Historic Shand Mahayagya to be held at Churdhar temple after 50 years, thousands of devotees expected
On October 11, the ancient temple of Shirgul Maharaj, perched atop the Churdhar Peak in Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh, will come alive with spiritual fervor as the historic Shand Mahayagya is set to take place. This sacred ritual, returning after nearly half a century, is expected to draw over 30,000 devotees from across the region, eager to witness and participate in the grand event.
The Mahayagya will begin between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM with the ceremonial Kurud placement. Adding to the divine atmosphere, 12 palanquins from nearby areas will make their way to the temple, adding a traditional touch to the event.
A Restored Marvel: The Churdhar Temple
After over two decades of meticulous restoration work, the Churdhar temple is now a sight to behold. With intricate wooden carvings adorning its structure, the temple radiates a serene beauty, making it the perfect venue for this significant spiritual gathering. The event is being organized by the Chureshwar Seva Samiti in collaboration with local panchayats, including Kupvi, Nerwa, Haml, and Chopal.
Temple to Bloom with 5 Quintals of Flowers
Preparations for the Mahayagya are in full swing, and the temple will be decked out in five quintals of flowers, adding color and fragrance to the already sacred site. The flower decorations alone have cost ₹1,25,000, and additional efforts are being made to ensure the comfort of devotees. Nearly 1,000 new blankets are being purchased with a budget of ₹5 to ₹6 lakh, ensuring everyone attending is cared for.
Culinary Arrangements and Volunteer Support
The Chureshwar committee has also made elaborate arrangements for food during the Yagya. Over 2,500 traditional “per pane” dishes are being prepared at an estimated cost of ₹75,000. Additionally, identification cards will be provided to all volunteers and service workers to help manage the large crowd.
A Gathering of 40,000 Devotees Anticipated
The Shand Mahayagya holds deep religious significance, commemorating the moment when Lord Shiva calmed the fierce Goddess by laying in her path, helping her realize her mistake. Traditionally held every 12 years, the Mahayagya is a tribute to the bravery and spiritual devotion of the Khund tribe.
If the weather remains favorable, the number of attendees could swell to 40,000, making this one of the largest spiritual gatherings in recent years. The local community is already filled with excitement and devotion, eagerly awaiting the momentous occasion.
Key Preparations in Paonta Sahib
A crucial meeting of the Chureshwar Seva Samiti was recently held in Paonta Sahib, attended by key figures such as unit president Om Prakash Chauhan and Narayan Singh Chauhan, advisor to the central executive committee. The meeting centered around preparations for the Mahayagya, emphasizing the importance of participation from as many devotees as possible.
In a heartwarming gesture, Paonta unit president OP Chauhan donated one kilogram of silver for the Shirgul temple. Other prominent attendees included Aanj Bhoj unit president Ramesh Chauhan and members of the central executive committee, who are all working tirelessly to ensure the event’s success.
As the date draws nearer, the anticipation grows, with thousands preparing to make their pilgrimage to Churdhar for what promises to be a spiritual experience of a lifetime.
