Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Itanagar: Tucked into a hillside near Daporijo, the Menga Mandir remains a site of mystery. This natural rock cave in the Upper Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh draws pilgrims seeking the divine. Also known as the Meghna Cave Temple, it houses a self-manifested Shiva Lingam. Devotees revere this large natural stalagmite as a Svayambhu form of the deity.
Inside the mountain, Lord Shiva is worshipped as Lakulisha. Shaivite tradition regards him as the 28th incarnation of Shiva. The temple layout includes two dark, narrow tunnels. One tunnel starts with a wide mouth but tightens significantly as it stretches inward. The rock formation gets so constricted that visitors must crawl through the passage.
The site holds deep religious and historical weight. Regional records date the cave to roughly 5,000 years ago. It stayed hidden until locals rediscovered the entrance in 1962. Inscriptions found inside reference ancient Sanskrit scriptures, specifically the Kali Purana. These markings add another layer to the history of the site. Today, the temple stands as a primary destination for those looking to offer prayers and navigate the distinct stone tunnels of the shrine.
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