Where the mountains whisper legends, and the waters heal in silence
Just 2 km from McLeod Ganj and nestled at the base of the Dhauladhar range, the Bhagsu Nag Temple—also known as Bhagsunath Temple—is a revered shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva and the Snake God Bhagsu Nag. Surrounded by natural springs, sacred pools, and the trail to the Bhagsu Waterfall, this temple is a spiritual and cultural landmark for both locals and travelers.
🌄 Location & Accessibility
- Location: Bhagsunag Village, near McLeod Ganj, Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh – 176219
- Altitude: ~1,770 meters
- By Road: 2 km from McLeod Ganj Bus Stand, 6 km from Dharamshala
- By Rail: Kangra Mandir Station (~30 km), Pathankot Junction (~90 km)
- By Air: Gaggal Airport (~20 km)
- On Foot: A scenic walk from McLeod Ganj through pine-lined paths
🕉️ Deity & Worship
The temple is dedicated to:
- Lord Shiva, worshipped here as Bhageshwar Mahadev
- Bhagsu Nag, the local serpent deity, associated with water and healing
Legend:
According to lore, King Bhagsu of Rajasthan stole water from the sacred Nag Dal Lake, angering the Snake God. A battle ensued, but the king later repented. Pleased by his devotion, Nag Devta forgave him, and the site was sanctified as Bhagsu Nag.
Rituals & Offerings:
- Devotees offer milk, bilva leaves, and ghee lamps
- The sacred pools beside the temple are believed to have healing properties
- The temple is especially visited during Mahashivratri and the annual Bhagsunag Fair (September)
🏛️ Architecture & Setting
- A simple stone temple with a silver-plated sanctum
- Surrounded by spring-fed pools, where pilgrims and monks bathe
- A public swimming tank nearby, maintained for visitors
- The temple complex is shaded by deodar trees, with the Bhagsu Waterfall just a short trek uphill
The temple was renovated in the early 19th century by the 1st Gurkha Rifles, and is still revered by the Gorkha community.
📜 Cultural & Spiritual Significance
- The temple is one of the oldest shrines in the region, with roots in local mythology and Gorkha heritage
- It is a spiritual stopover for those trekking to Triund, Bhagsu Waterfall, or Dharamkot
- The sacred pools are believed to cure skin ailments and purify the soul
🎉 Festivals & Celebrations
- Mahashivratri: Celebrated with night-long bhajans, havans, and aartis
- Bhagsunag Fair (September): A vibrant local festival with folk music, food stalls, and devta processions
- Daily Worship: Morning and evening aartis, incense offerings, and chanting of Shiva Stotras
🏞️ Nearby Attractions
- Bhagsu Waterfall: A 20-minute trek from the temple
- Dal Lake & Naddi Viewpoint: Scenic spots nearby
- Triund Trek: A popular Himalayan trail starting from Dharamkot
- Namgyal Monastery & Tsuglagkhang: The Dalai Lama’s residence and Tibetan spiritual center
🙏 Spiritual Experience
The Bhagsu Nag Temple is not just a shrine—it is a spring of legend, a place where Shiva’s stillness meets the serpent’s grace, and the waters carry your prayers like ripples through time. As you dip your hands into the sacred pool, with the chant of bells and the mist of the waterfall nearby, you feel the presence of a god who forgives, heals, and watches in silence. It is a temple where myth flows like water, and the **soul finds its reflection in the mountain spring.
