Where Shiva gazes in five directions, and the Beas whispers ancient mantras
Set at the confluence of the Beas and Suketi rivers in the heart of Mandi town, the Panchvaktra Temple—also known as Panchbakhtar or Triloknath Temple—is one of the most sacred and architecturally significant Shiva shrines in Himachal Pradesh. Revered for its five-faced idol of Lord Shiva, this temple is a spiritual cornerstone of “Chhoti Kashi”, where 81 temples echo the rhythm of devotion.
🌄 Location & Accessibility
- Location: Near Beas–Suketi Sangam, Mandi Town, Himachal Pradesh – 175001
- By Road: Centrally located in Mandi; easily accessible by foot, taxi, or local bus
- By Rail: Joginder Nagar Railway Station (~55 km)
- By Air: Bhuntar Airport (~60 km) or Chandigarh Airport (~180 km)
- On Foot: A short walk from the Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower) and Bhutnath Temple
🕉️ Deity & Worship
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped here in his Panchvaktra (five-faced) form, representing:
- Aghora – the fierce
- Ishaan – the supreme
- Tatpurusha – the cosmic soul
- Vamadeva – the benevolent
- Rudra – the destroyer
This rare depiction symbolizes Shiva’s dominion over all directions and dimensions. The colossal five-faced idol is enshrined in the sanctum, and only three faces are visible from the front, adding to its mystique.
Devotees offer bilva leaves, milk, and ghee lamps, and the temple is especially visited during Mahashivratri, when it becomes a hub of spiritual energy and celebration.
🏛️ Architecture & Setting
The temple is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India, built in the Shikhara style, featuring:
- A towering spire rising from a massive stone platform
- Four intricately carved stone pillars supporting the mandapa
- Sculptures of Shiva’s various forms, including Nataraja and Ardhanarishvara
- A peaceful riverside setting, ideal for meditation and reflection
Despite its age, the temple is well-preserved and spiritually vibrant, drawing pilgrims, historians, and seekers alike.
📜 Historical & Cultural Significance
- The temple’s exact date of origin is unknown, but it was renovated during the reign of Raja Siddha Sen (1684–1727) after flood damage
- It is considered one of the oldest and most powerful Shaivite temples in Mandi, often visited alongside Bhutnath and Triloknath temples
- The name “Panchvaktra” reflects Shiva’s fivefold cosmic presence, making it a rare and potent site of worship
🎉 Festivals & Celebrations
- Mahashivratri: Celebrated with night-long bhajans, havans, and devta processions
- Shravan Mondays: Special abhisheks and offerings during the monsoon month
- Daily Worship: Morning and evening aartis, chanting of Rudram, and incense offerings
🏞️ Nearby Attractions
- Bhutnath Temple: The spiritual heart of Mandi and Shivratri’s epicenter
- Tarna Devi Temple: A Shakti shrine atop a hill with panoramic views
- Rewalsar Lake: A sacred site for Hindus, Buddhists, and Sikhs
- Triloknath Temple: Another rare Shaivite shrine with deep mythological roots
🙏 Spiritual Experience
The Panchvaktra Temple is not just a shrine—it is a cosmic compass, a place where Shiva’s five faces gaze across time and space, and the river sings his name. As you stand before the sanctum, with the Beas flowing beside you and the spire rising like a mantra, you feel the presence of a god who is everywhere, in every form, in every breath. It is a temple where the soul finds its direction, and the **heart bows to the fivefold flame.
