Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple, Pathankot

Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple, also called Mukesaran Mandir, is a Shiva temple at Doong village on the Shahpur Kandi Dam road, about 21 km from Pathankot. It stands on a hill above the Ravi and is reached by a climb of around 250 steps. Because pilgrims immerse the ashes of the dead in the river here and carry out rites like those performed at Haridwar, it is known locally as Chhota Haridwar.

Legend says the Pandavas lived here during their exile, cutting five caves out of a single rocky hill and building the temple for Shiva. A havan kund, an ever-burning dhuna and a kitchen, now called Draupadi's Kitchen, are attributed to them; one of the caves has since collapsed and is closed. The shrine holds a Shivling of white marble set in a copper yoni, surrounded by images of Brahma, Vishnu, Parvati, Hanuman and Ganesha. The Mukesran da Mela is held at Baisakhi in April, and Shivratri, Navratri, Chaitra Chaudas and Somvati Amavasya are also celebrated.