Mukti Dham: The temple of salvation

The Mukteshwar Mahadev Shiv Mandir, also known as Mukti Dham, is located in Chehlan village near Samrala, in Ludhiana district. Devotees from across India visit this sacred site to pay obeisance. The temple houses a Shivlinga that displays the divine trinetra (celestial eye) of Lord Shiva.

It is believed that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati stayed at this place after their marriage and performed their first duet dance here. Their joint divine energy is said to have merged with the land.

When Goddess Parvati asked about the importance of the place in the future, Lord Shiva declared that any devotee who comes here and seeks forgiveness would be absolved of all sins and attain moksha. The site, Shiva foretold, would come to be known as Mukti Dham.

Lord Shiva also promised that he, along with Brahma and Vishnu, would remain present here. On Mahashivratri, considered Shiva’s most auspicious day, lakhs of devotees visit the temple.

During the last Mahashivratri, nearly 5 lakh devotees offered prayers. The recitation of 18 Puranas takes place daily at the temple. During the month of sawan, large numbers of devotees perform Jal Abhishek on the Shivlinga.

Temple Committee President Chandar Mohan Sharma said the trinetra on the Shivlinga becomes visible from time to time and its colour changes periodically, signifying divine presence. Devotees decorate the Shivlinga daily. The temple is surrounded by seven cremation grounds and peacocks freely roam the premises. A year-round langar is held, which continued even during the COVID-19 lockdown.

17 idols unearthed

During excavations, 17 ancient idols were recovered and registered by the Punjab Archaeological Department. Though many researchers studied them, the material composition remains unknown. These idols are on display in the temple. An old incense burner and samadhis of saints who once meditated here are also present.

Tree of wishes

Near the temple is an ancient tree with idols of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. It is believed that those seeking marriage can tie a garland here and their wish will soon be fulfilled.

Helping the needy

Temple president Chandar Mohan Sharma said the committee supports poor girls’ marriages, organises monthly blood donation camps, pays fees for underprivileged students and provides emergency medical aid.

Dream revealed the site

In 2003, a Shiv devotee from Delhi, Baba KK Bindal, had repeated divine visions of Panchmukhi Shiv Shankar in dreams. After a long search, he reached Chehlan, where a small-sized Shivlinga matching his vision was unearthed during excavation.

This led to the recognition of the temple’s ancient and spiritual significance. Baba Bindal also dreamt of seven cremation grounds, a canal, an old fort and another Shiva temple opposite the current site—all of which were later confirmed through physical features in the area.

The temple, though dating back to the Dwapara Yuga, was only rediscovered 22 years ago. Baba Bindal, fondly referred to as Babaji, has since passed away. His vision and devotion are credited with bringing the temple’s forgotten legacy back into public consciousness, said temple sevadar Neel Kamal Sharma.