Mahakal Temple

Mahakal Temple

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The Mahakal temple atop the Observatory Hill is a most revered place for the locals and you will be surprised to find a Hindu priest sharing a common altar with a Buddhist monk. The oldest site in Darjeeling is said to be the Observatory Hill, where a Buddhist Monastery called Dorje Ling, or 'place of the Thunderbolt' once stood. Darjeeling derives its name from this spot. In 1782, three siva-lingas representing Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwar are said to have manifested themselves here. From then on, the Mahakala temple dedicated to Lord Shiva came into being and is today greatly venerated as devotees from all sections of the community go up for worship. Prayers are chanted by a hindu priest while a Buddhist monk reads from the Buddhist Holy Scriptures. Devotees circumambulate the shrine three times, barefoot while ringing the bells that are placed around it. You will see hundreds of prayer flags hung all over the shrine and on trees, fluttering in the breeze. Watch out though for the mischievous monkeys that swarm around the hill side. The holy site is popular with both Buddhist as well as Hindu worshippers. The whole scene is one of great peace and tranquility.