Saketri Shiv Mandir is located in Saketri village, in Panchkula district of Haryana, close to Chandigarh. The temple lies at the foothills of the Shivalik range.
Based on local traditions and historical belief, the temple is considered to be several centuries old, with devotees believing it has existed for more than 400–500 years. The sanctity of the place is believed to be much older due to its association with ancient legends.
The presiding deity is Lord Shiva, worshipped in the form of Shivlinga. A unique feature of Saketri Shiv Mandir is the belief that there are two Shivlingas within the sacred area. According to local tradition, the divine energy of one Shivlinga is believed to extend towards the Panchkula side, while the other spiritually aligns with the Chandigarh side.
The main Shivlinga is believed to be Swayambhu (self-manifested). The lower portion of the Shivlinga is traditionally said to remain naturally surrounded by water and is now protected with a silver covering. Devotees worship Lord Shiva here seeking health, peace, and relief from obstacles.
Saketri Shiv Mandir has a simple yet striking architectural style. The temple structure is mainly built with white marble. It features multiple conical shikharas, each topped with golden finials and fluttering flags. The sanctum is modest in size but spiritually powerful, maintaining a traditional North Indian temple appearance without excessive ornamentation.
Historically, Saketri Shiv Mandir has been an important place of worship for the local population and nearby regions. Over time, the temple gained wider recognition, especially during major festivals like Mahashivratri. Though the present structure has undergone renovations, the spiritual core of the temple remains ancient, rooted in long-standing faith and oral traditions passed through generations.
According to ancient belief and local tradition, Saketri Shiv Mandir is closely connected with the Pandavas during their period of exile (Vanavasa). It is believed that while wandering through the forests of the Shivalik foothills, the Pandavas reached this sacred spot and performed intense penance to please Lord Shiva.
Moved by their devotion, Lord Shiva appeared before them at this very place and blessed them. As a mark of his divine presence, a Shivlinga manifested naturally from the earth, making this site highly sacred. The name “Saketri” is believed to be derived from “Saket”, another name for heaven or Kailasa, indicating the belief that this place is as pure and powerful as Lord Shiva’s abode.
Another strong belief associated with the temple is the Nag (serpent) presence, closely linked to Nag Vasuki, the divine serpent worn by Lord Shiva. Older devotees recall that during earlier times, especially on Mahashivratri, milk offered near the Shivlinga was believed to disappear naturally, which people attributed to a divine nag residing beneath or near the shrine. This belief strengthened the temple’s reputation as a powerful Shiva kshetra where Nag energy and Shiva Tatva coexist.
Over time, devotees noticed that the lower portion of the Shivalinga remained constantly immersed in water, symbolizing eternal cosmic energy and uninterrupted divine flow, which later led to it being protected with a silver covering.
The temple is especially vibrant during the Mahabharat, when thousands of devotees visit to perform abhishekam and special poojas. The Shravan month, particularly Mondays, is also considered very auspicious, attracting large crowds. Other important days include Pradosham and Amavasya, when special rituals are performed.
