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
Bhagsunag Temple at a Glance
| Location | Kangra, Himachal Pradesh |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Timings | 05:00–20:00 daily |
| Address | Bhagsu Nag, Manisha Rd, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176216 |
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.
Temples Near Bhagsunag Temple
- Shri Chamunda Devi MandirHimachal Pradesh · about 13 km in a straight line
- Shri Brajeshwari Devi TempleHimachal Pradesh · about 17 km in a straight line
- Masroor Rock-cut TempleHimachal Pradesh · about 27 km in a straight line
- Bharmani Temple, BharmourHimachal Pradesh · about 29 km in a straight line
- Chaurasi Temples, BharmourHimachal Pradesh · about 29 km in a straight line
- Lakshana Devi Temple, BharmourHimachal Pradesh · about 29 km in a straight line
More Shiva Temples to Visit
- Shri Baijnath TempleHimachal Pradesh
- Lord Shiva Statue, KhajjiarHimachal Pradesh
- Gauri Shankar Temple, NaggarHimachal Pradesh
- Dashal Mahadev TempleHimachal Pradesh
- Gauri Shankar Temple, Dashal (Hallan-i)Himachal Pradesh
- Baba Bhootnath TempleHimachal Pradesh
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.