At a distance of 68 km from Chakrata in Uttarakhand, Lakha Mandal is an ancient Hindu temple complex situated in the Jaunsar – Bawar region of Dehradun district.
- This monument has been declared as a monument of national importance by ASI.
- The temple is surrounded by beautiful mountains and Yamuna River.
- Lakhamandal gets its name from the two words, lakha meaning many and mandals meaning temples.
Key features and facts of LAKHAMANDAL TEMPLE
- Dedicated to Lord Siva, Lakhamandal temple, popularly known as Lakeswara, was built between 12th -13th cent. A.D in Nagara style.
- However, fragmentary inscription of Chhaglesa and Prashasti of Princes Isvasra (circa 5th-6th centuries AD), revealed that the antiquity of the site goes much earlier then the existing temple.
- The Prashasti of Princes Isvasra, belonging to the Royal race of Singhpura, described the construction of a temple in honour of Siva, for the spiritual welfare of her deceased husband Chandragupta, the son of king Jalandhara.
- Remains of brick temple datable to 5th structures AD, below the ruined of stone temple in the complex is the earliest structural activity at the site.
- Recent scientific clearance carried out by ASI revealed large number of structural remains in the temple premises including remains of flat roofed temples assignable to 5th -6th Cent. AD. which through new dimension in the history of the temple architecture of the Central Himalayan region.
- According to the legend, Lakhamandal is the place where Duryodhan tried to kill the Pandavas by making them stay at Laksha Griha, the house made of Wax.
- But fortunately Pandavas escaped from there by running away through a Cave.
- The next end of the cave can be seen at a distance of 2 km from Lakha Mandal temple. This place is called Dhundhi Odaari in the local Jaunsari language, meaning misty or foggy cave.
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