5,300-yr-old ‘Choti Kashi’ in Ludhiana's Payal

The Prachin Mahadev Mandir, located in Payal town about 30 kilometre from Ludhiana, is believed to be over 5,300 years old, with links to both the Pandavas and Mughal Emperor Babur. Commonly referred to as ‘Choti Kashi’, the temple holds immense spiritual and historical significance.

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The priest here shares that during their exile, the Pandavas and Draupadi visited the site in the final year of their vanvas. They worshipped Lord Shiva and established the temple to attain spiritual liberation. The Pandavas also constructed a pond nearby, which is currently under expansion.

Spread over approximately fifty acres, the temple captivates visitors not only with its historical roots but also its tranquil atmosphere. Devotees often claim to experience mental peace due to the site’s sanctity. It is widely believed that filling the temple with water during drought conditions brings rainfall. More than five lakh devotees visit every year during Mahashivratri.

The original Shivling is said to have been damaged by Babur, who later repented and built a second Shiva temple adjacent to the existing one.

Twin cremation sites

Varinder Khara, the chief sewadar, noted that this unique temple features a khandit (broken) Shivling that has been worshipped for over five millennia. It is said to be the only temple in the country where a broken Shivling is revered, despite traditional Hindu beliefs prohibiting worship of damaged idols.

According to Khara, during their exile, the Pandavas saw light emanating from the Shivling and decided to remain there. Since then, the Shivling has been considered especially powerful. When Babur learned of this temple, he reportedly arrived with his army and attempted to uproot the Shivling. Failing that, he struck it and severed its top, after which a stream of blood is said to have flowed. Babur soon suffered mental distress and returned to build a Shiva and Ganesha temple nearby as an act of repentance.

Temple’s recent revival

Khara recalled that two decades ago, the temple and an adjacent Nav Durga Mandir were renovated after years of neglect. A water treatment plant is now being installed in the pond to provide clean drinking water. During the annual Shivratri celebrations, a large gathering takes place with worship and a langar (community kitchen).