Koteshwar Mahadev is one of the adored deities of Kumarsain & nearby area. Koteshwar Mahadev Temple is located in the village Kumarsain of Mandoli. Koteshwar is one of the avatars of Lord Shiva. According to locals, Mahadev comes out of the temple only once in four years, and a great fair occurs. Himachal Pradesh is full of natural resources and is situated in the mountain range of the Himalayas, The capital of the State is Shimla, which is called the mini Switzerland of India. Shimla is around 70 km from the temple. Kumarsain, a mixed form of modern and ancient culture, settled on a distant national highway.
History Of Koteshwar Mahadev Temple
Image Credit: Thamizhpparithi Maari for Wikimedia Commons
Legend has it that Shri Devta Koteshwar Mahadev used to run his rule here through the Madi people. The deity was angry with their atrocities. It was impossible to settle in this area without persuading those people. Therefore, Maharana went to the temple of Mahadev and accepted Koteshwar Mahadev as his presiding deity. It was prophesied that the place you have chosen for your capital, your future generations, will flourish there for centuries as long as this world is settled.
Maharana returned to Madhvani after this prediction and ordered the capital building on the lines of Kashi Ji. As a result of Maharana Kumarsain’s arrival after certain homes and palaces were constructed, the Rajdevta formally proclaimed the Maharana’s domination. This was a very pompous performance of Gaddi Nashinis rasam. Subjugated were also the areas that had turned rebellious. An oath was taken before the deity that as long as the Maharaja’s family reigns and the throne of any successor is paid, then the chariot of the deity will be marched around the entire area; the royal family was responsible for arranging this. That is why this oath is fulfilled even today. This tradition is maintained even today by taking out the chariots of the deities after every four years.
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The Deity Of Koteshwar
In ancient times, the princely state was run by Dev Shakti Shri Koteshwar Mahadev. Then Dev Shakti handed over the executive state to Kirti Singh Ji, and himself became invisible. King Kirti Singh Ji established Shri Koteshwar Mahadev inside the palace at Sharkot and started running the kingdom. Now, the state’s people have asked the king how to get Devdarshan to them.
After consulting the ministers on a public request, the king personally approached the gods and presented the request to them. However, the ministers were unable to reach a decision. At the king’s humble request, the deity himself appeared and explained all the methods by which the public could get his darshan. Then, after every four years, the tradition of the fair for Dev Darshan started.
Significance of Kumarsain 4 Sala Mela
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Koteshwar Mahadev, who is thought to be a scared soul blessed by Lord Shiva himself, is regarded as the King of the area. For the devotees, this Deity is not some “God” but just like their beloved family member for whom they have extreme love and respect, the one who has God’s blessings to fulfil their big or small requirements or to erase their day-to-day problems.
The local festival happens every four years when Koteshwar Mahadev meets his other loving deities, Marich and Malendu Devtaa. A great fair is held here in August and September, and thousands of devotees of Lord Shiva come here to worship him. Kumarsain Jatar is 9 days, 5 days in Kumarsain and 4 days in mandoli. The first day, at 4 am, Koteshwar Mahadev and Marich Devta are taken out from Sharkot and then taken to their Temples, Koteshwar Mahadev to Mandoli & Marich to Bai Temple. In the Evening, Koteshwar Devta and Buda Devta go to Shrambal Camp. The next day, Koteshwar Mahadev and Buddha Devta meet Marich Devta. On the Third day, Malandi Devta joined the fair. On the 6th day, all gods move to madholi. March and Malendi Devta bid farewell to Koteshwar Devta in the last two days. And the festivities end that day with the departure of all the gods.
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How To Reach Koteshwar Mahadev Temple
The nearest city to the temple is Shimla, 70 km away. The NH 5 Highway is the easiest way to reach the temple location. The most important thing is to reach Shimla first. We’ve come up with various options for you to reach Shimla easily.
- The Shimla Airport, also called the Jubbarhatti Airport, is one of the very few airports at any hill station and is located about 25 km from the main city. The landing experience in the plane is a little rough because this airstrip is probably one of the smallest. However, since this airport isn’t open all year round using Chandigarh or Delhi as a connecting airport is advised.
- Buses to Shimla depart from Delhi, Jaipur, Punjab, Haryana, and portions of Uttar Pradesh. Shimla is a popular tourist destination. Additionally, Shimla has excellent HRTC bus connections from practically everywhere in Himachal Pradesh. Kalka to Shimla is a journey of about 80 km. Chandigarh to Shimla is 118 km, and Delhi to Shimla is 370 km.
- Kalka Railway Station is the closest broad gauge railway station to Shimla, at just 90 km. The distance between Chandigarh Railway Station and Shimla is only 113 km. Shimla has excellent local bus and taxi connections from both railway stations. Although Shimla has its train station, it is only used by narrow gauge trains from Kalka.
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Now that you have a list of things to remember for your next vacation to see the serenity of Koteshwar Mahadev Temple make sure you plan your trip to Himachal Pradesh to these fabulous spots for the experience of a lifetime. Don’t miss out on these opportunities; book your tickets now!
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Cover Image credit: By Rajesh Dhungana for Wikimedia Commons.
Frequently Asked Questions About Koteshwar Mahadev Temple
How far is Koteshwar Mahadev Temple from Shimla?
The Koteshwar Mahadev Temple is 70 km from Shimla.
After how many years is the Koteshwar Fair celebrated?
The Koteshwar Mela is celebrated every 4 years.
What are some of the most famous places in Shimla?
Major city centre attractions include the Shri Hanuman Jakhu (Statue), Jakhu Temple, Viceregal Lodge, Christ Church, Mall Road, The Ridge and Annandale.
What are the best months to visit Shimla?
The months between October to February are considered to be ideal to visit the city.
What's the best time to visit Himachal Pradesh?
Himachal Pradesh is surrounded by serenity, the hill and snow-covered mountains add to the beauty of the region. The best time to visit the state is between October and February.
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As a Travel Content Writer, I live to conquer the world of globetrotting with words. With my unquenchable thirst for storytelling, I believe that my words will inspire you to travel around the world’s breathtaking landscapes. As for me, I am an unapologetic selenophile, who loves to wander around in a starry night!
