Panch Mandir

Punjab, Kapurthala, Chandigarh

Situated in the Kapurthala town about 21 km from Jalandhar in Punjab, the Panch Mandir is a famous temple complex that contains five small temples dedicated to several Hindu Gods and Goddesses. The temple was constructed by Sardar Fateh Singh Ahluwalia. Apart from being an important place of religious worship, the Panch Mandir is also a celebrated place for archaeologists who throng the temple to study the rich architecture of the traditional society. A replica of the temple is exhibited in the pre-partition Punjab Museum at Lahore.

Legend

The temple was constructed by Sardar Fateh Singh Ahluwalia. He became the Ahluvalia chiefship in 1801. He was the chosen companion of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. He held command in the Bhimbar, Rajauri and Bahawalpur expeditions. In 1806, Fateh Singh acted as the plenipotentiary of Ranjit Singh and signed the first Anglo-Sikh treaty with Lord Lake at the time when the Maratha chief, Jasvant Rao Holkar, had sought shelter in the Punjab. Fateh Singh lived at Kapurthala later in his life, where he died in October 1836.

Architecture

The Panch Mandir bears the relics of rich architectural legacy with its beautiful white structure which looks strikingly awesome on a moonlit night. Being called as an architectural marvel of the golden past, the temple complex houses numerous small temples that are dedicated to different Gods and Goddesses. The giant structure at the middle of the holy sanctorium, is encircled by many smaller temples. The temple is a celebrated place for archaeologists who throng the temple to study the rich architecture of the traditional society. A replica of the temple is exhibited in the pre-partition Punjab Museum at Lahore.

Darsan Dresscode

Wear neat and modest clothes. Avoid fashion wear

Famous Festival

Shiva ratri

Culture

Punjab’s culture and traditions are one of the most distinguished and ancient ones in the world. The unique dances of Punjab like Bhangra and Giddha, their colorful festivals of Lohri, Baisakhi, Teej and vast works in the literary field represent the highlights of the culture of Punjab. The cuisine of Punjab is loved by not only Indians but foreign nationals. Punjabi wedding ceremonies also bear the distinguishing mark of Punjabi culture. The dresses, folk dances, music, rituals and food involved in Punjabi marriages have evolved with the passage of time.