Treks by
Spring to Early Summer: March to June Autumn: September to November
By Road: Lakhamandal is accessible via the Mussoorie-Yamunotri road. From Dehradun: Approximately 120 km From Chakrata: Approximately 100 km Regular bus and taxi services are available from Dehradun and Chakrata. By Rail: Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun Railway Station (Approximately 107 km away) By Air: Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (Approximately 130 km away)
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1,350 meters
The Lakhamandal Shiv Temple is an ancient and revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, nestled in the Jaunsar-Bawar region of Dehradun district, Uttarakhand. This temple holds immense historical, architectural, and mythological significance, making it a notable pilgrimage site.
Hidden in the serene hills of Jaunsar-Bawar near Chakrata, the Lakhamandal Shiv Temple is one of the most mystical and ancient shrines in Uttarakhand. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple holds deep mythological and historical significance, believed to be over 1,500 years old.
According to legends from the Mahabharata, this is the place where the Kauravas built the infamous Lakshagriha (House of Lac) to trap and burn the Pandavas. The Pandavas, however, escaped through a secret tunnel — still accessible near the temple and known locally as Dhundhi Odaari.
The temple's name “Lakhamandal” literally translates to ‘a lakh temples’, and indeed, the region is dotted with ancient shrines and ruins. The main temple features a unique graphite Shivling that gleams when water is poured on it — a marvel that draws pilgrims and photographers alike.
The Lakhamandal Shiv Temple is an ancient Hindu shrine located in the Jaunsar-Bawar region of Dehradun district, Uttarakhand. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is believed to date back to the 5th–8th centuries CE, with significant structural developments occurring around the 12th–13th centuries CE. The temple complex showcases the Nagara style of architecture, prevalent in North India, and is constructed primarily from stone with intricate carvings. The sanctum sanctorum houses a unique graphite Shivling that shines when wet, reflecting its surroundings .