Pune: Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Trust to set up a replica of Jatoli Shiv Mandir, Himachal Pradesh

Pune: The Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Trust will set up a replica of the Jatoli Shiv Mandir in Himachal Pradesh during the Ganesh Festival this year. It is the highest altitude Shiv Mandir in Asia. It is nestled in the Himalayas and is a holy pilgrim centre, said Trust Chairman Manik Chavan.

The inauguration of the work to build the replica was done by Art Directors Aman Vidhate and Dipali Vidhate in the Decoration Department at the Hirabaug Kothi of the Trust on Sunday. Trust Vice-Chairman Sunil Rasne, Treasurer Mahesh Suryavanshi, General Secretary Hemant Rasne, Celebration Head Akshay Godse, Associate Secretary Amol Kedari and Suvarnayug Tarun Mandal President Prakash Chavan were present.

The Jatoli Shiv Mandir is located on a mountain top in Solan, Himachal Pradesh. The temple is named after the Jata, long matted hair, of Mahadev. It is an architectural marvel and wonder. It is mentioned in the Hindu mythology that it is one of the most ancient temples and was once the abode of Shiva.

It is built in the southern Dravid architectural style and is made up of three continuous pyramids. There is an image of Ganesh on the first pyramid while a Shesh Nag image can be seen on the second one. A stroke on any of the stones of the temple produces a Damru-like sound.