Mamaleshwar Temple in Kashmir: Where Lord Ganesha got his elephant head

Mamaleshwar Temple, also known as Mamal Temple, is a revered Hindu temple set in the beautiful backdrop of Pahalgam in Kashmir. The temple is set on the banks of the Lidder River at an altitude of 2200 m (7200 ft) above sea level. Not many are aware of the legend associated with this historic temple. Do you know this is the place where Hindu god Ganesha got his elephant head.

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The mythological story

As per Hindu scriptures, this is the temple where Goddess Parvati created Ganesha using turmeric powder to keep him as a door keeper while she took a bath. She had strictly asked him not to allow anyone to enter the premises. But unfortunately, Lord Shiva tried to force an entry. When Ganesha tried to stop him, Shiva, out of rage, beheaded him. When Parvati came out and saw the bloodshed, she got extremely furious at Shiva.

She tells him that Ganesha was their child. Knowing this, Shiva restored his head with a bull elephant's head. It is said that Mamleshwar Temple is the location where Lord Ganesha got his elephant head. The temple is of immense historical and religious significance for Hindus.

History

The temple dates back to the 4th century and is set in Mamalaka village. For those who don’t know, mam mal means don’t go. The temple is made of all-grey stone structure and is only 8 ft inside. The Kashmiri architectural style looks absolutely stunning with a two-tiered pyramidal roof.

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There’s also a government sign that says this could well be the Mameswara Temple that Kalhana’s royal chronicle Rajatarangini mentions was adorned with a gold finial by King Jayasimha in the 12th century.

Today, the temple stands as a legacy amid the beautiful valley of Kashmir. This is a perfect spot for those looking offbeat travellers!