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The imposing rock temples of Purmandal nestle in the
Shiwalik range and are visible from a great distance. Maharaja Ranbir
Singh, known for his patronage of art and learning, had planned to create
a unique centre of pilgrimage. He named different spots between Purmandal
and Uttar Behani, about 6½-km away, along the Subteranean Dewak
River, after the different Teerthas (also spelt as Tirth or Tirthas) of
the country.
He started a grandiose project to build a stately shrine at each of these
spots. Only a few were completed before he died and his ambitious dream
Purmandal ended with him. The ruins of the half finished temples and the
material that was collected for the construction are still scattered
around the wilderness nearby.
The Exquisite Wall Paintings
Another attraction of Purmandal is the large number of wall paintings on
the walls of the old buildings. A huge, white marble bull and an outsize
bronze bell beside some artifacts are among the attractions at Uttar
Behani.
The temples at Purmandal have been built on a rock and a double basement
has been cut out of the rock itself. The Dewak stream that flows at the
base of this rock is considered to be very sacred by the Hindus. A hooded
stone serpent jutting out of a cistern in the rock in the central shrine
is an object of religious attraction, as it is believed to a unique
manifestation of Lord Shiva. As the Dewak is believed to flow underground,
people dig pits in the bed and bathe in the water that comes out devotees
also take this water away with them as a sacred treasure. Nearby are
several palatial buildings constructed by Maharaja Rangit Singh, Maharaja
Gulab Singh and Maharaja Ranbir Singh.
Purmandal is reached by a regular bus service and is also a popular
picnic spot.