Lakhamandal Temple, Lakhamandal
Shiva temple · Lakhamandal, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
Lakhamandal is a village in the Jaunsar-Bawar region of Dehradun district, Uttarakhand, where an old Shiva temple stands beside the Yamuna. Wikipedia places it about 128 km from Dehradun and 35 km from Chakrata, on the Mussoorie-Yamunotri road.
Mussoorie Handbook describes it as an ASI-protected Shiva temple, and local tradition ties the area to the Mahabharata episode of the lac house.
Faith & Tradition
Religious Significance of Lakhamandal Temple, Lakhamandal
The name is explained as combining 'lakha' (many) and 'mandal' (temples or lingams). Mussoorie Handbook says many Shiva lingams have been unearthed around the site and village. Wikipedia singles out a graphite lingam that shines and reflects its surroundings when wet, and says Shaiva devotees believe a visit ends misfortune; this is devotional belief.
According to local belief, Duryodhana plotted here to burn the Pandavas in a house of lac (Lakshagriha), and the Pandavas hid in a nearby cave, called Dhundhi Odaari in the Jaunsari language. Wikipedia notes these claims are not well sourced, and Mussoorie Handbook says believers hold that the Pandavas first built the temple. These are traditions rather than established history.
Two guardian figures, named Danav and Manav, flank the main shrine. Some locals take them to be Bhima and Arjuna; Wikipedia reports an ASI observation that a defaced inscription on one seems to read 'vijayah', recalling Vishnu's doorkeepers Jaya and Vijaya.
Heritage
History of Lakhamandal Temple, Lakhamandal
Wikipedia, citing the ASI, places the earliest structural evidence at about the 5th to 8th century CE, from brickwork beneath the stone structure, and dates the present temple to about the 12th to 13th century CE.
The same article records a 6th-century stone inscription saying that a princess named Ishwara, of the royal line of Singhpura, built a Shiva temple here for her late husband Chandragupta, son of the king of Jalandhar. Mussoorie Handbook likewise says the temple was rebuilt by Princess Ishwara of Singhpura. The dates are not fully reconciled in these sources.
Many sculptures and architectural fragments nearby suggest earlier shrines of the same cult, though only this temple survives, according to Wikipedia.
Architecture and sacred features
Wikipedia describes a Nagara-style temple of North Indian type, common in the Garhwal and Himachal hills, built over earlier brick remains. The sources do not provide dimensions. Mussoorie Handbook mentions caves in the temple vicinity.
Plan Your Visit
Darshan and Visitor Information
The temple is an ASI-protected monument, so follow site rules and do not disturb the remains. Opening hours and any fees are not given in the sources; confirm locally before travelling.
Timings and arrangements change with seasons and festivals. Confirm current details with Archaeological Survey of India before travelling. Last reviewed 1 November 2026.
Location
How to Reach Lakhamandal Temple, Lakhamandal
Lakhamandal lies across the Yamuna on the Yamunotri highway. Wikipedia gives about 128 km from Dehradun and 35 km from Chakrata; Mussoorie Handbook gives about 60 km from Mussoorie. The sources consulted do not name a nearest airport or railway station; Dehradun is the district headquarters and main city.
Location: Lakhamandal, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
More in Hindu temples in Uttarakhand · Shiva temples · Temples in Dehradun District
Questions
Lakhamandal Temple, Lakhamandal: Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lakhamandal Temple?
In Lakhamandal village, Jaunsar-Bawar, Dehradun district, Uttarakhand, beside the Yamuna.
What is the Lakshagriha tradition?
Local belief holds that Duryodhana plotted to burn the Pandavas in a lac house near here and that they hid in a nearby cave.
How old is the temple?
Wikipedia, citing the ASI, dates the present temple to about the 12th-13th century CE, with earlier brick remains of about the 5th-8th century.
Who built it, according to the inscription?
A 6th-century inscription records that Princess Ishwara of Singhpura built a Shiva temple for her late husband Chandragupta.
Who are Danav and Manav?
Twin guardian figures at the main shrine; some locals identify them with Bhima and Arjuna.
How far is it from Dehradun?
Wikipedia gives about 128 km, and 35 km from Chakrata.
Sources and attribution
Further reading: Lakhamandal Temple, Lakhamandal on Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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