Murlidhar Krishna Mandir, Naggar (Thawa)
Also known as Murlidhar Temple Naggar, Muralidhar Temple Thawa, Muralidhar Krishna Mandir, Murli Manohar Temple Naggar, Krishna Temple Naggar, Sri Sri Radha-Murlidhar Temple Thawa
Murlidhar Krishna Mandir in Naggar, Kullu, is an early-medieval stone Shikhara temple on a hilltop above the Beas, the valley's principal Krishna shrine.
Photos of Murlidhar Krishna Mandir, Naggar (Thawa)
- Presiding Deity
- Krishna
- Established
- 10th century CE (post-1905 Kangra earthquake additions; current structure rebuilt over the original carved stone core)
- Architecture
- Stone Shikhara / pagoda-style temple in the classic Himachali hill idiom; original carved stone core with later wood-and-rubble mandapa added after the 1905 earthquake; Vishnu-Lakshmi on Garuda carved on the lintel
- Address
- Village Thawa, Tehsil Manali, Kullu District, Himachal Pradesh 175130
- Timings
- Sunrise to sunset daily
History of Murlidhar Krishna Mandir, Naggar (Thawa)
The Murlidhar Temple is a 10th-century stone temple on the left bank of the River Beas, roughly 3 km above Naggar in the hamlet of Thawa (Thaava), on a bluff about 300 m above the river. The presiding deity is flute-holding Krishna (Murlidhar, "flute-bearer"), worshipped here together with Radha; the sanctum also houses idols of Lakshmi-Narayana, Padmasambhava, and a notable carving of Vishnu and Lakshmi riding Garuda on the lintel. The temple enjoyed long royal patronage from the Kullu royal family and remains an active shrine: the famous Kullu Dussehra Rath Yatra of Raghunath is observed here for a single day, and a small ceremonial ratha (chariot) for Lord Murlidhar is kept on the premises. The 1905 Kangra earthquake severely damaged the upper portion; a rough rubble-masonry mandapa and boundary wall were added in the rebuilding and partially obscure the original carved stone structure.
Festivals Celebrated at Murlidhar Krishna Mandir, Naggar (Thawa)
- Janmashtami
- Kullu Dussehra (Raghunath Rath Yatra)
- Radhashtami
- Holi
How to Reach Murlidhar Krishna Mandir, Naggar (Thawa)
Nearest airport: Bhuntar (Kullu-Manali) Airport, ~35-40 km. Nearest railhead: Joginder Nagar narrow-gauge (~145 km) or Chandigarh broad-gauge (~250-280 km). By road: HRTC buses and taxis run from Kullu town (~25-27 km south) and Manali (~15-16 km north); the temple is reached by crossing the Beas bridge at Patlikuhl and climbing ~3 km to Thawa hamlet above Naggar Castle.
Frequently Asked Questions about Murlidhar Krishna Mandir, Naggar (Thawa)
Where is Murlidhar Krishna Mandir, Naggar (Thawa) located?
- Murlidhar Krishna Mandir, Naggar (Thawa) is located at Village Thawa, Tehsil Manali, Kullu District, Himachal Pradesh 175130, in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Who is the presiding deity at Murlidhar Krishna Mandir, Naggar (Thawa)?
- The presiding deity at Murlidhar Krishna Mandir, Naggar (Thawa) is Krishna (also known as Gopala, Govinda), worshipped in the Vaishnava tradition.
What are the timings of Murlidhar Krishna Mandir, Naggar (Thawa)?
- Murlidhar Krishna Mandir, Naggar (Thawa) is generally open Sunrise to sunset daily. Timings can vary on festival days and special occasions — verify with the temple before your visit.
When was Murlidhar Krishna Mandir, Naggar (Thawa) built?
- Murlidhar Krishna Mandir, Naggar (Thawa) was established 10th century CE (post-1905 Kangra earthquake additions; current structure rebuilt over the original carved stone core). Portions of the structure have been added and renovated by successive dynasties over the centuries.
What is the architectural style of Murlidhar Krishna Mandir, Naggar (Thawa)?
- Murlidhar Krishna Mandir, Naggar (Thawa) is built in the Stone Shikhara / pagoda-style temple in the classic Himachali hill idiom; original carved stone core with later wood-and-rubble mandapa added after the 1905 earthquake; Vishnu-Lakshmi on Garuda carved on the lintel style, characteristic of Krishna shrines of this region.
Which festivals are celebrated at Murlidhar Krishna Mandir, Naggar (Thawa)?
- The principal festivals celebrated at Murlidhar Krishna Mandir, Naggar (Thawa) include Janmashtami, Kullu Dussehra (Raghunath Rath Yatra), Radhashtami, Holi. These draw large crowds of pilgrims from across Himachal Pradesh and beyond.
How can I reach Murlidhar Krishna Mandir, Naggar (Thawa)?
- Nearest airport: Bhuntar (Kullu-Manali) Airport, ~35-40 km. Nearest railhead: Joginder Nagar narrow-gauge (~145 km) or Chandigarh broad-gauge (~250-280 km). By road: HRTC buses and taxis run from Kullu town (~25-27 km south) and Manali (~15-16 km north); the temple is reached by crossing the Beas bridge at Patlikuhl and climbing ~3 km to Thawa hamlet above Naggar Castle.
Why is Murlidhar Krishna Mandir, Naggar (Thawa) significant?
- Murlidhar Krishna Mandir in Naggar, Kullu, is an early-medieval stone Shikhara temple on a hilltop above the Beas, the valley's principal Krishna shrine.
Is there an entry fee at Murlidhar Krishna Mandir, Naggar (Thawa)?
- Entry to the main shrine of Murlidhar Krishna Mandir, Naggar (Thawa) 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 Murlidhar Krishna Mandir, Naggar (Thawa)?
- Murlidhar Krishna Mandir, Naggar (Thawa) 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.