Gasota Mahadev Temple is located in Gasota village, which is about 8 kilometers from Hamirpur town in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The temple is surrounded by hills, forests, and natural beauty, creating a calm and peaceful environment. This ancient temple holds deep religious significance among devotees and is home to a Shivling believed to be thousands of years old.
The temple is built in traditional Himachali style, using stone and wood. The roof is sloped and covered with wooden tiles, which helps protect the structure from snow and rain. The main sanctum houses a Shiva Lingam, which is the central deity of worship. Though the temple is small but very sacred.
The history of Gasota Mahadev Temple is believed to date back to the time of the Mahabharata. According to local beliefs, the Pandavas, during their period of exile (Agnyaatvaas), spent some time in Gasota village. Their stay here established a deep spiritual connection between the land and the divine. Over the centuries, the temple evolved into a revered shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, attracting devotees across India.
The temple’s Sthalapurana speaks of a miraculous discovery. A farmer was plowing his field in Gasota when his plow struck a hard object. Suddenly, a stream of water began to flow from the spot. Upon hitting the same place again, milk flowed out, and the third time, blood gushed forth. The farmer lost his eyesight out of shock. That night, Lord Shiva appeared in his dream, revealing that a Shivling lay buried in the field and instructing him to establish it at a proper site. The farmer, with the help of villagers, enshrined the Shivling at the present temple location and was miraculously cured of his blindness.
Another legend associated with the temple tells of a drought during the Pandavas’ stay. When their cow suffered from thirst, Bhima struck the ground with his mace, and a stream of water emerged, which still flows near the temple today. These divine acts form the sacred lore surrounding Gasota Mahadev, making it a place of faith, miracles, and healing.
The most important festival celebrated at Gasota Mahadev Temple is Maha Shivaratri. Hundreds of devotees gather to offer milk, water, bael leaves, and flowers to the Shiva Lingam on this day. The temple is decorated with lights and flowers, and special pujas, bhajans, and aarti are performed. Many people observe fasts and participate in night-long chanting. Apart from Maha Shivaratri, Mondays and Pradosham days are also considered very auspicious to visit the temple. During festivals, villagers often arrange community feasts (bhandara), and the whole area becomes festive and lively.