Devotees throng Shiva temples in Chamba on Maha Shivratri

A wave of devotion swept across Chamba district as thousands of devotees thronged Lord Shiva temples on the occasion of Mahashivratri on Friday. Temples reverberated with chants of “Har Har Mahadev” as devotees gathered in large numbers to seek blessings.

A huge rush was witnessed at the Chandershekhar Mahadev temple in Saho, around 15 km from Chamba. The temple, nestled in the scenic hills, remained abuzz with religious fervour as people performed rituals and special prayers. Grand Mahashivratri celebrations were organised by the temple committee, which Chamba MLA Neeraj Nayyar attended as the chief guest. He announced a grant of Rs 35 lakh for temple renovation.

The temple, believed to be a thousand years old, is home to Asia’s largest Shivlinga. The unique feature of the temple is the Nandi bull, which has a stone bell tied around its neck that produces a metal sound.

Similarly, the Chaurasi temple complex in Bharmour saw a steady stream of worshippers from early morning.

Meanwhile, at the Dwath Mahadev temple, another sacred site in the region, devotees flocked in large numbers, participating in special aarti and bhajan sessions organised for the occasion.