500-yr-old Sangla Wala Shivala attracts hundreds of devotees
Sangla Wala Shivala, the temple of Lord Shiva, is located in the interior parts of the city near Kesar Ganj Mandi. It is believed that the Shivling here self-emerged, and is over 500 years old. Old-timers in the city claim that this was a deserted stretch of land hundreds of years ago. Then someone one day saw the “Shivling” that had self-emerged. Since then, it has been worshipped by the devotees.
A local resident and BJP leader Parminder Mehta said the temple has been worshipped for hundreds of years now. “Though we have no proof about how old this particular temple is, our forefathers also worshipped here. Devotees have huge faith in this temple. There are two families of priests who take care of the temple as well as the people, especially those who are sick or have other problems. These people come here thrice to pray and it is believed that they get back into the pink of their health. Of course, one needs to consult the doctor on priority basis for any ailment but visiting the temple is purely a matter of faith,” said Mehta.
Residents living nearby maintain that as per the stories narrated to them by their elderly family members, this is one of the oldest temples in the city where devotees go, pray and offer water and milk to the Shivling.
There is a strange old tale attached to the name of the temple, “Sangla Wala Shivala”. It is said that when the Shivling was sighted, a small temple was built to protect it. Since the land was deserted, barricading with iron chains (sangals) was done on all sides by some residents to prevent damage by any person or animal. From that time, people started calling it “Sangla (chains) Wala Shivala” and the temple has been called like that ever since.
On Shivratri, a large number of devotees visit the temple and offers “Jal” (water) on the Shivling. People from far off places come as they believe that all negative vibes go away when one visits and offers prayers at the temple.
Anju Puri, a local resident who has now shifted to South City from the area, said come what may, she visits the temple at least twice a month. “I visit as it gives me peace. I don’t come here to get anything but to thank God for what he has bestowed on me and my family,” said Anju Puri.
