Religion: The fragrance of incense wafts through the Shivalaya (Su Tir Theswar Mahadev) mandir or temple as more than a hundred devotees, both young and old, offer their prayers to Shiva.

It is the last day of the auspicious Srawan Maas ritual, which began on July 25, and devotees sing divine songs to please Shiva. The ritual concluded on August 15.

People from across the country visited the Shivalaya mandir in Samtse during this period.

Devotees brought fresh water from rivers and springs early in the morning to offer Shiva every Monday. Many devotees of Shiva from across the border also visited the temple to make offerings.

Pandit Tikaram Upadhya explained that the Srawan Maas ritual is a very auspicious month for devotion. It is during this time that there are more clouds in the sky and more rain will fall, he said, adding that people will be focused on this weather phenomenon.

Pandit Tikaram Upadhya said that this is a time for devotion and prayer.

A devotee, Man Maya Rai, said that she is very happy that the temple has been constructed and gifted to the people by His Majesty The King.

“This type of mandir is not available everywhere,” she said. “I feel at peace when I’m here.”

The Shivalaya mandir was constructed in 2015 to commemorate the 60th Birth Anniversary of the Fourth Druk Gyalpo.

Rajesh Rai | Samtse