# Bhagsu

Bhagsu/Bhaksu (also known as Bhagsunag or Bhagsunath) is a village near McLeod Ganj in Dharamshala, in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, India. The village is the site of Bhagsunag waterfall and the ancient Bhagsunag Temple.
In early 18th century, the Gorkhas came here with British to settle and they formed the 1st Gorkha Rifles in 1815 (The Malaun Regiment). Bhagsu is also the home of 1st Gorkha Rifles (The Malaun Regiment). Bhagsu is named after the Bhagsunag temple currently in McLeodGanj station.

## History

In Indian mythology, the snake god, Nagdevata, got into a battle with King Bhagsu, who had stolen water from the sacred NagDal Lake. King Bhagsu was defeated and eventually forgiven, and the site was consecrated as Bhagsu Nag.

## Legend

Bhagsunag is a very ancient place of Lord Shiva. Its story has been narrated in ancient texts as follows. In the middle period of Dwapar Yuga, the capital of the demon king Bhagsu was in Ajmer country. It is said that once there was a terrible drought in the state of King Bhagsu due to lack of rain for a long time. The people were in distress, so the people together requested King Bhagsu to immediately arrange for water from somewhere. If this could not be done, then we will leave this place and go somewhere else. The protector of the people, King Bhagsu, assured everyone to stay there and while searching for water, reached this state of the snakes. Here, many beautiful lakes still exist among the Dhauladhar mountain range spread over Bhagsunag, which are still the main attraction for tourists.At the Dhauladhar peak, which is about 18000 feet high from Bhagsunag, King Bhagsu saw a lake flowing which is known as "Nagdal". The illusionist Bhagsu filled the water of that secluded lake in a water pot by his magic and returned. While walking, it became dark at this place, so Bhagsu started resting here. On the other hand, when the snakes saw that their lake was lying empty, they came here searching for Bhagsu. Then at this place, a fierce battle took place between the snakes and Bhagsu. In that battle, the water of the water pot fell down, and since then, water has been flowing continuously in the form of streams. The snakes defeated Bhagsu in the battle. He understood that the snake is also a form of Lord Shankar. Accepting his defeat, Bhagsu told Nagdev Shankar that now my death is the punishment for stealing your water. But I have to do this for the benefit of my people. Therefore, I ask for forgiveness. With this humble prayer of Bhagsu, Nagdev Shankar became calm and wanted to know about his wish. Asurraj Bhagsu said that if you are kind to me, then my last wish is that water reaches my kingdom so that the people there can be protected and I have been liberated by your hands. Therefore, along with your name, my name should also remain immortal. Do something like this. Saying this, Bhagsu gave up his life. After this, Nagdev rained in his kingdom and made many sources of water flow. Then by adding his name to his name, he gave him immortality forever. Then this place became famous as Bhagsunag. Nagdev appeared here in the form of his beloved Shiva. His self-manifested linga was situated in this temple by the name of Bhageshwar. Swayambhu means one who has appeared by himself. Later, Lord Bhageshwar informed the king of this place, Dharamchand, about his presence here in his dream. This city is named Dharamshala after the name of King Dharamchand. Dharmkot village is also present at some distance from Bhagsunag in the name of Raja Dharm Chand and Dharm Chand built a temple here and established Bhageshwar in a proper manner. There are old Samadhis of some Siddha Mahatmas in the room next to the temple, in which a big Samadhi was taken by a Siddha while he was alive. If someone does Sadhna Upasana with devotion at this Siddha Peeth, then Bhagsunag fulfills all his wishes. Many types of diseases are cured by taking bath, drinking etc. in this holy water coming out from under the temple.

## Tourism

There are a number of hotels in Bhagsu. Tourist attractions include Bhagsu Waterfall, the Triund Trek, and Dharamkot.