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Mahasu Devta Temple

Mahasu Devta Temple

The Mahasu Devta Temple is an ancient and highly revered shrine located in Hanol, a scenic village on the banks of the Tons River in Uttarakhand, near the border with Himachal Pradesh. Dedicated to Mahasu Devta, the chief deity and protector of the region, the temple is known for its unique rituals, rich oral traditions, and deep cultural significance among the people of the Jaunsar-Bawar and Rohru regions.

ॐ नमः महाशक्तये महासून्वे महासुरविनाशिने नमः॥
Om Namah Mahashaktaye Mahasoonve Mahasuravinashine Namah
ॐ नमः शिवाय महासुदेवाय नमः॥
Om Namah Shivaya Mahasudevaya Namah

― Mahasu Devta Temple

Mahasu Devta is considered the supreme judge and guardian deity of the Yamuna valley, often invoked in matters of justice and social harmony.

Mythological Significance & History

The temple is said to be over 1,200 years old, with its origins linked to the Katyuri dynasty.
According to local legends, a demon named Karak, who terrorized the region, was slain by Mahasu Devta after being invoked by the prayers of villagers.
Mahasu Devta is believed to be a manifestation of Lord Shiva, and the temple complex enshrines four brothers, collectively known as the Mahasu Devtas:
Botha Mahasu (the principal deity in Hanol)
Pavasik Mahasu
Vasik Mahasu
Chalda Mahasu (the travelling deity)
The temple is also associated with Tantric practices and was once a center for Kashyap Gotriya Brahmin rituals.

Significance of the Temple

Mahasu Devta is revered as a lawgiver, protector, and spiritual authority. His decisions, made through divine oracles and traditional means like oracle possession (bacch), are considered final.
Locals believe no false oath can be taken in his name—he is the ultimate judge in regional disputes.
The deity is also the kuldevta (family deity) for many Garhwali and Himachali families.
The temple hosts the Jagda Festival, a unique ritualistic event symbolizing the battle between good and evil.

Architecture of the Temple

The Mahasu Devta Temple showcases a unique blend of Kath-Kuni architecture—a traditional Himalayan style using wood and stone interlocking, designed to withstand earthquakes and snowfall.

The temple features:

  • Two-tiered sloping slate roofs
  • Intricately carved wooden doors, panels, and beams
  • A sanctum (garbhagriha) housing the idol of Botha Mahasu Devta, along with weapons like swords and spears symbolizing divine power.

The temple complex also includes ancillary shrines, drum houses, and sacred peepal trees. and rituals.

How to Reach to Temple

📍 Location:

Hanol Village, Chakrata Tehsil, Dehradun District, Uttarakhand – 248199

🚌 By Road:

  • From Dehradun: 180 km via Chakrata–Tyuni Road
  • From Mussoorie: ~170 km
  • From Shimla (Himachal): ~150 km
  • Well-connected by road; final approach may be narrow and hilly.

🚂 By Train:

  • Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun (~180 km)

✈️ By Air:

Taxis available from the airport to Hanol), Rishikesh, and Dehradunm)

Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (~200 km)

Temple Timings

  • Morning Darshan:

    6:00 AM

  • Evening Darshan;

    8:00 PM

Temple Location

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