Vikal Sharma
In the serene Rajpur area of Palampur in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh lies ancient Gauri Shankar Temple, a sacred site where the divine presence of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya resides together as one celestial family.
The temple’s origin is nothing short of a miracle. According to local legend, a Gaddi shepherd on his journey to Holi, Chamba, carrying idols of the Shiva family, stopped to rest at this very spot. When he awoke and tried to resume his journey, he couldn’t just move the idols as they had become rooted to the earth.
This astonishing event marked the beginning of what would become one of the region’s most spiritually powerful temples.
As construction of the temple began, another unbelievable incident occurred: the idol of Nandi, the sacred bull of Lord Shiva, was discovered underground, exactly in front of Lord Shiva’s idol. No one had placed it there. It simply appeared, as if summoned by divine will.
Tunnel cave ‘linking directly’ to Manimahesh
Adding further mystery, the shepherd and his companions built a tunnel-like cave believed to connect directly to Manimahesh, a revered pilgrimage site of Lord Shiva. Though this tunnel has since been sealed due to unfortunate events, incense and lamps are still lit at its entrance every morning and evening, honoring the sacred path believed to lie beneath.
Devotees believe that those who worship here with a pure heart are protected from untimely death and granted peace. The temple’s daily aarti (ritual worship) draws worshippers into a deeply spiritual experience, filling hearts with devotion, calm and fulfillment.
While some may dismiss these events as legend, elderly villagers who witnessed the miracles firsthand still tell the tale, passing it down to the next generation.
Vikal Sharma
