development of a unique Shahjahani style, which is very rich in form, expression, and colour. It is relevant as a symbol of architectural brilliance and power.
The walls of the fort are smoothly dressed, articulated by heavy string courses along the upper section. They open at two major gates, the Delhi and the Lahore gates. The Lahore Gate is the main entrance; it leads to a long-covered bazaar street, the Chatta Chowk. Red Fort is Octagonal in plan, with two longer sides on the east and west, covering a perimeter of 2.41 km and rising to a height of 33 m on the town side & 18 m along the river. The Palaces lies along the eastern side. The available main buildings are Naubat Khana, Diwan-i-Am, Diwan-i-khas, Moti Masjid, Rang Mahal, Hammam, Sawan-Bhado etc.
The Site was declared a World Heritage site in 2007 under the World Heritage Convention criteria (ii), (iii), and (iv).
(Source: Display Board inside Red Fort, Delhi)
Click to learn more about ‘Shree Ram’.
Buddhist Quotes from Dhammapada – These photos were taken at Mindrolling Monastery in Dehradun (Uttarakhand).
Heritage Tea House – Also Known as ‘Princes’ Quarter – This photo was taken at Red Fort in Old Delhi.