Located about 20 km from the city of Chandigarh is a renowned historical temple called Saketri Shiva Temple. This beautifully constructed temple is wholly dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is thronged by large number of devotees during the occasion of Shivratri. About 5 km from this Shiva temple is the Mansa Devi temple. More than thousands of devotees target this shrine on Shivratri day to obtain the blessings of Lord Shiva.  Lord Shiva is one among the gods in Hindu trinity of the great Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. On this concept, Brahma is known to be the creator, Vishnu is known as preserver and Shiva is known to be destroyer. Shiva was basically known as tribal lord during Indus Valley Civilization, even before the notion of Vishnu or Brahma came to existence. Lord Shiva is referred to be eternal and boundless. The famous Mahashivratri festival is known to be celebrated in honor of God Shiva, the third lord in the Hindu Trinity. This festival is celebrated annually on 14th night of new moon at the dark half month of Phalguna. During this period, celebrations take place all over the country. All over the country, people keep fasting and perform ritual prayers during night time. There is a belief that Parvati enquired Shiva as which vrata is considered to be the best to acquire maximum puniya and also his bhakti, Shiva replied her referring this auspicious day. During this period of Mahashivratri, Lord Shiva will be given bath with five sacred products of cow, commonly known as panchagavya-butter, milk, urine, sour milk and cow dung. Followed by this, the five types of food items which are known to symbolize immortality like curd, clarified butter, milk, sugar and honey are offered to Shivlinga.

Best Time to Visit

The city of Chandigarh carries a well defined seasons comprising of mixed cool and hot climates. Ideal time to visit this place is during the months of September – March.

Maximum temperature during winter season (November to February) lies 7°C to 20°C, whereas the minimum will be around 2°C to 5°C. The climate will be generally frosting.

The summer season (March to May) turns out to be very hot with the temperature of about 35°C to 42 degree C during maximum number of days where the maximum temperature goes up to 45 °C. literally tourists avoid visiting this place during peak summer days in April and May.

The monsoon season (June to August) is generally humid and sticky, which decreases the temperature of the scorching summer days. The city of Chandigarh seems to liven up during the monsoon season.

The autumn season (September to October) carries a temperature of 13°C to 36°C which is generally moderate and also pleasant. This is the best time to start tourism in this city.

Any kind of outdoor activities including sightseeing is best during the months of September to March. Especially June to August is really attractive with a big relief from the hot climatic conditions and is best for short city tours. The months of April and May are ideal for indoor functions.

How to Reach

By Air:-  A domestic airport is situated in Chandigarh city which is well linked to all the important places in India. Indian Airlines and Deccan Airways operate regularly from Delhi to Chandigarh.

By Rail:- The city of Chandigarh has got its own railway stations connected to all the parts of our country. The city can be easily reached from Delhi through Himalayan Queen, Jan Shatabdi and Shatabdi express.

By Road:- The city is located about 250 km from Delhi. National Highways 21 and 22 pass through this city, making them easily reachable through road. One can also avail taxis and bus service to reach this city from all the nearby cities.

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