Kathgarh Mandir - काठगढ़ मंदिर

Kathgarh Mahadev Temple is located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. Situated on the border of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, this is the only Shiv temple in the world, where the Shivling is divided into two parts. Here the Ardhnarishwar form of Mahadev is worshiped, it is believed that these two forms of Shiva automatically separate and then merge. One is worshiped as Bhagwan Shiva and the other part is worshiped as Devi Parvati. The distance between the two parts of Shivling automatically increases according to the planetary constellations. In summer this form splits into two parts and in winter it again assumes one form.

A story is also associated with this special form of Mahadev:
The height of the Shivling worshiped in the form of Shiva in both the parts of the Shivling is about 7 to 8 feet and the height of the Shivling worshiped in the form of Parvati is 5 to 6 feet. After Shivratri, the difference between them gradually increases. Legends also say that Bhagwan Ram's brother Bharat used to worship bhagwan Shiva here whenever he used to visit his maternal grandmother’s house.

History of Kathgarh Shiva Temple:
According to the Videshwar Samhita of Shiva Puran, at the beginning of Padma Kalpa, a dispute of superiority arose between Brahma and Vishnu and both of them got ready for war with divine weapons. Seeing this terrible situation, Shiva suddenly appeared there in the form of an infinite luminous pillar, due to which the divine weapons of both the deities automatically calmed down. Both Brahma and Vishnu gathered to know the origin of that pillar's beginning and end. Vishnu took the form of Venus and went to Hades, but could not find the end. Brahma reached Vishnu with Ketki flower from the sky and said - 'I have come to find the end of the pillar, on which this Ketki flower is on top.' Seeing this deceit of Brahma, Shankar appeared there and Vishnu caught hold of his feet. Then Shankar said that both of you are equal. This fire-like pillar came to be known as Kathgarh. According to the Ishan Samhita, this Shivling appeared on the night of Chaturdashi of Krishna Paksha of Falgun month.

Major Festivals of Kathgarh Shiva Temple:
A three-day fair is organized every year during the Shivratri festival. On these days a large number of devotees come to pay their respects.

How To Reach Kathgarh Shiv Temple:
This famous Shiva temple is situated just 25 km away from Pathankot. So devotees can easily reach Pathankot and get a bus or taxi to reach Kathgarh Shiva temple.