Paithani Mahadev Temple
Paithani Mahadev Temple
Shiv Temple, situated on the banks of Western Nayar in Paithani village of Kandarsyun Patti, 46 km away from Pauri city, is famous for its unique architectural structure in the entire Garhwal Himalayas. Local people know Shiv Temple Paithani as “Rahu Temple”.But the ancient Shivalinga installed in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple and the marking of the three faces of Shiva on the Shukanasika of the temple provide strong evidence of this temple being a Shiva temple. No antiquities related to Rahu have been found here.
Mr. Shambhu Prasad Naudiyal village Kanakot, a local citizen of Paithani, tells that the description in Kedarkhand about this temple established by Shankaracharya is still a center of curiosity for the people. It is a popular belief that Rahu had performed penance for Lord Shiva at the confluence of Eastern Nayar and Western Nayar of Rashtrakuta mountain, that is why people also know it by the name of Rahu Temple due to it being the penance place of Rahu. This area was called “Rath” after the name of Rashtrakuta mountain. Described in the rituals of Kedarkhand “”Om Bhurbhuvah Swah Rathinapuroddhava Paithinasigrotra Raho Ihaagecchet” According to this, many scholars consider it to be a strong evidence of it being a Rahu temple. It is also believed that worshiping on this pedestal leads to the birth of a son. On every Monday of the month of Sawan, women offer Belpatri and worship in this temple.
According to Regional Archeology Officer Dr. Buddhiprakash Badoni, a huge Amalsarika is installed on the peak of Paithani temple. On the front side of the Shukanasika built at the top of the antaral, there is a symbol of Trimurti and at the top, Gaja and Lion have been established as a symbol of the victory of Dharma over unrighteousness. The pinnacles of the temples located at the four corners of the main temple are built in accordance with the Peedha style decorated with horizon strips.
Along with the attractive statue of Veenadhar Shiva, a rare statue of Trimukhi Harihar is also installed in the pavilion of the pagoda. In the middle of the statue, the coordinated face of Harihar is depicted as Soumya, while the face on the right side is depicted as Aghor and on the right side, the face of Barah. Archaeologists identify this statue with the statue of Maheshwar Mahavaraha. Due to its amazing features, this statue is one of the rare statues not only in the Garhwal Himalayas but in the whole of India. Based on the architectural style and style of the statues, this Shiva temple and statues of Paithani appear to have been built in the 8th-9th century. Tourists keep coming from far and wide to see this Shiv temple of Paithani village. There has been no tampering with the mythology of this temple. This temple is a wonderful example of architecture.The sand brought by the waters of the Western Nayar River flowing near the river is known as “golden sand” which is called “eluvial sand” which can still be seen in light red color on the banks of the river.
