A massive fire on Friday destroyed the nearly 200-year-old Gird Mata Temple, a sacred place of worship, located atop a rock in Gird village of Khundel Gram Panchayat under the Bharmour Assembly constituency.
The fire reportedly broke out around 3.30 pm and within a short time reduced the historic wooden shrine to ashes.
Locals said flames suddenly engulfed the temple, which was built mainly of finely carved deodar (cedar) wood, leaving very little time for any rescue efforts.
Marble, black stone and brass idols kept inside the sanctum were damaged, while the beautifully carved wooden structure — a fine example of traditional Chamba temple art — was completely destroyed. Initial estimates put the loss at several lakh rupees.
Khundel Panchayat Pradhan Ratna Thakur said the exact cause of the fire was yet to be confirmed, though an electrical short circuit is suspected. He added that the temple remains closed every year from December to April 13, ruling out the presence of priests or devotees at the time.
After receiving the information, villagers rushed to the spot and tried to put out the fire using whatever means were available. Their efforts continued late into the night amid scenes of grief and distress.
Bharmour MLA Dr Janak Raj and Market Committee Chairman Lalit Thakur expressed deep sorrow over the incident. They said the district administration has been asked to assess the damage and begin relief and restoration work.
The Gird Mata Temple holds deep religious importance for the Gaddi tribe and other hill communities and is considered a vital part of Chamba’s ancient cultural heritage. Senior IAS officer Onkar Chand Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary (Tribal Development), who is known for his deep faith in the deity, also expressed grief over the loss of the historic shrine.
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