Mamal Shiva temple (also known as Mamaleshwar Temple) is one of the oldest Shiva temples in the worldand the oldest surviving temple in Srinagar valley. Dating back to the fifth century, this temple is nestled deep in the Kashmir Valley. Surrounded by the Himalayan Mountains of PirPanjal and Zanskar, this temple was built by the King Jayasimha. The temple has an ancient Shiva Lingam that is at the base of a natural freshwater spring that makes the temple a marvellous sight to behold. The temple is in a cave that has majestic pillars that guard the entrance.
Legends surrounding the temple mention that cave was visited by Lord Shiva himself. The spring, as per Legends, is the same spring where Goddess Parvati had a bath and had asked her son Lord Ganesha to guard the entrance, while she takes the bath. Eventually, Lord Shiva was denied to enter here by Lord Ganesha and due to anger, his head was chopped off. It is believed Lord Shiva had shifted his throne to Mamaleshwar from Thojwara.
Although the Shiva Lingam is the main feature of the temple, there are many other deities that are worshipped along with the lingam every day. Lidder River as seen from the mountain increases the peace and tranquillity of the temple.
Connectivites
Road:
MamalTemple is situated close to the Pahalgam Rest House and is only 1 km. from Pahalgam. This temple is easily accessible from the town by taxis, autos or even on foot.
Railway:
The nearest rail head is MalarpuraRailway Station which is 55 km. away from Mamal Shiva Temple.
Airway:
The nearest airport is Srinagar air force base airport, Srinagar which is at a distance of 49km. from Mamaleshwar Shiva Temple.