An ice lingam formed at Anjani Mahadev temple located in Solang valley near famous hill station of Manali has been luring large number of devotees and tourists, despite bone chilling cold weather.
The state of Himachal Pradesh is reeling under intense cold conditions with both maximum and minimum temperatures settling below normal average. The state has recently witnessed widespread heavy snowfall, which has worsened the situation.
The Shiva lingam is formed every year during the winter season when the temperatures plummet to sub-zero levels. Reportedly, the height of the lingam at present is over 10 feet.
However, this has not dampened the spirits of devotees from making the pilgrimage, who consider the lingam as sacred as the one formed at Amarnath temple in Jammu and Kashmir. The temple is situated above the Solang ski slopes and one has to either trek or take a horse ride to reach the place.
According to Skymet Meteorology Division in India, the valley will continue to witness cold conditions for next few days, as an approaching weather system is expected to give more snow.
During the winters, Solang valley bores a complete white look. The region witnesses heavy snowfall due to Western Disturbances that become frequent during the season. These weather systems are also responsible for affecting the weather in the region to a large extent.
Apart from this, Solang Nala is famous for winter sports such a skiing, paragliding, snow scooter, zorbing etc. Every year thousands of tourists throng the valley for adventure sports, which is just 14 km from Manali.
