Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple - Ancient Shiva Temple Nainital

 

Mukteshwar temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to be one of the 18 most important Shiva temples in the world. Every year thousands of devotees and tourists visit the temple to seek blessings and enjoy the excellent panorama this place offers. You can view the splendid snow-covered mountains of the great Himalayan range including Nandakot, Nanda Ghunti, Trishul and Nanda Devi which is India's second-highest peak. Mukteshwar temple situated in Mukteshwar town, Nainital, Uttarakhand at a height of 2,312 meters above sea level. Mukteshwar town is an unspoiled natural beauty offering a mesmerizing view of the sun-kissed mountain peaks. The temple houses idols of Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma along with a white marble Shiva Linga with a Copper yoni.

 

 

As per a mythological legend, The Pandavas, during their 12 year-long exile, constructed this temple being Shiva followers, in the hope of getting Mukti or salvation from their troubled life. Lord Shiva killed a demon at this place, granting salvation or Mukti to him. The place is hence believed to be blessed by Lord Shiva and any devotee who comes with utter dedication and faith is blessed with whatever he/she desires. Jim Corbett, the famous hunter and conservationist, once came to hunt a man-eating tiger at Mukteshwar and immediately fell in love with the place.

 

 

Mukteshwar, apart from the Mukteshwar temple, is famous for its hanging cliffs locally called Chauli-ki-Jali. This place is famous for adventure activities like rappelling, rock-climbing, hiking etc.

 

Best Time to visit Mukteshwar Temple

You can visit the place and Mukteshwar temple during all seasons. Only the monsoon season can be a bit tricky, especially in July.

 

Entry Fee and Timings to visit Mukteshwar Temple

There is no entry fee to visit the temple. You can visit the temple on all days of the week between 5:00 am to 7:30 pm, including public holidays.

 

How to Reach Mukteshwar Temple

Mukteshwar is around 50 km away from Nainital. The area is well connected by roads and can be reached by hiring taxis and buses from Nainital. Kathgodam railway station is the nearest railway station.