Bhoothnath is said to be the manifestation of Lord Shiva, which seems to be the ever protecting deity of the
town of Mandi, and the temple of Bhoothnath, has ‘Shikhara’, that includes a small structure and a cell
exceeded by a steeple. Such porch is supported by the flute kind of pillars with caps carved upon the
elephants.
"Bhoothnath Temple in Mandi Shiva idol has knotted hair, and garland
of skulls, as well as the en-laced serpent, a conch on one hand, and a Damru on the other hand,
as well as a pair of earrings. The divine Mata Parvati, who wears a crown and stands besides the
Lord Shiva. Even the bull and lion are also carved on it. Also, there are images of Bhairon and
Lord Hanuman carved there. Apart from these, there is also the carving of the Ardhnari temple.
This Ardhnari temple seems to be a modern temple of Mandi region. On the stone, one can find Lord
Shiva on the right half side, and left half side is the Mata Parvati. The Nandi and faces the
deity.
Story Behind the Bhoothnath Temple in Mandi
The Bhoothnath Temple is found to be the very ancient temple (devoted to Lord Shiva)
in the Mandi District, that was constructed by the king called ‘Raja Ajber Sen’ during the year
1527 AD. There is also a myth narrated to the construction of the Bhoothnath temple. As per the
history, the Raja Ajber Sen heard the story of a cow giving milk to the certain stone, on its own
wish in a Mandi’s forest, but he did not know that, time comes when he will find idol of worship at
this place.
Bhoothnath Temple Now and Then It is said that, in the ancient days the land situated on
the left bank of the Bead was left waste, where the cattle was suppose to graze. Now, the temple
stands still with the name ‘Bhuthas’ or ‘Bhoothnath’, that was established at the main street
(in the heart) of the town.
Where was the Temple Built It is said that, king built this temple to accomplish his dream
– he was asked by Lord Shiva or Bhoothnath to dig the ground in certain place, where the idol of
Lord Shiva is buried. King Ajber Sen followed the words of Bhoothnath, then he removed the idol of
Lord Shiva, and built the temple in the same place, where he got the idol. The king later installed
this holy idol of Lord Shiva in this temple.
Shivratri Festival Celebration in Mandi During the festival of Mahashivratri, the temple
is decorated in a grand way, and people from Mandi and surrounding places arrive here to offer their
prayers as well as some people participate in the cultural programmes conducted here. This festival
has been considered as the prime event and the central point among the 7 day festival.
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