Parad Shivling
Unique Composition: The Parad Shivling is a unique and spiritually significant idol of Lord Shiva made entirely of Parad (solidified mercury). It is housed within the serene premises of Harihar Ashram in the historic town of Kankhal, which is an important suburb of Haridwar. Weight and Scale: The Sh ivling is phenomenal, reportedly weighing approximately 150 Kilograms. The sheer size and the esoteric material used in its creation attract devotees and scholars alike, as the purification and solidification of mercury for ritual use is a complex Ayurvedic and Tantric process. Spiritual Significance: Parad is believed to have powerful spiritual and healing properties, and worshipping a Shivling made of it is considered highly auspicious, granting blessings and potentially curing various ailments. It is often linked to the myth of Shiva marrying Shakti. Ashram Complex: The surrounding Harihar Ashram complex is a tranquil space that also contains the Maha Mrityunjaya Mandir (dedicated to Lord Shiva as the Conqueror of Death) and a sacred, ancient Rudraksha tree. The Rudraksha beads from this tree are highly sought after for their healing reputation. Bold font used for proper nouns.:
General information
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Ideal Duration:
30 Minutes to 1 Hour:Place Type:
Temple, Ashram, Religious Idol:Entry Fees:
No Entry Fees for the temple or the ashram premises. Darshan is free.
Donations: Visitors are welcome to offer voluntary donations for the maintenance of the ashram and the temple.
Rudraksha Purchase: Cost is only incurred if purch...No Entry Fees for the temple or the ashram premises. Darshan is free.
Donations: Visitors are welcome to offer voluntary donations for the maintenance of the ashram and the temple.
Rudraksha Purchase: Cost is only incurred if purchasing certified Rudraksha beads or other spiritual items from the ashram's official shop.
Vehicle Parking: Small, nominal fees may be charged for parking vehicles outside the ashram. Bold font used for key points. :Timing:
Regular Timings: Open daily from approximately 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: The best time to visit is during the early morning (7:00 AM to 9:00 AM) or late afternoon (4:00 PM to 6:00 PM) to avoid peak sun and crowds.Regular Timings: Open daily from approximately 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: The best time to visit is during the early morning (7:00 AM to 9:00 AM) or late afternoon (4:00 PM to 6:00 PM) to avoid peak sun and crowds.
Timings are Consistent: The temple generally maintains these timings throughout the year, with possible extensions during Maha Shivratri.
Ideal Duration: As the main temple is relatively small, a focused visit of 30 minutes to 1 hour is usually sufficient for Darshan and exploring the ashram grounds. Bold font used for key times. :Special Events:
Shivratri Festival: Maha Shivratri (usually in February/March) is the most important festival, attracting thousands of Shaivite devotees for special Pujas, Abhishekam, and night-long chanting.
Kumbh Mela Initiation: During the Kumbh Mela, it...Shivratri Festival: Maha Shivratri (usually in February/March) is the most important festival, attracting thousands of Shaivite devotees for special Pujas, Abhishekam, and night-long chanting.
Kumbh Mela Initiation: During the Kumbh Mela, it is traditionally a site for some of the first ritual Pujas and processions, making it a focal point for the Naga Sadhus and Akharas.
Special Rudraksha Collection: Certain auspicious days or astrological alignments may lead to special ceremonies around the Rudraksha tree. Bold font used for festivals/months. :Best Photo Spots:
The Parad Shivling: The gleaming, metallic Parad Shivling itself, ideally captured during the day with good lighting, is the main photo opportunity.
The Ancient Rudraksha Tree: Capture the unique, sprawling structure of the holy Rudraksha tr...The Parad Shivling: The gleaming, metallic Parad Shivling itself, ideally captured during the day with good lighting, is the main photo opportunity.
The Ancient Rudraksha Tree: Capture the unique, sprawling structure of the holy Rudraksha tree within the ashram courtyard.
Ashram Architecture: Photographs of the simple yet beautiful temple architecture and the tranquil ashram gardens provide a sense of calm.
