Mahasu Devta Temple, Uttarakhand

Mahasu Devta Temple is located on the Tuini-Mori road at Hanol. It is on the eastern bank of Tons River ( Tamas ) at the village near Chakrata, about 190km from Dehradun and 156km from Mussorie. Hanol is surrounded by lush green hills and has a scenic location. The temple was built in 9^th century in Huna architectural style initially but, eventually acquired a mixed style. The Archaeological Survey of India declares it to be one of the ancient temples in Dehradun district.

Mahasu Devta Temple, Hanol, Uttarakhand

History
Festivals and Fairs
How to Reach
Videos

As per legends, to get rid of a demon named Kirmir, Hanu Bhatt, a brahin worshipped Shiva and Shakti. Both the God and Goddess gave them four Mahsu brothers with their army who fought with the demons and killed him. Then people started worshiping the four Mahsu brothers in their respective temples in the nearby village. Four brothers or the Char Mahsu were Botha, Vasik, Pavasi and Chada. Temple of Botha is the main Mahasu Devta Temple of Hanol. He is the chief deity of this area and is worshipped by people from Hanol and the villages nearby. Hanol is named after Brahmin Huna Bhatt. In the deitydom, Mahasu Devta is the sole arbiter over the mortals and also reigns supreme over the innumerable indigenous gods and goddesses.

In recent times, disputes among the people are settled through a unique Lottapani adjuration where water is filled in a metallic goblet in the name of Mahasu Devta by a neutral person and the disputants are asked to drink water from the same o the Devta’s name. The guilty suffers on drinking the water.

Between May 26, 2004 and May 22, 2014 Shaant Festival was held where the ceremonies included animal sacrifices. But later, Pandits of this ceremony decided not to continue the animal sacrifice. Now, ladies are allowed to enter the temple. The Mahasu Devta Fair is held in the month of August. It is a three day and night celebration. People from various places come over to attend the fair.

By Road

One can reach here by bus or hiring a taxi from either Chakrata or Dehradun. Tourists can stay in GMVN guest house located near Hanol or in the rooms available in the temple premises.

By Rail

The nearest railhead is the Dehradun Railway Station at a distance of 180 km from the temple.

By Air

The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport at a distance of 224 km from the temple.