Rajouri Veer Bhadreshwar Temple Jammu & Kashmir

Veer Bhadreshwar temple, located on the zero line, along the Line of Control (LoC) in Keri sector sits on a mountain surrounded by dense pine forests in Rajouri district in the state of Jammu-Kashmir. Currently, the army maintains the temple since it’s far from the main Hindu population.

Locals believe that the Veer Bhadreshwar Temple, also known as the “Temple of Bells” because of the thousands of bells around it, is several centuries old and was built by King Kanishka in the year Samvat 141.Devotees believe that offering bells here fulfills their wishes, and the main temple has a Shivlinga, while ancient idols are kept in a nearby room.

According to local legend, the temple was built by King Kanishka in the year 141 (Samvat) to honor Veer Bhadreshawar, the son of Lord Shiva, who defeated King Daksha. Before worshiping Lord Shiva, devotees first worship Veer Bhadreshawar by chanting prayers.

Another story says that King Daksha, the father of Sati, held a Yagya (sacred ritual) without inviting Lord Shiva and Sati. When Sati went to attend, she was insulted, and in her sorrow, she sacrificed herself. Upon hearing this, Lord Shiva threw a lock of his hair (Jatta) on the ground, and from it, Veer Bhadreshawar was born to avenge his mother’s death. After defeating King Daksha, he rested at this spot, where the temple was later built.