As much as Himachal Pradesh is known for its natural beauty, the same is also due to the traditions here. There are about two thousand temples in Himachal Pradesh and about every temple has its own interesting story.
As interesting as it might sound, there is a temple– the Shungchul Mahadev of the Shangarh village of Kullu, where lovers couple fleeing home get shelter.
This temple is related to the Mahabharata era. The Shangarh village in Kullu is located in Sainj Valley where there are many historical heritage of Pandava’s period. One of these is the Shungchul Mahadev Temple where the lovers fleeing home get shelter.
Here the god acts as a protector for lover couples who get married by breaking the rituals of society and community. Here is only the law of god. This temple was burnt, it has been rebuilt.
Among the beauty of nature, it is believed that if a lover couple of any caste reach at this place, then no one can say anything to them. When any lovers who turned down from the society once reached here, then there no one can harm them. The people of the village protect these couples under the order of the god.
There are restrictions on the arrival of the police in this village, following the rules of its heritage. Along with this, it is forbidden to bring liquor, cigarettes and leather goods. It is forbidden to carry weapons here. No one here can fight or quarrel and you cannot speak in a loud voice here. Here only God’s decision is valid. Until the affairs of the lovers are settled, Brahmin community of the temple performs their duties for them.
The area of Shungchul Mahadev Temple is about 100 Bigha (Bigha is a traditional scale for measuring the land in some parts of India and in Nepal and Bangladesh , which is still used) of land.
It is said that Pandavas stayed here for some time at the time of Agyatvas (live in an unfamiliar location known by no one). Kauravas came here after chasing them. The Shungchul Mahadev stopped the Kauravas and said that this is my area and anyone who comes in my shelter, then no one can harm them. From the fear of Mahadev, Kauravas returned back.
Since then, every time a person or a lover left a society, here comes to take refuge, Mahadev protect them. After this tradition started here and the devotees who came here got complete protection. It is said that as long as the matter is not settled, the people of the Brahmin community fully appreciate the people who come here.
Every year, especially lovers, couples visit this temple.
Agencies