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Jammu and Kashmir

Mantalai Temple

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map

January

3.4 - 23.5 °C

February

6.0 - 26.5 °C

March

9.5 - 31.9 °C

April

13.8 - 38.6 °C

May

18.4 - 42.6 °C

June

20.4 - 43.4 °C

July

21.5 - 39.1 °C

August

20.9 - 36.0 °C

September

19.1 - 35.2 °C

October

14.3 - 33.9 °C

November

8.8 - 30.0 °C

December

4.7 - 25.6 °C

Major Airports :

Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (ATQ)

Jammu Airport (IXJ)

Nearest Railway Station :

Jammu Tawi Railway Station (JAT)

Major Airports :

Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (ATQ)

Jammu Airport (IXJ)

The journey of transformation

Situated in the Chenani Tehsil of Udhampur district of Jammu at an elevation of 1450 metres from the ground, with the towering deodars and mountains serving as a magnificent backdrop, the Mantalai temple is where the divine journey of Goddess Parvati began and where the sacred bond between her and Lord Shiva was sanctified. 

Upon entering the Mantalai temple, your gaze would immediately be drawn to a serene pond. As per the legend, this pond was used as a Homa Kund, where the holy fire is set alight during Hindu marriage rituals.

In proximity to the Kund stands the Aparneshwar temple. Although the Shiva Lingam is the main deity of the temple, other shrines are also worshipped within its precincts. The temple houses an idol depicting Goddess Parvati as Kanya, symbolizing her in her form as a small child. Within the temple, both an idol of Shiv Parvati worshipped together and another depicting Shiv, Parvati, and Ganesha can be found.

The Aparneshwar temple, in line with Hindu scriptures, upholds the tradition of installing a Nandi idol in a facing position towards the Shiva Lingam. Here you will see two Nandi idols facing the Shiva Lingam. The smaller one in the front is said to be part of the original structure. The second, bigger Nandi is said to be found in the archaeological dig.

A divine marriage

Apanreshwar temple is the birthplace of Goddess Parvati. The word Aparneshwar is a combination of ‘Aparna’ the name of Goddess Parvati and ‘Ishwar’ which means God, thus translating to Aparna’s God. As the legend goes, Parvati worshipped Lord Shiva from her childhood, and pleased with her dedication and worship, Shiva accepted her marriage proposal. The marriage took place in Mantalai, where the present pond is said to have filled with water once its utility as the Homa Kund for the marriage ceremony was over. Little wonder that the locals believe the water to be holy. The rock kept beside the deities in the Aparneshwar temple is said to be of the time when the divine wedding took place.

A name derived from devotion

The name "Mantalai" is derived from the combination of two words: "Manta" and "Talai." "Manta" refers to a type of medicinal herb found abundantly in the region, while "Talai" means lake or pond in the local language. Therefore, Mantalai translates to "the lake of the Manta herb."

According to legend, Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva, used to pick Manta herbs from the area around the lake for her daily prayers. Impressed by her devotion and penance, Lord Shiva decided to test her commitment. He created a powerful demon named Andhakasura and sent him to disrupt Parvati's prayers.

Goddess Parvati, however, remained undeterred and defeated the demon with her divine powers. Pleased with her dedication and bravery, Lord Shiva married her at the same spot near the Mantalai Lake, making it a sacred place for their union.

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Timings

Opening time - 05:00 AM

Closing time - 08:00 PM

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The best time to visit

If you are planning to visit the serene Mantalai Temple in Jammu and Kashmir's Mandi, the best time is during the summer months, from April to June, when the weather is pleasant and conducive to outdoor exploration.

The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, welcomes devotees from sunrise to sunset, although the actual timings are 5 AM in the morning to 8 PM in the night.

Its picturesque location amidst lush greenery and pristine surroundings adds to the spiritual experience. So, mark your calendar for a soulful journey to Mantalai Temple, and you are bound to find serenity amidst nature's embrace.

Beyond Mantalai Temple

Head out to the beautiful Poonch River, where you can take a boat ride and bask in the serenity of the surroundings. The river, not more than 7 kilometres away, is easily accessible via well-maintained roads, ensuring a smooth and scenic journey.

If Manatalai doesn't quench your thirst for spiritual reflection, the historic Kailash Kund Temple awaits, situated around 15 kilometres from Mandi. With its home amidst the lush greenery of Jammu and Kashmir, this sacred site offers a serene ambiance for prayer and introspection, with a scenic journey, thanks to the good road conditions.

Adventure enthusiasts will find their home in the proximity of the breathtaking Peer Ki Gali Pass, located approximately 30 kilometres from Mantalai. It’s a thrilling drive through winding mountain roads, with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and meadows.