Mahu Nag Temple

Introduction to the Mahu Nag Temple

The Mahu Nag Temple is in Karsog, Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh. Over the years, it has been a center of deep faith and devotion for the people. People of this region worship Shri Mool Mahu Nag Ji Maharaj as Shri Karna Maharaj of Mahabharata times, the son of Surya (Sun god) and Kunti, who fought against the Pandavas in Dwapara Yuga.

Legend of the Mahu Nag Temple

Once, when a farmer was plowing the field, the plow suddenly got stuck in one place. He tried to remove the plow, but his efforts were in vain. So, he removed the soil and looked in. He found that there was a stone idol and attempted to remove it. Soon after the idol came out, the spirit of the deity instructed the farmer to install it in Bakhari, where the original Mahu Nag Temple now exists.

The Architecture of the Mahu Nag Temple

The Mahu Nag Temple is entirely made of wood and stones and features the Pahari style of architecture. Raja Shyam Sen built it in the 17th century. It is 2000 meters from sea level.
The temple's doors and windows are furnished using cedar wood, and many beautiful carvings are etched on them. The temple has internal and external buildings. A circumambulatory path is between the two buildings. Visitors can see the Mahu Nag deity while entering from the outer structure. An eternal fire burns on the left. The uniqueness of the fire is that nobody has taken out ashes from it yet. It has been burning in the temple continuously for centuries. It is a mystery as to where the ashes go

The inner building enshrines the main deity Karna as Mahu Nag. Visitors can see the Mahabharata stories written on the outer walls of the building, which depict Karna's generosity. Outside the building, visitors can see two statues; one is made of stone, and the other of cedar wood. It is believed that Maha Nag turns into a Mahu (bee) to help his devotees out of trouble. People staunchly believe that Mahu Nag can cure them from snake bites. Devotees make silver offerings to the deity. It attracts huge crowds on Sundays.

The Mahu Nag Temple has a guest house on its premises. A forest rest house, constructed by the Public Works Department, is one kilometer from the temple, making this place more attractive.The best time to visit the Mahu Nag Temple is from February to November.

Festivals in the Mahu Nag Temple

The Mahu Nag Temple organizes the Mahu Nag fair every year after Sankranti. Tourists, devotees, and locals travel from far-flung areas to attend it. The fair is held on land surrounded by tall pine trees, 2 km away from the temple. Various games and Nati folk dances are performed at the fair. Nag Panchami is another festival celebrated here.