Mahakal Temple, Darjeeling
Mahakal Temple | |
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महाकाल मन्दिर | |
Religion | |
Affiliation | Hinduism |
District | Darjeeling district |
Deity | Mahakala |
Festivals | All major Hindu and Buddhist festivals |
Location | |
Location | Darjeeling |
State | West Bengal |
Country | India |
Architecture | |
Type | Temple |
Creator | Lama Dorjey Rinzing |
Date established | 1782 |
Part of a series on |
Hinduism |
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The Mahakal Temple or Mahakal Mandir (
History
Mahakal Temple stands as a historical edifice on the spot where a
It was after the invasion of the Gurkha Army around 1788 that the monastery was desecrated and destroyed by the invading troops and in course of time the sacred place overwhelmingly began to represent the Hindu symbolisms of the majority Nepali community. Legend has it that three Shiva-Lingas representing Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwar (Shiva) manifested themselves at the site in 1782. The monastery itself was plundered and destroyed in 1815 during the Gorkha invasion after which it was shifted to Bhutia Busty about a mile away and was called the Bhutia Busty Monastery. The Temple is a much revered and visited religious shrine of the area.[3][5]
Legend has it that the name Darjeeling was derived from the name of the monastery 'Dorje-Ling' itself.
Temple complex
The main Mahakal temple is devoted to Shiva and it witness devotees from all sections of society and religions most visiting the temple for both leisure or pilgrimage. Bells and hundreds of colorful prayer flags line the up-hill walk and the shrine.
The three gold plated
Within the temple complex is a white 'chorten' (Tibetan memorial shrine) where lies the relics of Dorjey Rinzing Lama the original builder of the site. Dotted around are many other smaller shrines and temples dedicated to Goddess Kali, Goddess Durga, Saat Kanya Bhagavati Devi, Ganesha, Krishna, Rama, Shirdi Sai Baba, Hanuman, Goddess Parvati, Radha and other Gods and Goddesses.
Location
Mahakal Temple is located behind the Chowrasta and encircled by the Mall Road on the ridge of Darjeeling town. The approach is an uphill narrow road about 100 yards from the Mall and is accessible by foot only.[6]
Geographic significance
The Observatory Hill itself is rich in flora and fauna unique to the Himalayan range of mountains and the full range of third highest peak in the world mount Kanchenjunga can be witnessed from atop the temple complex.[1]
See also
References
- ^ a b "The Mahakal Mandir in Darjeeling - Outlook Traveller". www.outlookindia.com. Retrieved 15 August 2018.
- ^ win7. "Darjeeling Observatory Hill & Mahakal Temple". www.darjeeling-tourism.com. Retrieved 15 August 2018.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ a b "Mahakal Temple Darjeeling, Mahakal Mandir in Darjeeling". www.darjeelingonline.in. Retrieved 15 August 2018.
- ^ "Mahakal Temple in Darjeeling India - Attractions in Darjeeling MakeMyTrip.com". www.makemytrip.com. Archived from the original on 15 August 2018. Retrieved 15 August 2018.
- ^ "Mahakal Mandir in Darjeeling connects both Hindus and Buddhists". Detechter. 5 June 2018. Retrieved 15 August 2018.
- ^ Tourism, Darjeeling Adventure. "Mahakal Temple Darjeeling, Places to visit in Darjeeling, Observatory Hill (Mahakal Mandir) Darjeeling". darjeelingadventuretourism.com. Retrieved 15 August 2018.