SIRMUR

The linga, 101 mm (four inches) high and as many in girth, is known as Devi Bhangain, and is never clothed or ornamented. There is no special priest and pilgrims bring their own brahmins. This practice of bringing one's own priests is an unusual custom in this area. A particular legend is associated with Simlasan Devi at Dadholi (tahsil Pachhad). It is not known how and when a temple to this Devi came into existence in this village.

The tradition, still current, would have us b0im that the first temple of this Devi was constructed at Shamlota, in tahsil Naraingarh of Ambala district. In the ancient times a war broke out between the gods and the demons. The gods considering themselves unequal to their enemies, especially Shumbh and Nishumbh, created this "Devi" goddess with eight arms ' and deputed her to kill the demons, which she successfully did after sanguine and pitched battles.

Being of fierce and fighting nature and loft without any work after the defeat of the demons, the Devi turned to attack her creators. Much oppressed, they petitioned to Lord Shiva to rescue them who asked the Devi to stop killing. The Devi inquired as to what she should then do. She was directed to stay at Shamlota where, during the "Kaliyug" (dark age), she would be widely worshipped. In the course of time a temple was also constructed to her at Chalog in tahsil Pachhad.

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