Imagine a place where two ancient faiths coexist in harmony, where a single deity is revered by both Hindus and Buddhists, where the snow-capped Himalayas embrace a white temple adorned with colourful flags. This is the Trilokinath Temple, a hidden gem in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the god of destruction and creation, who is also known as Arya Avalokiteshwar, the bodhisattva of compassion. The name Trilokinath means the Lord of Three Worlds, a fitting title for such a powerful and benevolent being.
The temple is located in the quaint village of Trilokinath, about 9 km from Udaipur (no, not the one with the palaces and lakes, but a charming town in the mountains). It stands at an altitude of 2760 metres, offering a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape. The temple's white walls contrast with the vibrant prayer flags that dance in the wind, creating a sense of peace and wonder.
The sound of the brass bell adds to the charm of the place, where you will find the idol of Trilokinath, adorned with jewels and flowers. The temple is also known as Tunda Vihar, and is considered as one of the most sacred places of pilgrimage after Kailash and Mansarovar. Whether you are a devout follower or a curious explorer, you will find the Trilokinath Temple a mesmerizing and enriching destination.
Getting There
Rohtang pass is not just a mountain terrain, but a gateway to a land of mystery and beauty. It opens only for a few months a year, from April to November, when the snow clears and the road becomes accessible. Beyond the pass lies the Lahaul and Spiti valley, a region of ancient temples, stunning landscapes, and rich culture.
One of the most sacred places in this valley is the Trilokinath Temple, located 45 km from Keylong and 146 km from Manali. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped here as the lord of the three worlds. The closest town to the temple is Udaipur, which is just 9 km away. You can reach the temple by taking the large buses of Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) that run from these nearby towns.
Or you can hire a taxi in Manali, Kullu or Udaipur, and enjoy the scenic drive along the river Chenab. Rohtang pass is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to explore the hidden wonders of Lahaul and Spiti valley.
Story of Trilokinath Temple
The temple has a long and ancient history, dating back to the 10th century, when it was constructed by Davanjara Rana. He was a forefather of the current ‘Rana Thakur rulers’ of the village, who revered Rana Triloknath. The temple also owes its existence to Chamba Mahayogi Siddha Charpati Dar, a devotee of the Bodhisattva Arya Avalokiteshvara. Inside the temple, there is a marble statue of the six-headed Avalokiteshvara, which has many legends associated with it. Some say that King Trilokinath of Kullu attempted to take the statue away, but failed because the stone was too heavy. The statue has a scar on its right leg, which is believed to be caused by a king’s soldier who slashed it with a sword.
Some say that the statue of Nandi in the Nandikeshwara Temple is a tribute to Lord Shiva and his faithful bull. They claim that the statue was carved from a single piece of black granite by a skilled sculptor named Daksha.
Another tale speaks of the Saptarishis or the Seven Sages of Hindu mythology, who visited the village once and were offered milk by the villagers. One day, Basava, a local boy who was a devout follower of Lord Shiva, caught a glimpse of the sages and followed them to the temple.
There, he saw Lord Shiva himself and was blessed by him with a divine form. The next morning, the villagers were astonished to see that Basava had turned into a marble deity. That is when they decided to build a temple around him and worshipped him ever since.
The water of the Hinsan Nala is clear and pure, but turns milky during the monsoon season, when the rain washes away the limestone deposits from the nearby hills. How incredible is that!
Pori Mela: An Annual Celebration & Highlight of Trilokinath
Every year, for three glorious days, the Trilokinath Temple and its surrounding villages come alive with the joy of Pori Mela. Hindus and Buddhists unite in celebrating the divine by bathing the deity with milk and curd every morning, and fills the air with the music of drums and conches, and the aroma of groundnuts and incense.
And what if I say, you could witness the Lord of Three Worlds riding a horse to bless his devotees? At least that’s what the villagers of Trilokinath believe happens every year in August, when they celebrate the Pori Mela at the Trilokinath Temple. They welcome the horses, and take them around the temple, offering them delicious treats. They also host a magnificent fair, where traders from far and wide come to showcase their products of art, food and more. Pori Mela is not just a festival, it is a spectacle of spirituality and culture.
Where To Stay & Eat Near Triloknath Temple
Being one of the highly-revered temples in Himachal Pradesh, Trilokinath makes for a great place to visit. Even though there are no private hotels nearby yet, you can easily find a decent stay in Udaipur, which is only 15 km away; or you can experience the Sarai, a new and large facility built by the PWD to attract more pilgrims and provide a hassle-free experience to the tourists.
The Trilokinath temple committee also offers free food (langar) at the temple in summers. You can enjoy it anytime, as a valued guest or you can hit the nearby dhabas for some local cuisine.
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