Mahasu Devta Temple at Hanol, on the Tons river, is one of the most important temples of the Jaunsar–Bawar region and lies on the broader Chakrata–Tiuni–Mori circuit. The temple is dedicated to Botha Mahasu, one of the four Mahasu brothers, worshipped as a powerful regional deity and supreme judge of the area. Architecturally, it’s a beautiful blend of stone shikhara and elaborate wooden structures in Kath-Kuni / Koti-Banal style, with carvings, balconies and a slate roof, set against river and forest.
About this place
History & highlights
The original stone sanctum is dated to roughly the 9th–10th century CE, making it one of the oldest surviving temples in the region. Legends say a Brahmin named Huna Bhatt prayed to Shiva to liberate the area from a powerful demon; in response, Mahasu Devta came from the Kashmir mountains, slew the demon and then settled at Hanol. Over centuries the temple became the religious and judicial centre of Jaunsar–Bawar: disputes were settled through “Lota Pani” rituals in Mahasu’s name, and many local deities are considered his subordinates. Annual fairs like Bissu and other Mahasu festivals draw huge crowds, and modern road links via Chakrata have made Hanol a key stop on temple circuits connecting Garhwal and Himachal.
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