The Panchvaktra is the most photographed temple in Mandi, set on a sandy spit at the confluence of the Beas and Suketi rivers. The temple is dedicated to Shiva in his five-faced form — Panchvaktra — representing the five elements, and the central statue inside the sanctum has five faces carved in black stone. The temple stones bear evidence of repeated flood damage; the Beas rises high here in the summer monsoon.
The setting is the reason to come. The temple sits low above the water on its own island when the river is full, accessible by a short footbridge from the town side. Late afternoon is the best light, with the sandstone walls turning a deep orange against the green river. Take the path down to the water for the classic view across to the temple silhouetted against the bank.