No devotees visiting this iconic Himachal temple even in Navratri, income dips by 90%
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KULLU: The iconic Hanogi Mata temple on the Mandi-Kullu highway in Himachal Pradesh that was once buzzing with devotees stands eerily empty during Navratri — a time when temples across the state are overflowing with worshippers.
Special pujas, havans and grand jagrans were once held, but the temple’s courtyards now remain deserted. While other shrines in the region are witnessing huge crowds, Hanogi Mata temple is conspicuously quiet, raising questions about why devotees have distanced themselves.
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Curious decline in footfall
A temple priest revealed that the income of the temple had plummeted by more than 95 per cent, leaving the shrine administration struggling to arrange funds for the maintenance of the temple, dharamshala and bhandara services during special occasions like Navratri. “Earlier, devotees came in large numbers and events during Navratri ran smoothly. But now, we are barely seeing anyone,” said the priest.
Once a regular stop for travellers passing through on their way to Kullu-Manali, the temple now seems forgotten. The reason? A damaged highway. The old route that led directly to the temple has fallen into disrepair near Dwada, forcing pilgrims and tourists onto the newly constructed four-lane highway, which bypasses the temple altogether.
Temple cut off, but events continue
Despite the lack of visitors, the temple is pressing on with its scheduled events. The Vishwa Shanti Maha Yagya is currently being conducted and a major ‘jagran’ is planned for October 10, followed by a ‘bhandara’ on October 11. But without the usual crowds, these significant spiritual events are missing the energy and devotion they once attracted.
The priest remains hopeful that once the old highway is repaired, the temple will regain its importance as a pilgrimage stop. “If the road is restored, people will return and we can once again see the flow of devotees like before,” he said.
