Mamaleshwara Temple near Pahalgam is one of the ancient temples of Kashmir that probably dates back to 400 AD. It is located some 3 km from Pahalgam town. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and stands on the right bank across the Kohaloi stream up towards the mountain in a village called Mam Mal. It is said that when Shiva removed His seat from Thojwara to Mamleshwar, Ganesha who was his doorkeeper did not allow devas to visit Him. Hence the name Mam Mal ‘don’t go’.
Pahalgam is situated about fifty eight km from Srinagar, at a height of 7500 feet above sea level, at the confluence of Lambodari (Lidder) and Sheshnag streams. Pahalgam “the valley of shepherds” is surrounded by snowy mountains in the lap of dancing streams and deep forests. Pahalgam is also the base camp for famous Amarnath pilgrimage which is being undertaken in the month of July-August every year.
Mam Mal originally Mamlaka village is situated on the south side and is about 3 km from Pahalgam. The road from Pahalgam is metallic and one has to climb a steep to reach the temple. The temple is externally covered with a thick coat of lime plaster. The temple is eight square feet internally and has a porch supported on two columns on the front side. The temple is facing towards south west. It may well be that this temple is the name as that of Mamleshwar which the Rajatarangini mentions King Jayasimha (AD 1128-1155) to have adorned with a golden Kalsha. The whole temple is made of sculptured stones. According to Kalhana the Shiva Lingam of the temple is dedicated to Shiva Mamaleshwara. A detail of this temple also forms a part of Amreshvarakalpa. It is said that this temple was adorned with gold during the reign of one of the early kings.
A stone lined tank also forms the part of this temple. The area of the tank is about 12 square feet and is fed by a spring which at times rises under the site of the temple in front of stairs. The water of this spring is crystal clear and is cold during summer and hot in winter.
Places of Worship in Kashmir by Chander M. Bhat | If you have any issues with this article please raise it immediately with admin@thekashmirtemples.com mentioning details of the same.