Majestic 51-ft Shiva statue boosts Sirmaur’s spiritual, tourism appeal

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu recently inaugurated a 51-foot statue of Lord Shiva at the Bhureshwar Mahadev Temple in Kwagdhar, Sirmaur, during the Gyas festival. Thousands of devotees attended the unveiling, which was enhanced by the addition of eleven Jyotirlingas beneath the statue, boosting the site’s religious significance.

Positioned at 6,000 feet, the statue offers stunning views of the Churdhar peak and can be seen from Haryana’s plains on clear days. Crafted by renowned sculptor Samir Patya from West Bengal, the statue took two years to complete and sits atop a cave-like base, blending seamlessly with the surroundings. Local legends suggest Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati once observed the Kurukshetra battle from this vantage point, adding historical and spiritual value.

The Bhureshwar Mahadev Temple Committee funded the project with around one crore rupees, with about 60 per cent of the funds spent by July. The Himachal Pradesh Tourism Department further invested 3.6 million rupees for infrastructure improvements, including a new trekking route with rest stops along the way, enhancing the visitor experience.

Sculptor Samir Patya, who has worked in Himachal Pradesh for over 22 years, shared his appreciation for the opportunity to create this grand structure at such a high altitude. The temple, nestled amid pine and deodar forests, creates a serene atmosphere perfect for spiritual reflection.

To ensure visitor safety, the temple committee advises against approaching cliff edges near the site due to steep drops. With its impressive statue and natural beauty, the Bhureshwar Mahadev Temple is now a key spiritual and tourism landmark in Sirmaur, drawing pilgrims and tourists alike to experience its unique blend of devotion and scenic allure.