Churdhar Temple Doors Reopen Amid Snow-Clad Peaks
The revered Churdhar Temple in Himachal Pradesh reopened its doors on Tuesday, marking the holy occasion of Mesh Sankranti on April 14. After a four-month winter closure, the temple once again welcomed devotees with traditional rituals, creating a breathtaking scene of faith against the backdrop of snow-covered mountains.
As the doors of Lord Shiva and local deity Shirgul Maharaj’s shrine opened, chants of devotion filled the icy air. The centuries-old tradition was upheld by a member of the Thudu community from Dimo village, who performed the ceremonial opening of the temple gates—an age-old practice that continues with discipline and reverence.
Currently, Churdhar is blanketed under 3 to 4 feet of snow, making the temple’s surroundings even more awe-inspiring. Situated at 11,965 feet above sea level in Sirmaur district, Churdhar is the highest peak of the Shivalik range in the outer Himalayas. From its summit, devotees and trekkers alike are treated to panoramic views of the snow-clad Himalayas.
While the temple has reopened, authorities have restricted pilgrim access for about 15 days due to safety concerns. During this period, only local priests and authorized individuals will perform rituals. Devotees have been urged to remain patient and follow guidelines until the pilgrimage resumes.
Churdhar is not only a spiritual destination but also a popular trekking spot, blending devotion, tradition, and adventure in one of Himachal’s most cherished landscapes.
