Hidden amidst the forested slopes near Moginand village, just 6 km from Nahan, lies the ancient and enigmatic Paudiwala Shiv Temple—a sacred site steeped in mythology, mystery, and divine energy. Known as the “Second Stairway to Heaven”, this temple is a powerful pilgrimage destination for devotees of Lord Shiva and seekers of spiritual legends.
🌄 Location & Accessibility
- Location: Paudiwala, near Moginand village, Nahan, Sirmaur district, Himachal Pradesh
- Altitude: ~900 meters above sea level
- Nearest Town: Nahan (6 km)
- How to Reach:
- By Road: Accessible via NH-7 from Chandigarh and Nahan
- By Rail: Nearest station – Kalka or Barog
- By Air: Chandigarh International Airport (~85 km)
- A short walk through a forest trail leads to the temple from the parking area
🛕 Mythological Significance
According to local lore, Ravana, the mighty king of Lanka, once sought immortality through intense penance to Lord Shiva. Pleased with his devotion, Shiva challenged him to build five stairways to heaven in a single day. Ravana succeeded in building four:
- Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar
- Paudiwala near Nahan
- Chureshwar Mahadev
- Kinner Kailash
He fell asleep before completing the fifth, and thus, his quest for immortality remained unfulfilled. The Paudiwala Temple is believed to mark the second stairway, making it a site of immense spiritual power.
Another legend links the temple to Rishi Markandeya, who was saved from death by Lord Shiva after embracing the Shivling here. The temple is said to house the same Shivling, which miraculously grows by the size of a rice grain every Shivratri.
🕉️ Deity & Worship
The Paudiwala Shiv Temple, nestled near Nahan in Sirmaur district, is dedicated to Lord Shiva, venerated here in his self-manifested (swayambhu) lingam form. According to local belief, this is the second of five mythical stairways to heaven built by Ravana in a single night to attain immortality. The first was Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar, and Paudiwala is said to be the second, making it a site of profound mythological significance.
The Shivling is believed to grow by the size of a grain of rice every Mahashivratri, a phenomenon that draws pilgrims from across Himachal and neighboring states. Worship rituals include abhishek with Gangajal, offerings of bilva leaves, milk, and incense, and chanting of the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra. During Shivratri and the month of Sawan, the temple hosts massive gatherings, community feasts (bhandaras), and devotional singing, transforming the serene forested site into a vibrant center of faith.
Devotees seek blessings for longevity, spiritual strength, and liberation from karmic cycles, and many believe that prayers offered here are especially potent due to the temple’s ancient origins and its association with Ravana’s legendary penance.
🏛️ Temple Highlights
- A natural cave shrine with a self-manifested Shivling
- Surrounded by dense forest and serene walking trails
- A resident Baba Ishwar Giri Ji, known for sharing ancient stories and spiritual insights
- A peaceful, rustic setting ideal for meditation and reflection
🎉 Festivals & Rituals
- Maha Shivratri: The most significant celebration, drawing devotees from Himachal and neighboring states
- Sawan Month: Pilgrims offer Gangajal and perform abhishek
- Daily Aartis & Bhandaara: Organized by the temple committee and local devotees
🏞️ Nearby Attractions
- Kalisthan Temple: Another Shakti Peetha just 7.5 km away
- Rani Tal & Nahan Palace: Historical sites in Nahan town
- Jaitak Fort: A scenic hilltop fort with panoramic views
- Suketi Fossil Park: India’s first fossil park, ideal for family visits
🙏 Spiritual Experience
The Paudiwala Shiv Temple is more than a place of worship—it’s a gateway to ancient legends and divine energy. The silence of the forest, the sacred Shivling, and the stories whispered by the wind make this temple a hidden gem in Himachal’s spiritual landscape.
