CHOORHDHAR, October 11: In a massive display of devotion, thousands of followers of Shirgul Maharaj, a revered Isht Dev  believed to be an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva, flocked to the historic Shiv Mandir here for the grand Kurud ceremony that culminated  in the form of Shant Mahaygya here today.

The weeklong Shant Mahayagya, a ritual believed to invoke peace, culminated today with the presence of five major Devtas, including Bijjat Mahadev, the brother of Shirgul.

This ceremony was held after 52 long years, and it reignited the deep spiritual connection of the devotees with Shirgul Maharaj.

Devotees began gathering at Kalabag last night, enduring frigid temperatures that dropped to near zero at this altitude of 10,000-11,000 feet.

With the limited accommodation available at local Sarais and tents, only a few hundred found shelter, while the majority spent the night under the stars, wrapped in traditional "Loia" blankets and "woolens"  in front of the bonfires to ward off the cold.

The atmosphere was one of reverence and celebration, with thousands singing and dancing in honor of Lord Shiva and Shirgul Maharaj.

Despite the tough conditions, the devotion of the crowds was unshakable, proving they could brave any challenge for their faith.

At daybreak, the Kurud ceremony commenced with the puja of seven sacred Kuruds (wooden spires), crafted by divine artisans.

These Kuruds, symbols of devotion and craftsmanship, were carried on the shoulders of energized devotees and Gurs in a grand procession from Kalabag to the Shiv Mandir, located about a kilometer downhill from Choorhdhar Peak at 11,870 ft.

The crowd, chanting war cries,  "Limber" and "Ho Ho," accompanied the procession with palpable energy, celebrating Shirgul’s divine powers.

The atmosphere was electric, with the roaring chants echoing through the   rocky and green sanctuary and peaks.

Upon reaching the temple, the Pujaris (priests) and Yajman (ritual sponsors) performed the final rituals, offering Purn Ahuti (the final offering) to complete the Shant Mahayagya.

The Kuruds, once sanctified, were tied with ropes and hoisted atop the temple’s Shikhar (spire), marking the completion of the temple's renovation.

Smaller others were placed where the sloping roofs met, giving the temple a majestic new look.

As the rituals concluded, a scene of divine fervor unfolded.

Devotees, overcome with spiritual ecstasy, danced around the temple, feeling the power of Shirgul Maharaj within them.

This physical and spiritual outpouring painted the temple grounds with the colors of faith, as the oral traditions and legends of Shirgul Maharaj were brought to life.

The legacy of Shirgul, passed down through generations, remains alive and thriving among the local communities.

There is no "royal or Raja" in Himachal, except Shirgul   in the middle ages, who had  taken on the might of Mughals in Delhi in the 16-17th century and it speaks volumes why he is worshiped by lakhs of devotees in region.  

Following the ceremony, a grand Bandara (feast) was organized, where thousands of devotees sat in long rows within the temple premises to partake in the divine Prasad.

After the feast, devotees began their descent, embarking on the 4-5 hour trek back to their villages and towns spread across regions like Chopal, Rajgarh, Renuka, Sirmour, and even as far as Uttarakhand’s Jaunsar Bawar and Janpur.

This divine gathering was not only a spiritual event but a major logistical feat as well.

The entire ceremony, from the Mahayagya to the Kurud ritual, was funded by generous donations from the devotees through the Choodhar Sewa Committee.

Offerings made at the temple are managed by the local administration under the supervision of SDM Chopal, ensuring smooth operations.

This large following was evident as over 25,000 to 30,000 people peacefully attended the Kurud ceremony, making it a momentous event.

In an era of modernization and global connectivity, the faith in Shirgul Maharaj has not only persisted but strengthened.

Despite the lack of internet connectivity in the remote and serene Choodhar region, devotees managed to capture and share the ceremony on social media platforms once they reached areas with connectivity, further spreading the divine message.

Now, the major task before the Choodhar Sewa Committee and temple authorities is to clean up after the massive gathering.

Volunteers have already stepped forward, offering their services to clear the waste and ensure that the tracks and temple surroundings are restored to their pristine condition.

Choorhdhar is not just a sacred site for Lord Shiva; it is also a wildlife sanctuary of national importance. The message from the devotees is clear: Let's keep Choordhar green, clean, and peaceful, ensuring it remains a sanctuary of solitude and divinity.