Mahabilvakeshwar Temple - Kathua

 MAHABILVAKESHWAR TEMPLE, KATHUA DISTRICT, JAMMU AND KASHMIR

(Source- m.facebook.com)

Mahabilvakeshwar temple is committed to the Hindu God of Destruction- Lord Shiva. Mahabilvakeshwar temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples in the Kathua District of Jammu and Kashmir. Formerly this temple is known as the Hari Hara Temple. This temple is situated in the heart of Billawar Town so this temple has derived its name Mahabivakeshwar from the place that is covered by the various bael trees. The devotees offer bael leaves to Lord Shiva because it is trusted that Lord Shiva is highly pleased when bael leaves which are commonly known as Bael-Patri in local parlance are offered to him.

(Idols inside the temple)(Source- kashmirhills.com)

The temple spire is around 60 ft high and is ascended on a square-shaped sanctum. The temple has various other idols of Hindu Gods like Ganesha, Bhairava, Brahma, and Vishnu and along with the five-headed sculpture of Shiva. According to the famous folklore, it is said that the Pandavas used this site as their worship place during their period of exile. Several devotees come here to visit this pious site to offer their prayers to Lord Shiva.

(Source- mapio.net)

It is also said that this temple is very much related to the family of Maharaja Hari Singh because the former said that there is a casualty in this royal family, a brick falls from the temple which has a spot of blood on that brick.