Munish Sood
MANDI:
For decades, Mata Hanogi has been revered as the protector of commutes on the treacherous Mandi-Kullu road.
Locals believe that the goddess was a divine shield guarding lives when the mountain highway was first carved out. Old-timers recall that during the early construction of the road, frequent accidents and fatalities created an atmosphere of fear. It was only after special prayers and rituals were offered to Mata Hanogi that work resumed smoothly and accidents declined.
Today, however, in the era of modernisation and four-lane expansion, the sacred shrine of Mata Hanogi finds itself sidelined and neglected. The new highway tunnels bypass the temple completely, leaving what was once a bustling pilgrimage stop almost deserted.
A temple in silence
Where once every passing vehicle stopped for blessings before moving ahead, the temple now sees only a handful of visitors. Priest Acharya Vivek Sharma recalls, “Earlier, daily offerings would amount to Rs 30,000 to Rs 50,000. Now, hardly Rs 100 to Rs 500 comes in a day. The temple looks abandoned as if waiting for its devotees.”
According to him, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the state government have failed to respect the sanctity of the temple. “From the very day four-lane work began, officials ignored this shrine. Not a single rupee has been spent on improving the temple or its approach road. Even a cowshed project was left incomplete. How can the goddess be pleased when she is neglected like this?”
Faith and fear: Locals blame neglect for disasters
This monsoon, Himachal Pradesh has been hit by landslides, mudslides and long traffic jams along the Mandi-Kullu-Manali highway. Locals strongly believe these obstructions are no coincidence.
“Since Mata Hanogi’s temple has been bypassed, accidents, falling boulders and road blockages have increased again,” says temple committee member Man Singh Thakur. “When faith is hurt, nature itself rebels. Until respect is restored to the goddess, such troubles will continue.”
For many, these natural calamities are not just environmental issues but signs of divine displeasure. The contrast between booming tourist traffic on the new four-lane and the deserted temple has deepened this sentiment.
Acknowledging the concerns, Balichowki SDM Devi Ram told The Newz Radar, “I am myself a devotee of Mata Hanogi. I admit her sanctity has been overlooked in the process of development. This entire area belongs to the goddess and no work can succeed here without her consent.”
The official revealed that two proposals have been forwarded to the district headquarters. One suggests relocating the temple near Shala Nala along the new national highway. The other seeks to restore the old approach road so that vehicles can once again pass directly by the temple before merging with the four-lane. “It is now up to the government to decide. But I fully believe Mata’s blessings are essential for the safety of every traveller,” the SDM added.
