Lutru Mahadev Cave: The Lord Shiva Abode
The Lutru Mahadev Temple is a renowned Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Arki, Solan District, Himachal Pradesh, India. It’s a popular tourist destination known for its unique features and historical significance.
Luturu Mahadev Temple is unique because it is built inside a huge cave. The cave measures approximately 61 feet in length and 31 feet in width. A Swayambhu Shivling (self-manifested lingam) is enshrined within the cave. There are licks of Shiva on the Shiva Linga. A circular hole above the cave allows sunlight to illuminate the Shivling.
Lord Shiva has innumerable forms and is worshiped in many ways. There is Lutru Mahadev Temple, famous by the name of Shiva’s Lataas, in Arki of Solan district. The temple was built in the year 1621 by the Raja of Baghal state. This temple is built in a huge cave whose length is about 61 feet and width is 31 feet.
A self-proclaimed Shivalinga is built inside this cave. There are locks of Shiva on Shiva Linga. On the right side, just above the cave, there is a circular hole about 5 meters wide from where the sun’s rays come and also fall on the Shivalinga.
Historical Facts about Lutru Mahadev
The temple was built in 1621 by the king Baghal Dynasty. According to legend, Lord Shiva appeared in the king’s dream and instructed him to construct a temple on top of the hill. The temple is situated near Arki Fort and stands atop a lofty mountain.
Legend has it that Lord Shiva appeared in the king’s dream and instructed him to build a temple here. Another interesting story associated with the temple is the mythical belief that milk used to flow from the Shivalinga earlier. However, it is said to have stopped after a shepherd touched it. Despite that, there is a belief that milk still flows on the special occasion of Sankranti, a holy Hindu festival.
Unique Offerings: A rather uncommon offering associated with Lutru Mahadev is cigarettes. Devotees often present cigarettes to the Shivalinga here.
Festivals: The temple sees a large number of devotees, especially during the festival of Shivratri, a major Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Devotees who visit the temple often bring a cigarette as an offering to Lord Shiva, which He is said to accept with great fervor. The temple attracts many pilgrims during the festival of Mahashivaratri.
Local Folklore and Traditions
Swayambhu Shivling has been made inside this cave. On the Shiva Linga are the boons of Shiva. On the right side, there is a circular hole of about 5 meters just above the cave, from where the rays of the sun come and also fall on the Shivling.
The special thing is that flowers, fruits, milk-water, datura and other sweets are offered on the Shivling, but Shiva is also kept after lighting a cigarette filled with cannabis. The lit cigarette extinguishes itself and Shiva is pleased. Local people and temple priest said that 4’o clock worship is done here on daily basis.
The round starts at about 4 in the morning. It’s said that in a hole made in the self-styled Shivling, a cigarette is kept for the idol. Giving cannabis smoke to Shiva is already happening here. They believe that if Shiva is not offered cannabis or cigarettes filled with it, he becomes angry and untoward incidents start happening in the area. The sound of “OM” itself resonates here in the early hours of Sankranti.
The Shivalinga of this temple is situated in a cave and it is a natural Shivalinga, which is worshiped by the people. Let us tell you that there are many holes in this Shivalinga. The cigarettes that devotees offer are kept in these holes of the Shivalinga. The miraculous thing is that as soon as the cigarette is placed in these holes, it seems as if someone is puffing on it and gradually the cigarette ends. On the auspicious occasion of Shivratri, a huge crowd of devotees gather in this temple and they reach the temple with cigarettes of different brands.
Symbolic Architecture of Lutru Mahadev Temple
Luturu Mahadev Temple is unique because it is built inside a huge cave. The cave measures approximately 61 feet in length and 31 feet in width. A Swayambhu Shivling (self-manifested lingam) is enshrined within the cave. There are licks of Shiva on the Shiva Linga. A circular hole above the cave allows sunlight to illuminate the Shivling.
The Lutru Mahadev Temple is built in the Shikhara style of architecture. This style is characterized by it’s tall, pyramidal towers that rise above the main shrine. The towers are often decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures.
Scientific Facts about the Burning Cigarette
After some investigation by scientists, they found that it’s a natural process rather than miracle. Everyone knows that once the cigarette is lit, it keeps burning like an incense stick. As soon as people stick the cigarette in the Shivling, it gets a kind of stand. It’s just a speculation of some scientific theory but these holy places have some kind of spiritual energy within.
The temple is at a very high altitude and the air flow here is also fast. As soon as there is a strong wind outside, the air around the Shivling comes out quickly creating a corridor. This intensifies the fire of the cigarette stuck in the Shivling and it starts burning. If it was like taking a puff, then smoke would have come out from the filter of the cigarette and it would have also become black. But nothing like this happens.
How to Reach Lutru Mahadev
Lutru Mahadev is located in Arki, Solan District of Himachal Pradesh, India. Best routes to reach lutru mahadev are as follows:
By Car:
Arki is well connected by roads to other parts of Himachal Pradesh and neighboring states. From Shimla you can take the NH-5 national highway towards Solan. Turn right onto arki road SH-9 after Shoghi. The temple is around 7km from the turnoff.
By Bus:
Regular bus services are available from Shimla and Solan to Arki. From the Arki bus stand, you can take a taxi or rickshaw to the temple, which is about 4km away.
By Train:
The nearest railway station is Shimla Railway Station, located about 38km from Lutru Mahadev. From there you can take a taxi or bus to Arki.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lutru Mahadev famous for?
It’s famous for offering cannabis cigarettes offered to Lord Shiva.
Where is Lutru Mahadev Located?
It’s located in Arki town in Solan District of Himachal Pradesh.
How long is Lutru Mahadev Cave?
The cave is 61ft long and 31ft wide.
After which sage (Rishi) the town Arki was named?
Rishi Agastaya.
Who built Lutru Mahadev?
It was built by King of Baghal Dynasty in 1621.
