Bhutnath Temple
The Shiva Heart of Chhoti Kashi
Overview
The Bhutnath Temple stands at the very heart of Mandi town, a Shiva shrine dating from the town's founding in the sixteenth century. Mandi is nicknamed Chhoti Kashi, the little Varanasi, for its remarkable density of old temples, and Bhutnath is its central and most revered. The temple is the focus of the famous Mandi Shivratri fair, when deities from across the region are carried into town in a great gathering. MyTripMyTravel weaves Bhutnath into a walk through old Mandi's temple-lined lanes, timed to catch the shrine at its calmest.
The Bhutnath Temple sits in the middle of Mandi, an old town on the banks of the Beas that grew up around its shrines. Dedicated to Shiva as Bhutnath, the lord of spirits, the temple is traditionally linked to the founding of Mandi in the sixteenth century and remains the town's principal place of worship.
Mandi is fondly called Chhoti Kashi, the smaller Kashi or Varanasi, because of the sheer number of old temples packed into and around it. Bhutnath is the beating heart of this sacred townscape, its stone spire rising close to the main bazaar where daily life and devotion mingle.
The temple comes most alive during the International Mandi Shivratri fair, when scores of village deities are carried into town in a vivid procession centred on Bhutnath. MyTripMyTravel can align a visit with this festival or, at other times, guide a quieter walk through Mandi's temple lanes.
At a glance
Bhutnath Temple in brief
What to see
Highlights
Central shrine
Bhutnath is the principal temple of Mandi, set close to the main bazaar in the old town.
Shiva worship
The sanctum enshrines Shiva as Bhutnath, drawing steady streams of local devotees.
Shivratri fair
The temple is the focus of the celebrated Mandi Shivratri festival, when village deities gather in town.
Chhoti Kashi
Bhutnath anchors Mandi's identity as a 'little Kashi', dense with old stone temples.
Old-town setting
Its riverside townscape of shrines and lanes makes the temple part of a wider heritage walk.
Visitor information
Our tips
Remove shoes and leather before entering the temple.
Come early to avoid the busiest hours around the bazaar.
Pair Bhutnath with a walk to Mandi's other old temples nearby.
Expect large crowds if you visit during the Shivratri fair.
Good to know
Bhutnath Temple, your questions
Which deity does Bhutnath Temple honour?
It is dedicated to Shiva, worshipped here as Bhutnath, and is the central temple of Mandi.
Why is Mandi called Chhoti Kashi?
Because of its unusually large number of old temples, Mandi is nicknamed Chhoti Kashi, the little Varanasi.
What is the Mandi Shivratri fair?
A major regional festival centred on Bhutnath, when many village deities are carried into town in procession.
How old is the temple?
It is traditionally associated with the founding of Mandi town in the sixteenth century.
How long should I spend here?
About 30 to 45 minutes for the shrine, or longer if you explore Mandi's surrounding temples.
Visit with us
See Bhutnath Temple, properly.
A private, chauffeured visit with a licensed expert guide, timed for the best light and the smallest crowds. We fold Bhutnath Temple into a wider Mandi and North India itinerary, built entirely around you.
- Skip the queue where possible, at the right hour
- Licensed local guide who brings the story to life
- Private car and chauffeur, door to door
Plan your trip
Plan a visit to Bhutnath Temple
Free, no obligation quote. Your details stay private.