Kartik Swami Temple in Himachal’s Chamba reopens for devotees after four months
Devotees throng Himalayan shrine as doors open on Baisakhi Sankranti, reviving faith, tradition and trekking routes
The revered Kartik Swami Temple in the Bharmour sub-division of Chamba district reopened for devotees on Tuesday morning after it stayed closed for nearly four-and-a-half months due to heavy winter snowfall.
Temple priests conducted the reopening with traditional rituals, including special prayers, a yajna, and chanting of Vedic hymns. Hundreds of devotees from Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Jammu, and other states gathered at the shrine. A night-long vigil of devotional singing and prayers preceded the ceremonial opening of the temple doors.
The temple has remained closed since November 30, 2025, as heavy snowfall in Kugti makes the region inaccessible during winter months.
According to local belief, Lord Kartikeya (Kartik Swami) retreats into seclusion after Diwali and returns on the auspicious occasion of Baisakhi Sankranti, when devotees reopen the shrine.
Locals strictly prohibit entry to the temple and surrounding areas during the closure period, and they observe this tradition with deep reverence.
The scenic Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary surrounds the temple, and it makes the site both a major religious centre and a popular destination for trekkers and nature enthusiasts.
The Himalayan views and tranquil environment increase the site’s appeal as a spiritual and tourism destination.
Local lore says Lord Kartikeya chose Bharmour as his northern abode. Tradition also holds that the temple emerged after the penance of the Chaurasi Siddhas, and people believe Lord Shiva granted divine presence to the region.
The local Gaddi shepherd community treats the shrine with deep cultural importance. Before they cross difficult routes like the Kugti Pass, they pray to Kartik Swami—known locally as ‘Kelang Wazir’—to seek safe passage. If they feel they have not received permission, they avoid the journey.
Historical accounts trace the temple’s origins to the 7th century CE during the reign of Meru Varman. Between the 10th and 12th centuries, Bharmour became a major centre of Shaivite worship and yogic traditions, and devotion to Kartikeya grew among warriors, royals, and ascetics as a symbol of courage, discipline, and strength.
