Mamleshwar Temple, Pahalgam — the old stone shrine on the Lidder
What it is
The Mamal or Mamleshwar Temple is a small Hindu temple on the bank of the Lidder valley in Pahalgam, at about 2,200 m. Inside are a Shiva linga at the centre and a small two-faced Nandi in the corner.
Photos: Slyronit (CC BY-SA 4.0) — via Wikimedia Commons, resized.
History
Wikipedia says the temple was built around 400 AD and rebuilt in the medieval period, and that Kalhana's chronicle, the Rajatarangini, names a temple called Mammesvara whose top King Jayasimha decorated with a golden finial.
The legend
According to legend, Parvati set Ganesha at this door as its guard, and Shiva, stopped by the boy, cut off his head and gave him an elephant's. the words Mam Mal are said to mean don't go, which gives the temple its other name, Mammal. Read it as a story told at the place.
Visiting
It is about 3 km from the centre of Pahalgam on the map. We have no verified opening hours; ask locally. It is a place of worship, so dress modestly and ask before taking photographs.
Combine it with
The one-day plan starts here. Read things to do in Pahalgam and when to visit Pahalgam.
Plans that include this
All 1 plans that stop here →
Nearby places
All of Pahalgam →
Nearby destinations
All destinations →
Questions people ask
What is the Mamleshwar Temple?
A small stone temple to Shiva in Pahalgam, on the bank of the Lidder River at about 2,200 m. It holds a Shiva linga and a two-faced Nandi. Wikipedia dates it to around 400 AD, says it was rebuilt in the medieval period, and notes that a temple named Mammesvara appears in the Rajatarangini.
What is the legend of the temple?
According to legend, this is where Parvati set Ganesha as doorkeeper, forbidding anyone to enter without her leave, and where Shiva cut off his head and gave him an elephant's. the words Mam Mal are said to mean don't go, which is why it is also called the Mammal Temple. It is a story, not a record.
How far is it from the centre of Pahalgam?
About 3 km on the map, a short walk or drive along the river from the town. It is a small, quiet place of worship, so dress modestly and ask before taking photographs inside. We have no verified opening hours; ask locally, and combine it with a walk along the Lidder.