Shiv Dham: Punjab’s unique spiritual landmark

Ludhiana has many temples, but the Shiv Dham in Bagga Kalan, Ladhowal, stands out as a unique spiritual landmark. Located about 10 kilometres from the city near the Southern Bypass, this temple is the only one in Punjab that enshrines Lord Shiva’s 12 Jyotirlingas and 11 Rudra forms, offering a rare and powerful spiritual experience. It has become a popular destination for devotees seeking blessings and fulfilment of their wishes, attracting visitors from far and wide.

This temple stands out because it is the only one in Punjab that offers darshan of all 12 Jyotirlingas, which are typically spread across different states of India, as well as the 11 Rudra forms of Lord Shiva. The consecration process, called Prana Pratishtha (the infusion of divine energy to make the idols living representations of Lord Shiva), makes these deities come alive for devotees.

Chief temple priest Naval Kishore shared with the Tribune that the temple allows devotees to view all the Jyotirlingas and Rudra forms in one place. “Visitors are also moved by the sight of idols from revered Dhams like Jagannath Dham’s Radha Krishna, Vaidyanath Dham’s Lord Shiva, Rameshwar Dham’s Lord Shiva and Kedarnath Dham’s Kedar Baba,” he added.

The temple was established in 2014 by businessman Sanjay Bansal and other devotees and since its inception, it has attracted a large number of visitors. “Devotees from various districts of Punjab come frequently to see the forms of Lord Shiva,” said priest Kishore. He also mentioned that the priests take the time to explain the significance of these sacred forms to visitors, especially the youth, who often have numerous questions about Lord Shiva, his various forms and the Jyotirlingas.

Additionally, the temple complex features a cowshed that houses around 50 indigenous Sahiwal cows. Priest Santosh Kumar Shastri explained, “We do not sell or use the milk of these cows. Their calves consume all the milk. A dedicated person is employed by the temple committee to take care of the cows.”

The temple is also home to a lush green park with swings for children, making it a peaceful retreat for families. The serene environment attracts visitors who come not just for spiritual solace but also for a tranquil place to spend time with their loved ones.

Apart from the spiritual and recreational facilities, the temple also includes a meditation area (Tapo Bhumi) and a Gurukul dedicated to children’s education. Inside the sacred cave, devotees can find all forms of Lord Shiva’s family, including Lord Shankar, Mata Parvati, Lord Ganesh, Lord Kartikeya, Nandi, Ashok Sundari, Ardha Nageshwar, Mahamrityunjay Bhagwan, Kailash Vasi Shiv, Ashutosh Bhagwan, as well as Panchmukhi Hanuman, Siddhivinayak and Mata Gauri. Priest Santosh Shastri even claimed that on occasion, serpent deities are said to visit the temple to pay their respects to Lord Shiva.

The Shiv Dham continues to be a spiritual beacon for devotees, offering a unique experience with its combination of divinity, serenity, and devotion. Sanjay Bansal, the head of the temple committee, shared that the construction of the temple began in 2004 and was completed in 2014. He took on this project after his Guru, Ram Krishan, who resides at Haridwar’s Nirdhan Niketan, advised him to build a temple in Punjab that would house all the Jyotirlingas and Rudra forms of Lord Shiva.

Ludhiana