Indrunag Temple in Dharmshala, Himachal Pradesh - A mountain peak with spectacular views of Mcleodganj, Dharmpur and snow covered Dhauladhar Himalayan Ranges

While visiting Dharamshala, we were staying at the Dhauladhar Rangers camps which is just below the famous Indrunag Temple. From there, the temple is just 20 steps away. The temple is dedicated to the Snake God Indrunag, who has a very interesting legend associated with him. Related Blogpost - Tea Estates around Dharmshala town of Himachal Pradesh - Lush green landscapes surrounded by snow covered Dhauladhar Mountain Ranges in Himalayan State of India

While visiting Dharamshala, we were staying at the Dhauladhar Rangers camps which is just below the famous Indrunag Temple. From there, the temple is just 20 steps away. The temple is dedicated to the Snake God Indrunag, who has a very interesting legend associated with him. 


Once upon a time, on the foothills of Dharamshala, there lived a demon, who was also a devotee of Lord Shiv. He prayed so hard to the Lord that the Lord, pleased by his devotion, fulfilled his wish of becoming Indra. Filled with arrogance, the demon hired a saint and some local people to carry him to Indradesh. Annoyed by their slow speed, the demon kept saying "sarp, sarp", which not only means, snake, but also "move". Angered by this impatience, the saint cursed the demon to take the form of a snake. Related Blogpost - Ellora of Himachal Pradesh maintained by Archaeological Survey of India - Masroor Rockcut Temple || A Monolithic Temple in Kangra Region of Himalayan State, India

Once upon a time, on the foothills of Dharamshala, there lived a demon, who was also a devotee of Lord Shiv. He prayed so hard to the Lord that the Lord, pleased by his devotion, fulfilled his wish of becoming Indra. Filled with arrogance, the demon hired a saint and some local people to carry him to Indradesh. Annoyed by their slow speed, the demon kept saying "sarp, sarp", which not only means, snake, but also "move". Angered by this impatience, the saint cursed the demon to take the form of a snake.  


After this, the demon prayed to Lord Shiv again. The Lord told the demon that while he could not take back the saint's curse, he could pronounce him as "Indrunag", a deity with powers of both snakes and Indra. Since then, Indrunag has been the protector deity of these hills and praying to him keeps these hills safe from heavy rains. Related Blogpost - Mcleodganj – Where the World Comes Together in Peace : by Vibha Malhotra, TOI

After this, the demon prayed to Lord Shiv again. The Lord told the demon that while he could not take back the saint's curse, he could pronounce him as "Indrunag", a deity with powers of both snakes and Indra. Since then, Indrunag has been the protector deity of these hills and praying to him keeps these hills safe from heavy rains.   


Today the temple is a peaceful place and it's open terrace offers spectacular views of the Dhauladhar Range and the surrounding hills of Dharamshala. While we were there, some villagers had also started setting up a small dham where they were cooking prasad. Related Blogpost - Beautiful Church in Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh || St. John Church near Dharmshala Town

Today the temple is a peaceful place and it's open terrace offers spectacular views of the Dhauladhar Range and the surrounding hills of Dharamshala. While we were there, some villagers had also started setting up a small dham where they were cooking prasad. 


Apparently, there's also a library here in the temple premises. We didn't see it, but did read about it here. Also, there is a paragliding site nearby where one can go for paragliding when the weather is clear. So there is a lot to be gained from a visit to the Indrunag temple. Related Blogpost - World's Highest Altitude Cricket Stadium in Dharmshala - Unimaginable location surrounded by snow covered Himalayan peaks & stunning tea-estates of Himachal Pradesh If you liked this post and found it helpful, I would request you to follow these things when traveling - 1. Manage your waste well and don’t litter Use dustbins. 2. Tell us if you went to a place and found it hard to locate a dustbin. 3. Avoid bottle waters in hills. Usually you get clean water in hills and water bottles create lot of mess in our ecosystem. 4. Say big no to plastic and avoid those unhealthy snacks packed in plastic bags. Rather buy fruits. 5. Don't play loud blaring music in forests of jungle camps. You are a guest in that ecosystem and disturbing the locals (humans and animals) is not polite.

Apparently, there's also a library here in the temple premises. We didn't see it, but did read about it here. Also, there is a paragliding site nearby where one can go for paragliding when the weather is clear. So there is a lot to be gained from a visit to the Indrunag temple.


If you liked this post and found it helpful, I would request you to follow these things when traveling - 

1. Manage your waste well and don’t litter Use dustbins.

2. Tell us if you went to a place and found it hard to locate a dustbin. 

3. Avoid bottle waters in hills. Usually you get clean water in hills and water bottles create lot of mess in our ecosystem. 

4. Say big no to plastic and avoid those unhealthy snacks packed in plastic bags. Rather buy fruits. 

5. Don't play loud blaring music in forests of jungle camps. You are a guest in that ecosystem and disturbing the locals (humans and animals) is not polite.

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