A centuries-old Shiva temple located on Mansa Devi mountain in Haridwar was partially damaged Monday morning following a significant landslide triggered by overnight rainfall. The incident, which occurred around 11 a.m., caused no injuries, according to the Haridwar district administration.

The temple, believed by locals to have been built by the Pandavas during their journey to Badrinath, housed a revered Shivling that was also damaged. The site lies near Bhimgoda Kund, a sacred pond connected to local legend, where Bhim is said to have struck the ground to draw water for Draupadi during the Pandavas’ Himalayan pilgrimage, TOI reported.

“Bhimgoda Kund and its temple is one of Haridwar’s oldest holy sites. According to legend, the pond was formed when Bhim struck his knee on the ground here to bring water for Draupadi during the Pandavas’ pilgrimage to the Himalayas,” Ujjwal Pandit, secretary of Shri Ganga Sabha told TOI.

The Mansa Devi mountain is part of the geologically fragile Shivalik range, prone to erosion and landslides during the monsoon. Experts have long warned that uncontrolled urban development and deforestation in the region amplify disaster risks during heavy rainfall events, especially in eco-sensitive areas like Haridwar.

Municipal councillor Sumit Chaudhary told The Times of India that the community perceives the incident as a bad omen. “People are petrified after the damage to the temple and the centuries-old Shivling inside. We have decided to rebuild it at our own expense to avoid aby untoward incidents. If the govt steps in to renovate, we won’t oppose it, but we want to take the initiative,” he said.

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