Today we will know all about sanctum Santorum of Lord Siva, Mahanaal, a sacred abode of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva is most popular of all the Hindu deities. Lord Shiva is popular not only among Indians but also among people of other nations as well. Lord Shiva is also considered as creator and destroyer of the world. Mahnaal is situated in district Kathua, the gateway to new Union Territory (Jammu & Kashmir) of India. Jammu & Kashmir is also popularly known as city of temples.
Kathua is known for monuments and old temples. District kathua shares its boundaries nationally as well as internationally, it share its international border with Pakistan and nationally with other states Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. Majority population of Kathua comprises of Dogras. The language widely spoken here is Dogri and Pahari. The area of District Kathua is 2502 sq. km.
Mahanaal, a very isolated place lies approximately 15 Km from national highway NH- 1 (Rajbagh). It lies in Jakhole village, ahead of Jasrota of block Barnoti. At Mahanaal, Lord Shiva resides in the form of aap-shambu in the form of naturally created cave. Numerous temples are now developed opposite to this cave. The temples are situated beneath the cave surrounded by hills with water flowing from nowhere making the picturesque view so beautiful. Anyone visiting this sacred place once can't resist the temptation of paying a visit to this place again. Mahanaal is considered as most sacred place and large number of pilgrims pays a visit to this holy place of Lord Shiva (Mahanaal) on every shivraatri to fulfill their wishes. One can listen the chanting of bam bam bole and om namah shivaay on Mahashivaratri. One have to wait for hours in long Ques. There is huge hustle and bustle during Maha-Shivratri. It is very calm place on normal days, you can feel very close to nature and you will feel very relax and one can spend one’s time without getting bore. Langer arrangements are also organized here by locals and by various NGOs only on Maha Shivratri. For all weather connectivity, the road under PMGSY is also in full swing.
The path to reach this place is also breath taking. Although one can drive through their vehicle to reach this sacred place but still it is awesome. One can see beautiful landscapes with rivers flowing between the hills giving an awesome view. The path though is not well constructed yet, one has to cross Small River through their vehicle making it difficult for rainy season. For all weather connectivity, the road is taken up under PMGSY and is in full swing. One can simply feel the village life if someone has not seen village in his life. We wish that proper road connectivity will be established soon so that the road can be assessable in all weathers and the devotees can meet their deity anytime.
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