The Jyotirlinga Replicas: Capture the line of smaller Jyotirlinga replicas as a spiritual composition. Bold font used for subjects. :Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Darshan of the Parad Shivling: The primary activity is getting a view (Darshan) of the magnificent 150 Kg mercury Shivlingam and offering prayers and water (Abhishekam).
Worship at Maha Mrityunjaya Mandir: Offer dedicated prayers at the subsidiary Maha Mrityunjaya temple for longevity, health, and protection from untimely death.
Collecting Rudraksha Beads: Search for the naturally fallen, sacred Rudraksha beads under the tree (if permitted) or purchase certified ones from the ashram's shop.
Meditation and Introspection: Spend time sitting in the tranquil atmosphere of the Harihar Ashram's lawns and courtyards, utilizing the positive spiritual energy for meditation.
Studying the Idols: Observe the intricate carvings and detailing ...
Information
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Why Famous:
The Parad Material: It is renowned for being one of the world's few massive Shivlings made of solidified mercury (Parad), a material highly valued in Hindu rituals and Ayurveda.
Divine Weight: The exceptional weight of 150 Kgs draws awe and ...The Parad Material: It is renowned for being one of the world's few massive Shivlings made of solidified mercury (Parad), a material highly valued in Hindu rituals and Ayurveda.
Divine Weight: The exceptional weight of 150 Kgs draws awe and reverence.
Spiritual Energy: The entire Harihar Ashram complex is known for its intense spiritual and peaceful energy, conducive to meditation.
Rudraksha Tree: The presence of a rare, sacred Rudraksha tree within the premises adds to its fame and spiritual attraction.
Kankhal's Significance: Located in Kankhal, a historically and mythologically important part of Haridwar (Daksh Prajapati's kingdom). Bold font used for key points. : -
Architecture:
Traditional Ashram Style: The complex, primarily the Harihar Ashram, is built in a traditional ashram style, emphasizing simplicity, large open courtyards, and tranquility. The focus is on the sacred objects and spiritual atmosphere rather than elaborate carvings.
<...Traditional Ashram Style: The complex, primarily the Harihar Ashram, is built in a traditional ashram style, emphasizing simplicity, large open courtyards, and tranquility. The focus is on the sacred objects and spiritual atmosphere rather than elaborate carvings.
The Shivling Structure: The Shivlingam itself is the central architectural marvel. It is a large, polished, metallic sphere of solidified mercury resting on a Yoni base, placed within a modest temple structure. It's enclosed in glass or metal to protect the delicate material from environmental damage and direct touch.
Jyotirlinga Replica: Surrounding the main Parad Shivling are usually smaller replicas or representations of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, allowing devotees to symbolically worship all major forms in one place.
Dimension: The main temple housing the Shivling is a modest size, ensuring the focus remains on the main idol, while the Harihar Ashram complex is a sprawling, well-maintained area with gardens, a Gaushala (cow shelter), and the Maha Mrityunjaya Mandir. Bold font used for key points. : -
How To Reach:
By Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport (DED) in Dehradun (40 KMs away). Take a taxi to Harihar Ashram in Kankhal.
By Train: Nearest major railhead is Haridwar Junction Railway Station (HW), only about 2 KMs away. Jwalapur Railway S... -
Near Tourist Places:
Daksheswara Mahadev Temple (1 KM) Major ancient Shiva temple. Sati Kund (1.
5 KMs): Sacred pond associated with Goddess Sati.
Prem Nagar Ashram (3 KMs): Famous ashram complex.
Maya Devi Temple (4 KMs): Major Shaktipeeth.
Har Ki Pauri (4 KMs): Main holy Ghat.
Pawan Dham (
5 KMs): Known for glasswork.
Anandamayi Ma Ashram (2 KMs): Spiritual center in Kankhal.
Jwalapur Market (3 KMs): Local market area.
Chandi Devi Temple (6 KMs): Another Siddhpeeth.
Mansa Devi Temple (6 KMs): Siddhpeeth on Bilwa Parvat. Bold font used for place names. :
Tourism Tips
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Health & safety: Remove footwear before entering the temple and ashram premises. Be respectful of the tranquil environment; no loud talking or photography in the innermost sanctum.
Packing: Carry minimal items. Wear modest clothing suitab...
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