Mamal Temple Explained

Mamaleshwar Temple
Deity:Shiva
Tradition:Hinduism
Functional Status:Open
Location:Pahalgam
District:Anantnag district
State:Jammu and Kashmir
Country:India
Coordinates:34.0098°N 75.3118°W
Architecture Type:Indian architecture
Architecture Style:Kashmiri
Established:400 AD

Mamal Temple or Mamaleshwar Temple is a Hindu temple, located in Pahalgam town in Kashmir Valley. It is situated on the banks of Lidder River at an elevation of . According to legend, this is the temple where Ganesha was placed as door keeper by Parvati, not allowing anyone to enter the premises without her permission. This is the place where Shiva cut the head of Ganesha and gave him an elephant head.

There are 2 idols inside the temple. One is a Shiva Linga at the center of the temple and a small two face idol of Nandi on the right corner. Mam Mal means don't go, and thus it is also known as Mammal temple.[1]

History

This temple was constructed around 400 AD (1,600 years ago) and was reconstructed and opened for worship in the medieval period. The Rajatarangini refers to a temple called Mammesvara and recorded its decoration with a golden kalasa at its top by king Jayasimha.[2] [3]

Legend

According to legend, this is the temple where Ganesha was placed as door keeper by Parvati, not allowing anyone to enter the premises without her permission. This is the place where Shiva cut the head of Ganesha and gave him elephant head. Mam Mal means don't go, and thus it is also known as Mammal temple.

Notes and References

  1. News: Mamleshwar Temple . 2021-05-15.
  2. Book: Hassnain . F. M. . Sri Amarnatha Cave, the Abode of Shiva . Miura . Yoshiaki . Pandita . Vijay . 1987 . Atlantic Publishers & Distri . en.
  3. Book: Myers, Bernard S. . Encyclopedia of World Art . 1959 . McGraw-Hill . 978-0-07-019466-3 . 969 . en.