SHILLONG, Dec 26: The 2nd Battalion of the 8th Gorkha Rifles carried out a major renovation of the Mahadev Khola Dham in November this year under the guidance of Col. Umesh Babu Thapa, Commanding Officer, and Subedar Major Uday Bahadur Thapa. To mark the completion of this renovation, a grand ‘yagya pooja’ and ‘bhandara’ was organised on December 22 at the mandir site.
Perched on a hilltop in the lush East Khasi Hills, the Mahadev Khola Dham is a revered Hindu temple located in the serene hill station of Shillong. Known for its tranquil ambience and unique cave architecture, the temple attracts both devotees and tourists throughout the year.
The event was also attended by Col GS Mandke, Deputy Commandant, 58 Gorkha Training Centre and the former Commanding Officer of the battalion along with several other serving and retired JCOs and NCOs of the battalion along with their families. The comprehensive renovation work was made successful through the contributions of numerous serving and retired officers of the battalion from both India and Nepal.
As part of the comprehensive restoration project, several notable works accomplished by the battalion included the installation of new marble and tiles flooring, repair of the ceiling and stairs, paint work and the upgrade and installation of new lighting and wiring system, while also maintaining the sanctity and aesthetics of the temple.
Additionally, a statue of Lord Shiva was also installed in the temple besides the existing idol of Lord Ganesha and Maa Durga.
Another crucial addition to its infrastructure had taken place in the year 1941-42 after the battalion’s successful de-induction from the Iraq campaign, when a gate and a fire altar was constructed outside the main temple complex during the command of Lt Col FD Clarke, OBE, MC, and Subedar Major Kul Bahadur Gurung.
A major renovation of the temple was last carried out during the command of Lt Col B M Panthaki and Subedar Major Guman Singh Gurung in the year 1982.
The temple is significant not only as a place of worship for the battalion but also as a symbol of heritage and tradition.
The genesis of the Mahadev Khola Mandir is intriguingly linked with a fascinating history of the 2nd Battalion the 8th Gorkha Rifles. The temple’s origin is attributed to a dream seen by the Subedar Major of the battalion, who envisioned a ‘Sage meditating with a Trishul and Rudraksha’. Following this vision, he sought out the location and found it to be the site where the present day temple is situated. The construction of the temple was undertaken by the battalion in 1927 during the tenure of Lt Col C D Roe, DSO, OBE, the then Commanding Officer and Subedar Major Tek Bahadur Pun.
Astoundingly, during the course of the construction of the temple, a significant ‘shivling’ was unearthed within the cave, which further added to its piousness. Over the years, several smaller shrines have been built by devotees, who believe that their wishes have been fulfilled. The temple becomes a focal point for devotees during Maha Shivratri, when a grand mela is hosted for a period of three days which draws thousands of devotees from across the regions.
Constructed by the 2/8 Gorkha Rifles, the temple epitomises the deep intrinsic connect with the unit by serving as a perennial source of strength, inspiration and divine protection for the battalion over the years.
As per tradition, battalion’s Commanding Officer and Subedar Major visits the temple before assumption of command and also before and after completion of each field tenure to pay their homage and seek blessings for the prosperity and good fortune of the unit.
Further, every young officer and soldier before joining the battalion and all individuals of the unit before proceeding on posting and permanent retirement, visit the temple as a mark of deep reverence, gratitude and display earnest association to the Battalion’s values and belief.
