Anjani Mahadev Temple: Manali's Enchanted 'Mini Amarnath' Charms Devotees

Manali, Feb 26 (NationPress) Tucked away in the stunning valleys of Himachal Pradesh, the Anjani Mahadev Mandir has secured a special place in the hearts of worshippers, drawing pilgrims year after year with its breathtaking beauty and deep spiritual energy.

Known as the 'Mini Amarnath' of Manali, this temple features a naturally-formed, ice Shivling—similar to the renowned Baba Amarnath in Jammu and Kashmir. This Shivling, which reaches heights of 20 to 30 feet, has become a remarkable symbol of faith and a divine miracle for all who behold it.

Himachal Pradesh, aptly referred to as 'Devbhoomi' or 'Land of the Gods', is a mesmerizing region where every river, mountain, and valley seems to emanate a divine aura. The Anjani Mahadev Temple, located 11,000 feet above sea level, is no exception. Positioned just three kilometres from Solang Valley, this temple attracts devotees not just for its breathtaking natural beauty but also for the miraculous Shivling that is formed by nature itself.

Each winter, a massive ice Shivling emerges naturally at the Anjani Mahadev Temple, akin to the formation of the Shivling in the Amarnath cave. The height of this ice structure varies with the seasons, yet it continues to inspire wonder each year. This year, the Shivling stands impressively at 30 feet, beckoning devotees and tourists alike to witness its divine power.

The lore surrounding the Anjani Mahadev Temple is steeped in ancient mythological tales. It is said that during the Treta Yuga, Mata Anjani, mother of Lord Hanuman, performed intense penance at this location for 7,000 years to seek a potent son. Moved by her devotion, Lord Shiva appeared and blessed her with a son who would become the mighty Lord Hanuman. Consequently, the temple symbolizes the divine connection between a mother and her child, as well as the spiritual energies of Lord Shiva and Lord Hanuman.

A truly unique feature of the Anjani Mahadev Shivling is the natural waterfall that pours water over it continuously, 24/7, all year long. This remarkable natural occurrence is believed to be nature’s act of worship for Lord Shiva. The sight of cascading water over the ice Shivling enhances the temple's sense of divine mystery and significance, reinforcing its sacred importance. Visitors believe that a trip to this temple and a darshan of the Shivling will fulfill all wishes, as the divine blessings of Lord Shiva are said to flow abundantly here.

To reach Anjani Mahadev, visitors must walk barefoot for 500 metres to approach the Shivling. This journey, albeit physically challenging, is regarded as a sacred ritual. As pilgrims travel towards the temple, they encounter serene natural beauty and a profound sense of spirituality that permeates the air.

Baba Fultoon, a long-time local resident, shared his experiences with IANS, reminiscing that the importance of the Anjani Mahadev Temple was first unveiled by Baba Prakashpuri, who discovered the site through divine vision. Baba Fultoon has observed the Shivling's growth over the years, recalling a time when it reached a height of 40 feet. This year, the Shivling is approximately 30 feet tall, continuing to attract a large number of devotees.

Baba Fultoon remarked, 'I have visited Baba Amarnath before, and now I have also had darshan of Anjani Mahadev. This is a memorable experience.'

Shubham, a tourist from Saharanpur, was equally amazed by the natural spectacle. 'This Shivling is created by nature itself,' he stated. 'The waterfall constantly pouring water on the Shivling is a true wonder of nature.'

Sushant, a tourist from Lucknow, expressed his reverence upon visiting the temple: 'It was difficult to reach, but the darshan of Mahadev made it all worthwhile. I have heard of the divine power of Anjani Mahadev, and now I have witnessed it firsthand.'

Sankalp from Agra shared his astonishment at the experience: 'Just like the Amarnath Shivling, this one is made of snow too. Having visited Baba Amarnath before, I can say that the darshan of Anjani Mahadev is equally memorable. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.'

The Anjani Mahadev Temple, with its breathtaking natural beauty and significant spiritual meaning, continues to enchant the hearts of pilgrims from across the nation. It stands as a potent reminder of the divine forces shaping our world, where nature itself venerates Lord Shiva, and every step taken towards the temple brings one closer to divine grace.