Bhagsunag Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is situated in the picturesque Bhagsunag village near McLeodganj in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh.
This temple is more than 5000 years old and there’s an enthralling history behind this temple and locals speak very highly about this temple.
It falls on the way to the very famous the Bhagsunag waterfall, so make sure you stop by at the temple to seek the blessings of the deity before proceeding forward.
In the premise of the temple, There’s also a natural spring-fed swimming pool in which pilgrims take a dip and locals believe that the water of this spring contains some sort of miraculous power.
History of Bhagsunag Temple
In the middle of Dvarpa Yug when the king of fiends “king Bhagsu” had his capital in Ajmer.
Due to severe drought in his countryside, people got agonized and the chiefs of villages urged the king to do something for water or they will leave the country.
King Bhagsu assured the chiefs and he himself left the place in search of water. The king himself was a fiend so he knew all kinds of sorcery and tricks.
After 2 days, he reached Nag Dal which is situated at 18000 feet. Nag Dal which is bottomless deep and circumscribes around 2 miles. King Bhagsu entitled the water of the lake in his pot with sorcery and started to return and in the night he stopped at this place to rest.
Nag Devta on his evening stroll reached the lake and to his surprise, he found the lake empty. After following the footsteps, he reached where king Bhagsu was sleeping which was this place. He killed king Bhagsu. In the battle between them, water fell off at this place from the pot and Nag Dal got filled with water.
When dying the fiend king Bhagsu expressed his utmost respect to the deity which really pleased the Nag Devta.
Nag Devta asked him for his death wish to which he expressed his desire to be world-famous like him and water for his country.
Nag Devta said Amen and he happily said that “ Your name will come before mine at this place”. Since then the name of this place is Bhagsu Nag.
Today it’s been 8084 years to this incident.
In Kalyug, king Dharma Chand used to rule here, Lord Shiva in his dreams told him to make his Temple at this place as he had come here after the foundation of a holy water spring.
The king made a temple here and its been 5080 years of its foundation. People come here from far off places to visit this sacred place.
Traveler Tips From a Local
- Most likely, you will visit this place while going for Bhagsunag waterfall which involves a lot- of walking so wear a comfortable pair of shoes preferably sports or trekking shoes.
- Eat some local Bhagsu cake. (for authentic Bhagsu cake, visit Singh corner)
- Visit the Bhagsunag waterfall.
- Explore the Bhagsunag market. A lot of shops selling ethnic handicrafts and woolen clothes.
- Take a dip in the miraculous natural spring-fed swimming pool.
Best Time to Visit
- Mid-March to September
Note: Every year on the day of Krishna Janmashtami, a lot of pilgrims come here to take a dip in the miraculous pool of the temple.
Timing
- There’s no such official time. Visit after sunrise and before sunset.
NOTE: There’s a timing for swimming pool though, it’s 5 am to 8 pm in summer and 6 am to 6 pm in winter
Entry Fee
- No entry fee is required.
How to Reach
Nearest –
- Airport: Gaggal Airport (Dharamshala)
- Railway station: Pathankot
- Bus station: McLeodganj
Taxis and Autos are available to and fro between the Mcleodganj bus stand and taxi stand of Bhagsunag.
Taxi costs approx ₹150 and auto costs ₹50 for one way.
NOTE: If you’re coming by your own vehicle, parking is available at the taxi stand of Bhagsu. Charges are ₹ 50, ₹ 100, ₹ 200 for 6hrs, 12hrs, more than 12hrs respectively.
Pro Tip: Bhagsunag temple/Bhagsunag waterfall is approx 2 km away from Mcleodganj. If you aren’t carrying any luggage then I recommend you to walk because it doesn’t feel like a 2km stretch at all as you’ll be exploring the Mcleodganj market, amazing view by the roadside, Bhagsu market and beautiful, innovative roadside arts by waste warriors along the way.
Nearby Restaurants/Cafe
- Shiva café
- German bakery
Nearby Attractions
Because of its exciting history, the Bhagsunag temple attracts a lot of pilgrims throughout the year and if you’re somebody who also believes in God, then it’s a must-visit place for you. The sacredness of this place will surely touch you.
Happy Traveling!