Bhagsunag Temple

Getting there

• By air

  Kangra Ghaggal airport is about 12 km south of McLeod Ganj. Pathankot and Gaggal-Kangra airports give easy access to Kangra, Dharamshala, Chamba, Hamirpur and Una.

• By train

  Pathankot, about 90 km away, is the nearest major rail head. The nearest station to Dharamshala is Chamunda Marg, about 22 km southeast.

• By road

  Buses connect the town with other major locations nearby. Himachal Pradesh is easily accessible by road from Chandigarh, Kalka and Pathankot.

On the way

• From McLeod Ganj main square, it is 2 to 3 km, an easy 20 to 40 minute uphill walk, or a quick taxi or auto ride.
• From Dharamshala town, it is about 8 to 11 km, 20 to 40 minutes by taxi or local bus.
• From the temple, a clear trail leads to the waterfall, 15 to 30 minutes one way.

Rules to know

• The temple and pool area are open to visitors of all faiths.
• The pool has separate areas for men and women.

Why devotees come here

Bhagsunag is a very ancient Shiva temple in Bhagsu village, near McLeod Ganj in Dharamshala, Kangra district. Legend says King Bhagsu was defeated in battle and later forgiven, and that the linga here is called Bhageshwar.

Bhagsunag is a very ancient place of Shiva. According to legend, King Bhagsu fought the Nag Devta and was defeated. He sought forgiveness, and the site was later blessed. Legend also says a self-manifested linga here is called Bhageshwar.

Tradition credits Dharm Chand with building a temple here and establishing the Bhageshwar linga properly. The temple has a traditional Himachali style, with a prominent white shikhara, or spire. Deodar trees and mountain views surround it.

In front of the temple lies a large sacred pool, called a kund, fed by a perennial natural spring through three pipes. The temple and pool area are well maintained. The temple stands in Bhagsu village, and the Bhagsunag waterfall is in the same village. A clear trail leads from the temple to the waterfall.

Festivals

• March or April, and September or OctoberChaitra and Ashwin Navratri

  At temples in and around Dharamshala, special prayers are held and free meals are given during these Navratris.

Tips for your visit

• The path can be slippery after rain, so wear good shoes.
• Weekends and holidays see more crowds.

Questions people ask