Kartik Swami Temple in Chamba's Bharmour reopens after over four months
The famous Kartik Swami Temple at Kugti village in Bharmour subdivision of Chamba district reopened for devotees on Tuesday morning after remaining closed for nearly four-and-a-half months. Priests performed traditional rituals to reopen the temple. Hundreds of devotees from Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir and other states gathered at the shrine. A night-long vigil was held at the temple, with devotees participating in prayers and devotional singing.
On Tuesday morning, the temple’s doors were ceremonially opened after special prayers, yajna and the chanting of Vedic hymns. The temple’s doors were closed on November 30, 2025.
Due to heavy snowfall at Kugti during the winter, which usually begins around mid-November, the temple remains inaccessible for several months.
As per local belief, Kartikeya or Kartik Swami, the elder son of Lord Shiva, goes into seclusion after Diwali and returns on the auspicious occasion of Baisakhi Sankranti, when the temple’s doors reopen. During the closure period, entry to the temple premises and its surrounding areas is strictly prohibited and locals as well as devotees follow this tradition with deep faith.
The Kartik Swami Temple is not only a significant centre of religious faith but also a popular destination for trekking and nature lovers. Located amidst the Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary, the temple offers stunning views of the Himalayas and peaceful, meditative environment. The area is also known for its scenic beauty, making it an important tourism attraction.
A local lore says that Lord Kartikeya chose Bharmour as his Northern abode. The temple is said to have appeared after the Chaurasi Siddhas performed intense penance here and Lord Shiva granted them the presence of divine forms in Bharmour.
For the local Gaddi shepherds, the temple has immense cultural importance. Before crossing dangerous passes like the Kugti Pass, they offer prayers to Kartik Swami, popularly called ‘Kelang Wazir’ in the region, and seek permission for safe passage.
If they believe the permission has not been granted, they avoid crossing the pass, showing deep faith in the deity. The origin of the temple traces back to the 7th century, during the reign of King Meru Varman, the then ruler of Bharmour (historically known as Brahmpura). Between the 10th and 12th centuries, Bharmour had emerged as a prominent centre of Shaivaite pilgrimage and yogic tradition.
The worship of Lord Kartikeya became especially popular among warriors, royal families and ascetics, who viewed him as the divine embodiment of courage, discipline and martial strength.
