Bhagsunag Temple
Also known as Bhagsu Nag Temple, Bhagsu Nath, Bhageshwar Temple
Bhagsunag Temple in Kangra, HP, honours the serpent deity Nag Devta alongside Shiva; its healing spring leads on to the nearby Bhagsu Waterfall.
Photos of Bhagsunag Temple
- Presiding Deity
- Shiva
- Established
- Legendary medieval origin; present structure c. 19th century
- Architecture
- Traditional Himachali hill-temple style, whitewashed with a white shikhara, built around a spring-fed kund
- Address
- Bhagsu Nag, Manisha Rd, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176216
- Timings
- 05:00–20:00 daily
History of Bhagsunag Temple
Legend holds that King Bhagsu diverted water from the sacred Nag Dal Lake for his kingdom; its guardian Nag Devta slew him for the theft, and the spilled water refilled the lake. Bhagsu asked to be remembered alongside the deity, giving the site the name Bhagsu Nag. A later king, Dharma Chand, was instructed by Shiva in a dream to build a shrine at the spring, uniting the two traditions.
Festivals Celebrated at Bhagsunag Temple
- Nag Panchami
How to Reach Bhagsunag Temple
Nearest airport: Kangra (Gaggal) Airport, ~15–20 km. Nearest railhead: Kangra narrow-gauge station, ~17 km; broad-gauge at Pathankot, ~85 km. A 2–3 km walk or short taxi ride uphill from McLeod Ganj.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bhagsunag Temple
Where is Bhagsunag Temple located?
- Bhagsunag Temple is located at Bhagsu Nag, Manisha Rd, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176216, in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Who is the presiding deity at Bhagsunag Temple?
- The presiding deity at Bhagsunag Temple is Shiva (also known as Mahadev, Bholenath), worshipped in the Shaiva tradition.
What are the timings of Bhagsunag Temple?
- Bhagsunag Temple is generally open 05:00–20:00 daily. Timings can vary on festival days and special occasions — verify with the temple before your visit.
When was Bhagsunag Temple built?
- Bhagsunag Temple was established Legendary medieval origin; present structure c. 19th century. Portions of the structure have been added and renovated by successive dynasties over the centuries.
What is the architectural style of Bhagsunag Temple?
- Bhagsunag Temple is built in the Traditional Himachali hill-temple style, whitewashed with a white shikhara, built around a spring-fed kund style, characteristic of Shiva shrines of this region.
Which festivals are celebrated at Bhagsunag Temple?
- The principal festivals celebrated at Bhagsunag Temple include Nag Panchami. These draw large crowds of pilgrims from across Himachal Pradesh and beyond.
How can I reach Bhagsunag Temple?
- Nearest airport: Kangra (Gaggal) Airport, ~15–20 km. Nearest railhead: Kangra narrow-gauge station, ~17 km; broad-gauge at Pathankot, ~85 km. A 2–3 km walk or short taxi ride uphill from McLeod Ganj.
Why is Bhagsunag Temple significant?
- Bhagsunag Temple in Kangra, HP, honours the serpent deity Nag Devta alongside Shiva; its healing spring leads on to the nearby Bhagsu Waterfall.
Is there an entry fee at Bhagsunag Temple?
- Entry to the main shrine of Bhagsunag Temple is generally free for darshan. Special sevas, abhishekams and priority queues may carry a nominal fee — check with the temple office on arrival.
What is the dress code at Bhagsunag Temple?
- Bhagsunag Temple follows the traditional dress code observed at Himachal Pradesh temples — modest attire covering shoulders and knees. Many shrines in the region also expect men to remove upper garments before entering the sanctum.