Avalanche buries 40-foot Shivalingam at Anjani Mahadev
The majestic 40-foot-high naturally formed Shivalingam of snow at Anjani Mahadev, near Solang Nala in Manali, was buried under a thick layer of snow following an avalanche that struck on Sunday evening. According to a local resident involved in the tourism business at Anjani Mahadev, the avalanche occurred with a loud rumble, completely submerging the Shivalingam.
In response to the avalanche risks, the local administration had already taken precautionary measures to ensure the safety of tourists. On the recommendation of the temple committee, the movement of tourists to the Shivalingam was restricted during snowfall to prevent any avalanche-related incidents. Due to these measures, no loss or injuries were reported.
Anjani Mahadev, also known as ‘Mini Amarnath,’ is famous for its naturally-formed Shivalingam of snow, which stands at 40 feet. Located around 5 kilometer from Solang Nala, the temple is accessible via a trek or pony ride. The site attracts thousands of tourists from across India and abroad each year, drawn by its spiritual significance and natural beauty.
Acharya Vijay Sharma shared the mythological story behind the name Anjani Mahadev. He explained, “According to the myth, Lord Hanuman's mother, Anjani, was an Apsara in Devraj Indra's court in her previous birth. She used to dance in Indra's court and during that time, her name was Punjika Sthal. One day, when Durvasa Rishi visited heaven, the Apsara mocked the sage and jumped around in front of him.”
Sharma continued, “Enraged, Durvasa Rishi cursed her to be reborn as a monkey. However, upon her apology, he softened the curse, blessing her that she would give birth to a manifestation of Lord Rudra and ultimately achieve liberation from her penance. Anjani is said to have meditated at this site for 7,000 years, seeking Lord Shiva’s blessings and the place was named in her honour.”
Santosh, the temple priest, recalled that Baba Prakash Puri was the first to discover the Shivalingam at this location. After his discovery, he informed nearby villagers, who consulted local deities and confirmed the site's sanctity. Following this, the Anjani Mahadev temple was constructed, becoming a cherished pilgrimage destination.
Devotees believe that visiting this Shivalingam fulfills all wishes. Many pilgrims, with unwavering devotion, travel barefoot to seek blessings. Local resident Harish Thakur remarked that the site attracts large crowds even during winter, as tourists enjoy the snow in Solang Nala before heading to Anjani Mahadev for spiritual blessings.
