Brijraj Swami Temple gets grand makeover, set to boost tourism

The historical Brijraj Swami Temple of Lord Krishna in Nurpur is undergoing significant transformation with the construction of a grand entrance gate near the Pathankot-Mandi national highway. This 23-foot-high and 34-foot-wide gate aims to attract more tourists and pilgrims to the temple, which is the only shrine in the world where an idol of Meera Bai is worshipped alongside Lord Krishna. Devotees, who have immense faith in the deity, are contributing construction materials to support the initiative.

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Although the successive state governments led by Prem Kumar Dhumal and Jai Ram Thakur recognised the temple’s Shri Krishna Janmashtami festival at the district and later the state level in 2021, no steps have been taken to include it on the state’s tourist map.

Before the temple’s management was taken over by an 11-member committee in 2018, the premises were in poor condition. The temple is situated within the historic Nurpur Fort, a protected monument maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). However, despite its historical and religious significance, no basic infrastructure has been developed to attract tourists visiting the Kangra valley.

The temple management committee, led by Devinder Sharma, a retired private secretary to the Divisional Commissioner of Kangra, was formed on the initiative of the late traditional temple Mohtamim (manager-cum-priest) Shukuntala Devi. Since then, the committee has transformed the temple premises using donations and offerings. They have renovated the temple, installed a beautiful electric fountain, a power generator, a silver bed for the deity, a langar hall, separate male and female toilets, and drinking water facilities. Recently, they procured a ‘prasad’ packing machine and initiated the construction of the main entrance gate. Every Sunday, the committee also arranges a free langar for devotees.

Devinder Sharma emphasised the temple’s historical and religious importance, stating that the Shri Krishna Janmashtami festival is iconic for the lower Kangra region. He highlighted the temple’s untapped tourism potential and expressed hope that the entrance gate would attract more visitors entering Kangra valley from Kandwal on the Pathankot-Mandi highway. He also extended gratitude to the donors and devotees supporting the gate’s construction, which is expected to cost around Rs 9-10 lakh.

With these ongoing developments, the temple is gradually emerging as a prominent religious and tourist destination, preserving its rich heritage while enhancing visitor experience.