Located about 20 km from the city of Chandigarh is the Saketri Mandir. A very ancient temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is believed to be existing since 500 years. The temple is famous for its Shivrathri celebrations. On this auspicious day of the Lord, thousands of devotees throng the shrine to get His  blessings.

location Haryana, Panchkula, Chandigarh

Architecture

This temple is unique in construction. Built in white marble the temple has four well cut cones of equal height with gold plated domes on the top.  Red flags fly across the shrine as well as on the top of these shikaras. The idol is a Shivling adorned with colourful flowers and has a silver bottom part. A silver snake form can be seen near the idol. The temple is richly decorated during Shivrathri.

Culture

Panchkula city lies near Chandigarh and is considered the satellite city of the same. Saketri  is a small village in the Panchkula district.

Pic Courtesy : ChandigarhCity.Com

Darsan Info

The temple witnesses a large crowd of devotees during Shivrathri.

Darsan Dresscode

Devotees are advised to wear clean and conservative attire.

Famous Festival

March - Mahashivrathri

Temple Rituals

The priests perform the regular puja and rituals to the deity

Special Rituals

During Mahashivratri, Lord Shiva will be given bath or abhisheka with five sacred things known as panchagavya. They are butter, milk, cow urine, sour milk and cow dung. Five types of food items like curd, clarified butter, milk, sugar and honey are also offered to Shivlinga.

Additional Info
 

The temple food court provides food for the devotees. More restaurant options are available at Chandigarh or Panchkula