Jatoli Shiv Temple is a Hindu temple located in Jatoli village, Solan district, Himachal Pradesh, India. It’s a Shiva shrine. This temple is believed to be Asia’s tallest Shiva temple. Sri Sri Swami Krishnananda Paramahansa Maharaj built this temple. The name of this temple is derived from the word ‘Jata,’ which is related to Mahadev’s long jatas. This magnificent Shiva temple is located in Jatoli’s beautiful gardens. There is also a natural Shiva cave in the temple, which attracts devotees.

Story Behind Jatoli Shiv Temple

There are numerous fables and stories associated with the history of Jatoli Shiv Temple. It is one of Lord Shiv’s oldest temples, with an ancient linga that has been there for a long time. It is believed that Lord Shiva once rested in this temple.

History of Jatoli Shiv Temple

It is said that Sri Swami Krishnanand Paramahamsa came to Jatoli in 1950. He started the temple construction work in 1974. But a few years later, Krishnananda Paramahamsa died in 1983. After Sri Swami Krishnanand ji took Samadhi, the temple management committee continued the construction of this temple, and it is said that the temple works didn’t end yet. It took 39 years to complete the construction of the temple. This temple got this final look in 2013.

The architecture of Jatoli Shiv Temple

The Jatoli Shiv Temple in Solan is well-known for its excellent architecture, which is primarily Indo-Aryan in style. The temple also had a Dravidian influence. The temple’s tip is adorned with golden Kalash. The temple has three pyramids: the highest is called Shikhar, the second highest is called Vimana, and the lowest is called Trishul.

Lord Ganesha can be seen sitting on the base of Shikhar, and Shesh Naag can be seen sitting on the base of the second pyramid, Vimana. Many famous Hindu Gods and Goddesses are carved on the temple’s three pyramids. This temple is believed to be the largest Shiva temple in Asia. The height of this temple is about 122 feet.

The Jatoli Shiva temple also has idols of Mata Parvati, Ganesh, Karthikeya, and Hanuman in addition to Lord Shiva. The temple is unique in that it was built entirely through donations from devotees. Several crores of rupees have already been spent on the temple’s construction.

The sacred water reservoir known as Jal Kund, located near the temple in the northeast corner, is considered as sacred as the holy river Ganges. The water in the aquarium is said to have medicinal properties and can cure a variety of skin diseases. The temple also includes a cave where Swami Krishnananda Paramhans Ji used to live, adding to the historical significance of the location. Every year, during the Mahashivratri festival, the temple hosts a large festival that draws hundreds of people who pray and seek God’s blessings.

Facts about Jatoli Shiv Temple

• Jatoli Shiva Temple is a Hindu temple located in Jatoli village, Solan district in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.
• Jatoli Shiv Temple in Solan is famous for its excellent architecture which is Indo-Aryan architecture.
• The temple also had a glimpse of the Dravidian style. Marvel at the tip of the temple which is adorned with golden kalash.
• There is a cave within the Jatoli Shiv temple where visitors are allowed to go and seek the Lord’s blessing.
• There is a black-coloured shivling a few metres away from the temple. This shivling is also accompanied by a statue of an ox, which was used to help Lord Shiva move from one location to another.
• The Jatoli Shiv Temple houses a massive statue of Lord Shiva made of wood and stones. There is also a very long rod made entirely of gold perched on the temple’s roof.
• There is a water tank at the Jatoli Shiv Temple. The tank is known as the ‘Jal Kund’. Locals were convinced that the water in this tank contained powerful medicinal properties capable of curing any type of skin disease.
• Pilgrims primarily visit this site during Navratri,  in addition to Dusserra, and Shiv Ratri.

Famous Festivals In Jatoli Shiv Temple

Millions of people visit this temple every year to celebrate all of the festivals that are held here. Some major festivals held here are

• Durga Puja. (Winter) – Devotees celebrate Navaratri at this temple in the month of Ashwin (Sep-Oct).
• Navaratri. (Summer) – They celebrate other Navaratri in the fortnight of the Chaitra (March-April). Every nine days they worship Navadurga (nine Durgas).
• Shravan Month – This month is considered the holiest month for lord Shiva devotees.
• MahaShivratri – Mahashivratri, “The Great Night of Shiva” is the most significant event in the Indian Hindu calendar.

How To reach Jatoli Shiv Temple

By Air: The Nearest Airport to Jatoli Shiva temple is Chandigarh International Airport which is about 55 km away.

By Railway: The Nearest Railway station is Kalka Railway station which is about 45 km away from the Jatoli Shiva temple.

By Roadways: The temple is easily accessible by car/taxi. It has excellent road connectivity. Solan is the closest town, and the temple is only 10 kilometres away. It is simple to get to the temple from there by taxi or bus.

Also, Read – Budha Kedarnath Temple