Punjab Newsline | Shimla
A large number of devotees are visiting Himachal Pradesh’s prominent Shaktipeeths during Sharadiya Navratri. More than 1.65 lakh devotees have paid obeisance at six major temples in the first three days of the festival, reflecting the growing religious fervour among pilgrims.
Apart from the major Shaktipeeths, other temples dedicated to Goddess Durga are also witnessing a heavy rush of devotees from morning till evening. In view of the increasing footfall, the timings of several Shaktipeeths and other देवी temples have been adjusted to facilitate darshan.
The Shri Naina Devi Temple, Maa Chintpurni Temple and Maa Jwalamukhi Temple are witnessing a significant influx of pilgrims. Heavy footfall has also been reported at the Bala Sundari Temple in Sirmaur district.
Devotees from Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and Jammu are arriving in large numbers to seek the blessings of the Goddess during the auspicious festival.
Darshan Timings Extended at Major Temples
Considering the rush, the timings for devotees have been revised at several prominent shrines. The doors of the Shri Naina Devi Temple are being opened as early as 3 am, with devotees allowed to have darshan until 11:30 pm.
At the Maa Chintpurni Temple, darshan begins at 4 am. Meanwhile, the Maa Jwalamukhi, Maa Bajreshwari Devi and Maa Chamunda Devi temples open for devotees at 5 am.
The temple premises begin witnessing a steady influx of pilgrims early in the morning, while long queues continue well into the evening.
Security Tightened at Shri Naina Devi Temple
To manage the heavy rush and ensure the safety of devotees, security arrangements have been strengthened at the Shri Naina Devi Temple. More than 450 police personnel and Home Guards have been deployed at the shrine.
Authorities are taking measures to regulate the movement of pilgrims and facilitate smooth darshan during the Navratri celebrations, when temples across Himachal Pradesh attract devotees from neighbouring states.
