Churdhar Mahadev Temple
Also known as Churdhar Temple, Shirgul Mahadev Temple Churdhar, Chudeshwar Mahadev, Churdhar Peak Temple
Churdhar Mahadev Temple crowns Churdhar peak, the outer Shivalik range's highest point in Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh, reached by an 18-km trek.
Photos of Churdhar Mahadev Temple
- Presiding Deity
- Shiva
- Established
- 12th century CE (traditional founding)
- Architecture
- Simple stone-and-timber Pahari shrine at the summit of Churdhar peak (3,647 m / 11,965 ft), the highest peak in the outer Shivaliks
- Address
- Churdhar, Sirmaur District, Himachal Pradesh 171211
- Timings
- Daily 4:00 AM – 9:00 PM (aarti at sunrise and sunset)
History of Churdhar Mahadev Temple
The temple's history is associated with the medieval Chandel/Rajput chiefs of the area, who are said to have established the shrine in honour of the presiding deity after a vision of Lord Shiva. The trek was popularised in modern times by the Himachal tourism department, and the Naura base camp has rest houses every 6 km. The shrine is part of the larger Churdhar wildlife sanctuary (a peacock and monal habitat). The annual Sawan fair (July-August) draws lakhs of pilgrims. The peak offers panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges on clear days.
Festivals Celebrated at Churdhar Mahadev Temple
- Sawan fair (July-August)
- Maha Shivratri
- Navratri
- Annual Churdhar marathon (December)
How to Reach Churdhar Mahadev Temple
Nearest airport: Chandigarh (~110 km) or Shimla (~95 km). Nearest railhead: Kalka (~80 km) or Barog. By road: Drive from Nahan (~90 km) or Rajgarh to Naura base camp; the last 18 km is a trek (8-10 hours) with rest houses every 6 km. The temple is at 3,647 m altitude — pilgrims should carry warm clothing even in summer.
Frequently Asked Questions about Churdhar Mahadev Temple
Where is Churdhar Mahadev Temple located?
- Churdhar Mahadev Temple is located at Churdhar, Sirmaur District, Himachal Pradesh 171211, in Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Who is the presiding deity at Churdhar Mahadev Temple?
- The presiding deity at Churdhar Mahadev Temple is Shiva (also known as Mahadev, Bholenath), worshipped in the Shaiva tradition.
What are the timings of Churdhar Mahadev Temple?
- Churdhar Mahadev Temple is generally open Daily 4:00 AM – 9:00 PM (aarti at sunrise and sunset). Timings can vary on festival days and special occasions — verify with the temple before your visit.
When was Churdhar Mahadev Temple built?
- Churdhar Mahadev Temple was established 12th century CE (traditional founding). Portions of the structure have been added and renovated by successive dynasties over the centuries.
What is the architectural style of Churdhar Mahadev Temple?
- Churdhar Mahadev Temple is built in the Simple stone-and-timber Pahari shrine at the summit of Churdhar peak (3,647 m / 11,965 ft), the highest peak in the outer Shivaliks style, characteristic of Shiva shrines of this region.
Which festivals are celebrated at Churdhar Mahadev Temple?
- The principal festivals celebrated at Churdhar Mahadev Temple include Sawan fair (July-August), Maha Shivratri, Navratri, Annual Churdhar marathon (December). These draw large crowds of pilgrims from across Himachal Pradesh and beyond.
How can I reach Churdhar Mahadev Temple?
- Nearest airport: Chandigarh (~110 km) or Shimla (~95 km). Nearest railhead: Kalka (~80 km) or Barog. By road: Drive from Nahan (~90 km) or Rajgarh to Naura base camp; the last 18 km is a trek (8-10 hours) with rest houses every 6 km. The temple is at 3,647 m altitude — pilgrims should carry warm clothing even in summer.
Why is Churdhar Mahadev Temple significant?
- Churdhar Mahadev Temple crowns Churdhar peak, the outer Shivalik range's highest point in Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh, reached by an 18-km trek.
Is there an entry fee at Churdhar Mahadev Temple?
- Entry to the main shrine of Churdhar Mahadev Temple is generally free for darshan. Special sevas, abhishekams and priority queues may carry a nominal fee — check with the temple office on arrival.
What is the dress code at Churdhar Mahadev Temple?
- Churdhar Mahadev Temple follows the traditional dress code observed at Himachal Pradesh temples — modest attire covering shoulders and knees. Many shrines in the region also expect men to remove upper garments before entering the sanctum.