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The Legend
Located in the sacred Gandhamardan
Hills, which according to legends, Hanuman carried on his shoulders
from the Himalayas as described in the ancient epic Ramayana, the temple
at Nrusinghanath is an important pilgrimage site. It is also an
exceedingly fascinating and beautifully located temple and is worth the
journey to this rather remote spot.
The present temple, located at the source of the 'Papaharini' stream, is a
14th century structure built on a more ancient site. The four pillars
within the 'Jagmohana' suggest that the earlier temple was built in the
9th century. The beautiful doorframes have been dated to the 11th century.
The Site
The site of the temple is unique. Stone steps wind up the hillside behind
the temple, leading past a waterfall, and eventually curving under the
falls to a spot where some beautiful, and very well preserved relief
sculptures are found. The climb to the carvings and return journey will
take about an hour. Since shoes are not permitted on these sanctified
pilgrimage steps, those with tender feet should take along a pair of heavy
socks for the climb.
Harishankar Temple
On the opposite slope of the hill on which the temple is located, is the "Harishankar
Temple". Between the two temples there is a 16-km. plateau, littered
with Buddhist ruins that scholars feel may be the remains of the ancient
University of "Parimalagiri", referred to by the 7th century
Chinese traveler 'Hiuen T'sang' as "Po-lo-mo-lo-ki-li".