Shiv Mandir, Gur Mandi, Jalandhar

This Shiva temple in the Gur Mandi area of Jalandhar is unusual in its origin: it is said to have been established close to a mosque in the 16th century by a Muslim, the ruling Nawab of Sultanpur Lodhi.

Local legend explains why. The Nawab pursued a married Hindu woman who refused him; she was protected by a snake, which she, a devotee of Shiva, took as a sign sent by the god. Struck with remorse, the Nawab built a temple to Shiva in honour of her faith. The architecture reflects both traditions: the entrance gate is shaped like that of a mosque, while the shrines have red and white pyramid-shaped shikharas in Hindu style. Shiva is the main deity, and the serpent is worshipped as well. Maha Shivratri brings crowds for prayers, fasting and night-long celebration with music, dance and plays about Shiva.