Shirgul Maharaj temple restoration celebrated with grand mahotsava
The Shirgul Maharaj Temple, perched at an altitude of 11,965 feet in the outer Himalayas, recently celebrated a momentous occasion: the completion of its long-awaited restoration crowned by the installation of a sacred Kurud (ceremonial pillar) on October 11. The event, called the Shant Mahotsav, marked a historic moment for the temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva’s incarnation, Shirgul Maharaj. Revered by millions, the temple sits on the highest peak of Sirmaur district serving as a spiritual anchor for the region.
The restoration work, spanning 24 years, concluded with the installation of the 42-foot-tall Kurud making this an architectural marvel. The arduous project, which began before June 2001, faced immense challenges due to the temple’s remote and inaccessible location. Transporting materials to the temple was a daunting task, with mules being used to carry heavy construction materials up the steep slopes. This accomplishment now stands as a testament to the devotion and determination of the temple’s caretakers and artisans.
The installation of the Kurud drew nearly 30,000 pilgrims, who braved the challenging 8-16 km uphill trek to reach the temple. Their presence underlined the deep reverence for Shirgul Maharaj and the spiritual significance of this event. The ‘kurud’, topped with an 11-kg copper crest and a gold polish of five tolas (approximately 50 gm), was one of the six new pillars installed as part of the renovation. The other five pillars, ranging in height from seven to 19 feet, were meticulously placed to enhance the temple’s sacred architecture.
The total cost of the temple’s restoration is estimated to be between Rs 5 and 7 crore, with approximately Rs 1.75 crore spent since 2013. The renovations have introduced significant quantities of gold and silver into the temple’’s design for the first time in its centuries-old history. Inside the sanctum, a canopy crafted from 1.25 kg silver now graces the ancient Shiva Lingam. Additionally, two more canopies—one weighing nine tolas and the other five tolas—were also installed. The sanctum’s second roof has been embellished with a seven-kg copper crown, polished with three tolas of gold.
In total, 44 kg silver and 22 tolas gold were used for the restoration, a monumental first for this temple. Local artisans, including Amar Singh from Nerwa and Keshav Soni from Rohru, were instrumental in crafting the stunning silver carvings across the temple. Previously, the temple had no wooden carvings, but experts from Himachal Pradesh, such as Ved Prakash, Kripa Ram, and Baru Ram, have transformed the temple’s interiors with intricate wooden designs in the traditional Pahadi style. These additions have greatly enhanced the temple’s grandeur.
Devotees contributed 35 kg silver for the renovation, complementing the temple’s existing 11.5 kg after a purification process. Silver inlays now decorate the temple walls, featuring detailed depictions of gods and deities, including the beloved Vijat Maharaj.
The Shirgul Maharaj Temple’s recent transformation, especially with the 42-foot Kurud and the exquisite wood, silver and gold carvings, elevates it to a new status as a site of pilgrimage and religious unity.
