Dashal Mahadev Temple
Also known as Dashal Temple, Dashal Mahadev, Mahadev Temple Dashal
Dashal Mahadev Temple in Kullu's remote Dashal village is an ancient Shiva shrine on the Dev Bhumi circuit, among the valley's oldest surviving temples.
Photos of Dashal Mahadev Temple
Dashal Mahadev Temple at a Glance
| Location | Kullu, Himachal Pradesh |
|---|---|
| Presiding deity | Shiva |
| Established | 11th-12th century CE (Pala-era; copper-plate evidence as early as 10th century) |
| Architecture | Nagara-style stone shikhara, square pancharatha sanctum on a high plinth, richly carved exterior with Shaiva-Shakti iconography |
| Timings | 08:00-18:00 daily |
| Address | Dashal Village (Hallan-i Panchayat), Near Sarsai, Haripur, Kullu District, Himachal Pradesh 175136 |
History of Dashal Mahadev Temple
The shrine is believed to date from the 11th-12th century CE during the Pala dynasty's rule over the Kullu Valley, though colonial-era scholarship has suggested even earlier construction (9th-10th century) and copper-plate grants indicate the site was already sacred by the early 10th century. The name "Dashal" is the local village name (दशाल), and "Mahadev" is an honorific for Shiva — so "Dashal Mahadev" simply means "the Mahadev (Shiva) of Dashal village." Modern listings (JustDial, social media) treat "Dashal Mahadev" and "Gauri Shankar Temple Dashal" as the same shrine or two closely adjacent shrines in the same complex, with coordinates differing by only a few metres. Listed as a protected monument of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Festivals Celebrated at Dashal Mahadev Temple
- Maha Shivaratri
- Sawan (Shravan)
- Navratri
How to Reach Dashal Mahadev Temple
Nearest airport: Bhuntar (Kullu-Manali) Airport, ~35 km. Nearest railhead: Joginder Nagar narrow-gauge (~145 km). By road: ~15-17 km from Manali, ~5 km from Naggar, ~25-28 km from Kullu. The temple is on the Naggar-Manali road in Dashal village, 700 m from the Sarsai hamlet.
Temples Near Dashal Mahadev Temple
- Gauri Shankar Temple, Dashal (Hallan-i)Himachal Pradesh · about 0 km in a straight line
- Gauri Shankar Temple, NaggarHimachal Pradesh · about 3 km in a straight line
- Tripura Sundari Mandir, NaggarHimachal Pradesh · about 3 km in a straight line
- Murlidhar Krishna Mandir, Naggar (Thawa)Himachal Pradesh · about 4 km in a straight line
- Jagatsukh Mandir (Sandhya Gayatri Temple)Himachal Pradesh · about 7 km in a straight line
- Hidimba Devi TempleHimachal Pradesh · about 12 km in a straight line
More Shiva Temples to Visit
- Shiv Mandir, ManikaranHimachal Pradesh
- Bijli Mahadev TempleHimachal Pradesh
- Shri Basheshwar Mahadev Temple (Bishweshwar Temple)Himachal Pradesh
- Shri Baijnath TempleHimachal Pradesh
- Baba Bhootnath TempleHimachal Pradesh
- Mahakaleshwar Shiv TempleHimachal Pradesh
Frequently Asked Questions about Dashal Mahadev Temple
Where is Dashal Mahadev Temple located?
- Dashal Mahadev Temple is located at Dashal Village (Hallan-i Panchayat), Near Sarsai, Haripur, Kullu District, Himachal Pradesh 175136, in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Who is the presiding deity at Dashal Mahadev Temple?
- The presiding deity at Dashal Mahadev Temple is Shiva (also known as Mahadev, Bholenath), worshipped in the Shaiva tradition.
What are the timings of Dashal Mahadev Temple?
- Dashal Mahadev Temple is generally open 08:00-18:00 daily. Timings can vary on festival days and special occasions — verify with the temple before your visit.
When was Dashal Mahadev Temple built?
- Dashal Mahadev Temple was established 11th-12th century CE (Pala-era; copper-plate evidence as early as 10th century). Portions of the structure have been added and renovated by successive dynasties over the centuries.
What is the architectural style of Dashal Mahadev Temple?
- Dashal Mahadev Temple is built in the Nagara-style stone shikhara, square pancharatha sanctum on a high plinth, richly carved exterior with Shaiva-Shakti iconography style, characteristic of Shiva shrines of this region.
Which festivals are celebrated at Dashal Mahadev Temple?
- The principal festivals celebrated at Dashal Mahadev Temple include Maha Shivaratri, Sawan (Shravan), Navratri. These draw large crowds of pilgrims from across Himachal Pradesh and beyond.
How can I reach Dashal Mahadev Temple?
- Nearest airport: Bhuntar (Kullu-Manali) Airport, ~35 km. Nearest railhead: Joginder Nagar narrow-gauge (~145 km). By road: ~15-17 km from Manali, ~5 km from Naggar, ~25-28 km from Kullu. The temple is on the Naggar-Manali road in Dashal village, 700 m from the Sarsai hamlet.
Why is Dashal Mahadev Temple significant?
- Dashal Mahadev Temple in Kullu's remote Dashal village is an ancient Shiva shrine on the Dev Bhumi circuit, among the valley's oldest surviving temples.