Devotees throng temples in Chamba

A wave of devotion swept across Chamba district as thousands of devotees thronged Lord Shiva temples on Mahashivratri today. The temples resonated with chants of “Har Har Mahadev” as devotees gathered in large numbers to seek blessings.

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Mahashivratri, one of the most important Hindu festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva, was celebrated with great fervor in Chamba, where the deity holds significant cultural and religious importance. The district administration made elaborate arrangements to manage the crowds and ensure smooth darshan for all visitors.

Devotees, with deep reverence, offered prayers and offerings as they sought the divine blessings of Lord Shiva for prosperity and well-being. A particularly large crowd gathered at the Chandershekhar Mahadev Temple in Saho, about 15 kilometres from Chamba. Long queues of devotees patiently waited their turn to offer prayers at this ancient temple, nestled in the scenic hills. The temple committee organised grand Mahashivratri celebrations, with Chamba MLA Neeraj Nayyar attending as the chief guest. Nayyar announced a Rs 35 lakh grant for the temple’s renovation.

Devotees began lining up from early morning till late evening for darshan, with special prayers, havans, and cultural programs marking the occasion. The Chandershekhar Mahadev Temple is believed to be over a thousand years old and is home to Asia’s largest Shivlinga. A unique feature of the temple is the Nandi Bull, which has a stone bell tied around its neck that produces a metal sound when rung.

Meanwhile, the Chaurasi temple complex in Bharmour also saw a steady stream of worshippers from early morning. The ancient Shiva temple, a revered pilgrimage site, was beautifully decorated, and devotees offered milk, honey, and sacred “bel patra” leaves to the deity. Lord Shiva is the presiding deity of the Chamba region, and the famous Manimahesh Yatra is dedicated to him, revered by the local Gaddi tribe.

At the Dwath Mahadev temple, another sacred site in the region, devotees gathered in large numbers to participate in special aarti and bhajan sessions organised for the occasion. The spiritual atmosphere was elevated by the sound of temple bells and devotional songs, completing the devotional spirit of the day.