Where Shiva plays as a child, and devotion echoes through the forest
Tucked in the dense forests of Ambota, near Gagret in the Una district of Himachal Pradesh, the Shiv Bari Temple—also known as Drona Shiv Mandir—is a 5,000-year-old shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, steeped in Mahabharata lore, miraculous legends, and unwavering faith. Revered as a place where Shiva appeared in child form, this temple is a spiritual anchor for seekers of protection, justice, and divine playfulness.
🌄 Location & Accessibility
- Location: Ambota village, near Gagret, Una District, Himachal Pradesh – 177203
- Altitude: ~500 meters
- By Road: Located on the Hoshiarpur–Dharamshala road; 40 km from Una, 25 km from Hoshiarpur
- By Rail: Amb Andaura (~15 km) or Hoshiarpur (~25 km)
- By Air: Gaggal Airport, Kangra (~90 km)
- On Foot: A short walk from the village center through forested paths and temple steps
🕉️ Deity & Worship
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped here in the form of a self-manifested (swayambhu) Pindi, believed to have emerged at the request of Guru Dronacharya’s daughter, Yayati. According to legend, Yayati’s deep devotion and chanting of “Om Namah Shivaya” pleased Shiva, who appeared before her as a child and agreed to stay at the site forever in the form of a Lingam.
The goddess is worshipped in the form of three pindis, representing Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi, and Maha Saraswati.
Devotees offer red flags, coconuts, and sweets, and the temple is especially known for fulfilling wishes of childless couples and those seeking justice. Rituals include abhishek with water from the Swan River, lighting of ghee lamps, and chanting of Rudram and Shiva Stotras. The temple is particularly vibrant during Shravan, Shivratri, and Sankranti.
🏛️ Architecture & Setting
The Shiv Bari Temple is a stone-and-wood structure nestled in a sacred grove, with:
- A simple sanctum housing the Pindi Shivlinga, surrounded by ancient idols
- A stone-paved courtyard shaded by banyan and peepal trees
- A natural spring and the Swan River (Sombhadra) flowing nearby, used for ritual bathing
- A serene forested setting, once known as Drone Nagri, believed to be the residence of Guru Dronacharya
The temple’s unadorned elegance and natural surroundings create a deeply meditative and mystical atmosphere.
📜 Mythological Significance
According to local lore, Guru Dronacharya, the legendary teacher of the Pandavas and Kauravas, lived in Ambota, and would bathe in the Swan River before heading to the Himalayas for his daily prayers. His daughter, Yayati, curious about his devotion, began chanting Shiva’s name with unwavering faith. Pleased, Lord Shiva appeared before her as a child, and at her request, stayed at the site as a Lingam.
Another legend recounts that during Aurangzeb’s reign, soldiers attempted to excavate the Shivlinga. As they dug, a swarm of red insects emerged, rendering them unconscious. Only after villagers sprinkled sacred Jalhari water did they recover and flee, leaving the temple untouched.
The temple is also believed to be one of the five Maharudra sites protecting Mata Chintpurni, forming a spiritual shield around the Shakti Peetha.
🎉 Festivals & Celebrations
- Mahashivratri: Celebrated with night-long bhajans, havans, and community feasts
- Shravan Mondays: Special abhisheks and offerings during the monsoon month
- Sankranti & Shivratri: Marked by devotee gatherings, folk music, and ritual bathing in the Swan River
- Daily Worship: Morning and evening aartis, incense offerings, and chanting of Shiva mantras
🏞️ Nearby Attractions
- Chintpurni Temple: A Shakti Peetha dedicated to Maa Chinnamastika
- Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple, Amb: A riverside shrine linked to Shiva and Kali
- Dera Baba Rudru Temple: A spiritual site with panoramic views
- Garli & Pragpur Villages: Heritage hamlets with colonial-era charm
🙏 Spiritual Experience
The Shiv Bari Temple of Gagret is not just a shrine—it is a forest echo of devotion, a place where Shiva plays as a child and protects as Rudra. As you step into its shaded courtyard, with the Swan River murmuring nearby and the scent of incense in the air, you feel the presence of a god who listens, laughs, and lingers. It is a temple where myth breathes through trees, and the **soul finds peace in the play of the divine.
