Mukteshwar Dham Situated at the hilltop, Mukteshwar temple has a white marble Shivling, with a copper Yoni. The Shivling is surrounded by the idols of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, Goddess Paravati, Lord Hanuman, and Lord Ganesha.

Mukteshwar Temple is a popular shrine of Lord Shiva.

and is also known as Mukesaran Mandir – located near Pathankot on Shahpur Kandi Dam road. It is the holy temple of the Hindu religion, where the idols of Lord Ganesha, Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, Lord Hanuman, and Goddess Parvati are present. This temple is one of the most sacred places around Pathankot. There are some caves that date to the time of the Mahabharata. According to a legend, the Pandavas stayed in those caves for a night during their exile (Agayatwas). Locals say that these caves near the Mandir date back to the period of the Mahabharata. These caves are on the way to Shahpur Kandi and are situated on the bank of the River Ravi, 22 km from Pathankot City in Shaupur Kandi at Doongh village.

The caves and temple have been carved on one of the rocky hills. This temple stands tall at the hilltop and is a landmark around the city.

A Fair, called the Mukesran Da Mela, is held annually at this place, in April, to mark the Baisakhi festival. Also every year big festival on the day of Shivratri and after one month of Shivratri there is a day festival Chaitra Chodiya and also the Navratri festival. Somvati Amavasya is another big fair temple committee organization. Lots of pilgrims from all over the Punjab and nearby states Himachal, and J&K come here to worship God every year mainly on Mukesran mela and Shiv Ratri.

History

Mukteshwar Mahadev Dham was established by the legendary Pandavas during the 12th year of their exile, in the Dwapar Yuga (3rd of 4 Yugas as per Hindu Philosophy). During their journey, the Pandavas reached Mukteshwar Dham after praying to Goddess Mother Chintpurni via Dsuha, Distt Hosiyarpur. They choose the peaceful and serene location of Mukteshwar Dham for their stay. It is believed that they stayed here for 6 months. After carving 5 caves to stay here and reverently establishing the Shivling, they prayed for Lord Shiva’s boon for victory in the probable war in the future. Apart from this they also enshrined a Holy Fire (Akand Dhuna) and a Kitchen (Rasoi). This Kitchen is now known as Drapaudi’s Kitchen. With the turning of the wheel of time, one of these caves has collapsed and closed. Before the start of their period of incognito exile, the Pandavas crossed the River Ravi and entered the Kingdom of Virat whose centre is believed to be today’s Akhnoor in Jammu & Kashmir

In the Shivling of the dhaam, the vertical and horizontal lines are visible, which represent blood veins and are a symbol of Energy & Strength. This Shivling is unique in its type in the entire world. In the upper region of the 3rd Cave, there is a symbol of Chakra, under which the Pandavas used to meditate. There is a gathering and fair every year on the occasion of MahaShivratree, Chaitra Chaturdashi, Baisakhi, and Somvati Amavasya at the Dhaam. On such holy occasions, a bath and prayer to the Mahadev is considered as pious as a a journey to Haridwar. The Asian (ash remains) of the departed are also offered to divinity in the waters here so that they can achieve the state of Nirvana. Pind-daan for the release of the ancestors is also performed here on the occasion of Baisakhi. Mukeshtwar Dhaam is also famous as Small (Chota) Haridwar.