The North News
Kullu, July 18
In an unprecedented move, the revered Bijli Mahadev temple in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district has been closed to the public for a period of six months — including the holy Sawan month — after temple priests cited a divine order from Lord Shiva. For the first time in living memory, the ancient shrine — perched at an altitude of 2,460 metres and known for the mythic lightning strikes that shatter its Shivling every 12 years — will remain shut through what is traditionally a period of intense religious activity. No rituals or ceremonies will be held until further notice.
The temple priest told reporters that the decision was taken on the express command of the deity, reportedly conveyed through gurvani (spiritual medium). “Mahadev is not pleased,” he said, referring to ongoing construction of a ropeway project near the shrine. “He has forbidden any ropeway on this sacred hill.”
The situation has unsettled residents of the Kullu valley, where the temple is considered not just a religious site but a cultural guardian. Cracks have reportedly appeared around the temple complex, heightening local fears that the mountain itself may be disturbed by ongoing infrastructure activity.
The ropeway project, aimed at improving access for pilgrims and tourists, has already sparked controversy. According to local sources, 72 deodar trees have been felled so far, with timber lying untouched near the site. Despite a contract being awarded to a private company for the ropeway, villagers have strongly resisted moving the logs — a symbolic act of protest against what they see as ecological and spiritual desecration.
Photos by Ashish Sharma
