Dev Mahunag Temple (Mul Mahunag), Bakhari, Karsog
Also known as Mool Mahunag, Mul Mahunag, Mahu Nag Temple Bakhari, Mahunag Devta Mandir Karsog, Dev Mahunag Karsog, Bakhari Mahunag Temple, Mul Mahunag Mandir
Dev Mahunag Temple in Bakhari, Karsog, Mandi, built in 1664 CE by Raja Shyam Sen, is the Karsog valley's principal Nag Devta shrine for justice pleas.
Photos of Dev Mahunag Temple (Mul Mahunag), Bakhari, Karsog
- Established
- 1664 CE (built by Raja Shyam Sen of the Suket Kingdom)
- Architecture
- Pahari pagoda-style temple — stone walls with deodar wood doors, set above the Karsog valley
- Address
- Bakhari, Mahu Panchayat, Tehsil Karsog, Mandi District, Himachal Pradesh 175011
- Timings
- Sunrise to sunset daily (approximately 06:00-20:00; aarti in early morning and evening)
History of Dev Mahunag Temple (Mul Mahunag), Bakhari, Karsog
The present stone temple at Bakhari was built in 1664 CE by Raja Shyam Sen of the Suket Kingdom, a devout worshipper of Karna. According to local legend, the deity (appearing as a bee, "mahu") helped Raja Shyam Sen secure release from captivity by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in Delhi; the king built the temple in fulfilment of a vow. A separate tradition says a farmer's plough struck a silver mohra at the neighbouring Shaindal that migrated to Bakhari, where the shrine now stands. The temple is associated with an Akhand Dhuni (eternal sacred fire) — believed to have been struck by lightning from a tree — which has burned for centuries and whose ash is never removed. The Suket rajas continued to patronise the shrine with an annual jagir of 400 rupees, and over time Bakhari became one of the most important Devta shrines of the inner Seraj/Karsog region, hosting over 180 village deities at its annual fair. The presiding deity is Mahunag Devta, a folk serpent deity syncretised with the Mahabharata's Karna.
Festivals Celebrated at Dev Mahunag Temple (Mul Mahunag), Bakhari, Karsog
- Mool Mahunag Annual Fair (5 days, Makar Sankranti, January)
- Mahunag Jayanti (18 July)
- Nag Panchami
How to Reach Dev Mahunag Temple (Mul Mahunag), Bakhari, Karsog
Nearest airport: Bhuntar (Kullu-Manali) Airport, ~100 km, or Shimla Airport, ~115 km. Nearest railhead: Joginder Nagar narrow-gauge (~90 km) or Shimla narrow-gauge (Kalka-Shimla Toy Train line). By road, ~37 km from Karsog bus stand, ~80 km from Shimla via Tattapani on the Shimla-Karsog road, and ~125 km from Mandi town. Buses and taxis run from Karsog bus stand to Bakhari.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dev Mahunag Temple (Mul Mahunag), Bakhari, Karsog
Where is Dev Mahunag Temple (Mul Mahunag), Bakhari, Karsog located?
- Dev Mahunag Temple (Mul Mahunag), Bakhari, Karsog is located at Bakhari, Mahu Panchayat, Tehsil Karsog, Mandi District, Himachal Pradesh 175011, in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India.
What are the timings of Dev Mahunag Temple (Mul Mahunag), Bakhari, Karsog?
- Dev Mahunag Temple (Mul Mahunag), Bakhari, Karsog is generally open Sunrise to sunset daily (approximately 06:00-20:00; aarti in early morning and evening). Timings can vary on festival days and special occasions — verify with the temple before your visit.
When was Dev Mahunag Temple (Mul Mahunag), Bakhari, Karsog built?
- Dev Mahunag Temple (Mul Mahunag), Bakhari, Karsog was established 1664 CE (built by Raja Shyam Sen of the Suket Kingdom). Portions of the structure have been added and renovated by successive dynasties over the centuries.
What is the architectural style of Dev Mahunag Temple (Mul Mahunag), Bakhari, Karsog?
- Dev Mahunag Temple (Mul Mahunag), Bakhari, Karsog is built in the Pahari pagoda-style temple — stone walls with deodar wood doors, set above the Karsog valley style.
Which festivals are celebrated at Dev Mahunag Temple (Mul Mahunag), Bakhari, Karsog?
- The principal festivals celebrated at Dev Mahunag Temple (Mul Mahunag), Bakhari, Karsog include Mool Mahunag Annual Fair (5 days, Makar Sankranti, January), Mahunag Jayanti (18 July), Nag Panchami. These draw large crowds of pilgrims from across Himachal Pradesh and beyond.
How can I reach Dev Mahunag Temple (Mul Mahunag), Bakhari, Karsog?
- Nearest airport: Bhuntar (Kullu-Manali) Airport, ~100 km, or Shimla Airport, ~115 km. Nearest railhead: Joginder Nagar narrow-gauge (~90 km) or Shimla narrow-gauge (Kalka-Shimla Toy Train line). By road, ~37 km from Karsog bus stand, ~80 km from Shimla via Tattapani on the Shimla-Karsog road, and ~125 km from Mandi town. Buses and taxis run from Karsog bus stand to Bakhari.
Why is Dev Mahunag Temple (Mul Mahunag), Bakhari, Karsog significant?
- Dev Mahunag Temple in Bakhari, Karsog, Mandi, built in 1664 CE by Raja Shyam Sen, is the Karsog valley's principal Nag Devta shrine for justice pleas.
Is there an entry fee at Dev Mahunag Temple (Mul Mahunag), Bakhari, Karsog?
- Entry to the main shrine of Dev Mahunag Temple (Mul Mahunag), Bakhari, Karsog 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 Dev Mahunag Temple (Mul Mahunag), Bakhari, Karsog?
- Dev Mahunag Temple (Mul Mahunag), Bakhari, Karsog 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.