Sholan Shoolini Mata Temple- Himachal Pradesh

Address

Sholan Shoolini Mata Temple- Police Line, Saproon, Sholan, Himachal Pradesh 173212

Deity

Amman: Shoolini Mata

Introduction

• Deity: Shoolini Mata is a principal form of Goddess Durga or Parvati, also known as Devi and Shakti.
• Attributes: Represents knowledge, wisdom, creation, preservation, and annihilation; considered the power of Lord Shiva.
• Location: Shoolini Mata Temple is a major attraction in Solan, Himachal Pradesh, named after the deity.
• History: Believed to be over 1000 years old; predates the founding of Solan.
• Crowd Attraction: The temple draws large crowds, especially on auspicious days.

Puranic Significance

• Mythological Context:
  • Associated with the time when Lord Vishnu manifested as Lord Narasimha to save Prahlada.
  • Narasimha, after defeating the demon Hranyakashyapu, entered a destructive rage that even the Devas could not calm.
• Shiva’s Intervention:
  • Lord Shiva took the form of Sharabha (part bird, part lion) to tame Narasimha.
  • Goddess Parvati manifested as Maa Shoolini in the right wing of Sharabha, wielding a weapon called ‘Shool’ (also referred to as Shool Dharini or Shoolini Durga).
• Conflict:
  • After Sharabha’s emergence, Narasimha transformed into Gandaberunda, a two-headed beast, leading to a fierce battle.
  • Goddess Shoolini and Goddess Pratyangira emerged from Sharabha, with Shoolini defeating Gandaberunda while Shiva pacified Narasimha.
• Cultural Significance:
  • The Shoolini Mela is celebrated in the last week of June, honoring Goddess Shoolini and commemorating her visit to her elder sister.

Special Features

• Shoolini Mela:
  • Celebrated in the last week of June, it marks the three-day visit of Goddess Shoolini Devi to her sister.
  • Devotees from Solan and nearby regions gather to celebrate.
• Procession:
  • Goddess Shoolini is carried in an ornate palanquin during the procession through Solan.
  • The final destination is the Mata Durga Temple in Ganj Bazar, regarded as the abode of her sister.
• Celebration of Return:
  • The return journey of Goddess Shoolini is marked with even greater pomp on the last day of the Mela.
  • The third day of the festival is characterized by a massive influx of devotees, creating a vibrant atmosphere in Solan.

Century/Period/Age

1000 Years old

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Nearest Bus Station

Sholan

Nearest Railway Station

Barog Station

Nearest Airport

Chandigarh

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