Himachal Pradesh, one of the most picturesque states of India, is surrounded by the lofty Himalayas. This hilly state is called Devbhoomi or the Land of Gods. Not only is this place famous for tourism, but also attracts devotees from across the country to its temples. Himachal Pradesh has a rich mythological past which is narrated through some of the most interesting temples of India. Said to be the home of Lord Shiva, Parvati and other celestial beings, Himachal Pradesh is a divine land for all Hindus. From one of the largest statues of Hanuman to Sakthipeetam, the temples in Himachal Pradesh have always been the favourite religious destination for Hindus. In this article, we cover some of the most popular temples of Himachal Pradesh, which can leave you mesmerized.
Famous Temples In Himachal Pradesh:
Here is a list of the top 9 Best Temples in Himachal Pradesh you must visit:
1. Jwalamukhi Devi Temple in Kangra District:
Jwalamukhi Devi Temple situated at Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh is dedicated to Goddess Jwalamukhi, the deity of flaming mouth. The deity is worshipped in the form of flames which come out from the crevices of the rock. The sacred flames in the pit are generally offered milk and water and the deity is offered bhog or rabri. Havan and aarti are performed daily and portions of Durga Saptasati are recited. It is identified as one of the 52 Shakti Peethas and a significant one too.
2. Hidimba Devi Temple In Manali:
Hidimba Devi temple or Hadimba temple is located in the beautiful hill station, Manali. It is dedicated to a figure from the Indian epic Mahabharata named Hidimba Devi, sister of Hidimba and is an ancient cave temple. It was built in 1553 and is surrounded by a cedar forest at the foot of the Himalayas. The temple inside has the imprint of the feet of the Goddess carved on a block of stone which is worshipped.
[See Also: Wonderful Festivals and Fairs in Himachal Pradesh]
3. Chhinnamastika Devi Temple:
Chhinnamastika Devi temple in Chintpurni is a major pilgrimage centre as it is one of the Shakti Peethas in India. It is surrounded by the western Himalayas in the north and east in the smaller Shivalik range. The temple is dedicated to Chhinnamasta or Chinnamastika Devi and is one of the 7 major and 51 total Shakti Peethas. It is believed that part of Sati’s forehead fell at this place and thus Chhinnamasta is said to be the severe-headed one or the fore headed-one. The fairs during Navaratri and Chaitra are widely popular here.
4. Mahakali Banni Mata Temple In Chamba District:
Mahakali Banni Mata temple located in Chamba district is a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Kali Devi. It is situated at a height of 8,500 feet, right at the base of PirRanjai range, surrounded by dense forests at the foot of the Himalayas. This is a very important temple mostly for people from the Bharmour region. Here, it is believed that Goddess Kali grants wishes and gives children to couples who are unable to have any. Kali puja is widely celebrated here.
5. Shri Bhima Kali Temple At Sarahan:
Shri Bhima Kali temple is located at Sarahan is dedicated to the mother Goddess Bhimakali who is also the presiding deity of the temple. This temple is also one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. It is believed that the ear of Sati fell at this place and an icon of this eternal Goddess presides at the top story of the building. Goddess Parvati is also enshrined as a divine consort of Lord Shiva.
6. Himani Chamunda Temple In Kangra Valley:
Himani Chamunda temple is located in Kangra Valley in the Himalayas and is a Hindu temple dedicated to Devi Chamnunda. It was built sometime around 1660. Devi Chamunda or Chamundi is the Hindu Divine Mother and one of the seven Mother Goddesses. The goddess is worshipped by offering animal sacrifices and liquor. One has to trek 7.4 kilometres one way from Jia village to reach the temple.
[See Also: Best Waterfalls in Himachal Pradesh]
7. Trilokinath Temple At Tunde:
Sri Trilokinath temple is located at Tunde which is 6 km south of the left bank of River Chenab. The temple is considered to be sacred both by Tibetan Buddhists and Hindus. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva whose another name was Trilokinath which means ‘Lord of the Three Worlds’. Although locales believe that it originally used to be a Buddhist vihara or monastery. The temple has a large granite lingam and a Nandi or bull representing Lord Shiva along with Buddhist prayer wheels. The three-day Parauri festival is celebrated in August by both Hindus and Buddhists.
8. Jakhoo Temple In Shimla:
Jakhoo temple is an ancient temple located in Shimla dedicated to Lord Hanumana. A giant 108-feet-high idol of Lord Hanumana or the Monkey God is situated at the temple which is considered to be the world’s largest statue. A big festival in the time of Dussehra is celebrated in the temple.
9. Masroor Rock Cut Temple In Masroor:
Masroor Rock Cut Temple is situated at Masroor in Kangra valley district. It’s Vaishnavite temples and is a complex of monolithic rock-cut temples which was built between 6th to 8th centuries. The temple has idols of Ram, Lakshman and Sita and has 15 tower temples. There are also figurines of gods and goddesses such as Shiva, Parvati, Lakshmi and Saraswati.
District-wise List Of Famous Temples In Himachal Pradesh :
Check out the famous temples in each district of Himachal Pradesh to help you prepare your bucket list:
1. Bilaspur:
- Baba Nahar Singh Ji Temple
- Laxmi Narayan Mandir
- Baba Nahar Singh Temple
- Rishi Markandeya Temple
- Mata Vaishno Temple
2. Chamba:
- Chamunda Mata Temple
- Sui Mata Temple
- Laxmi Narayana Temple
- Shri Hari Rai Temple
- Vaishno Mata Temple
3. Hamirpur:
- Shiv Temple
- Gasota Mahadev Temple
- Jai MaaSindhuri, Hamirpur
- Baba Balak Nath
- Hanuman Temple
4. Kangra:
- Mata Shri Bajreshwari Devi Mandir
- Shiv Temple
- Gupt Ganga Temple
- Jain Mandir
- Sada Shiv Mandir
5. Kinnaur:
- Mathi Temple
- Chandika Devi Temple
- Maheshwar Temple
- Parkashankres Temple Powari
- Chandika Devi Killa
6. Kullu:
- Sheetla Mata Mandir
- Bhootnath Temple
- Raghunath Temple
- Hanuman Temple Tapu
- Shani Dev Temple
7. Lahaul and Spiti:
- Triloknath Temple
- Tabo Monastery
- Mahadev Mailing Dehra
- Mahadev Temple Mailing
- Shree Buhari Temple
8. Mandi:
- Bhimakali Temple
- Bhootnath Mandir
- Triloknath Temple
- Tarna Temple
- Shyamakali Temple
9. Shimla:
- Jakhu Temple
- Kali Bari Temple, Shimla
- Ram Mandir
- Kamna Devi Temple
- Vaishno Devi Temple
10. Sirmaur:
- Lalita Devi Temple
- MaaBhangayni Temple
- MaaBalaSundari Temple
- Shirgul Maharaj Temple
- Mata Renuka Ji Temple
11. Solan:
- Shoolini Temple
- Jatoli Temple
- Kali Mata Mandir
- Panch Parmeshwar Temple
- Chamunda Mandir Kather
12. Una:
- Sheetla Mata Mandir Una
- Shiv Mandir
- Peer baba temple
- Hanumanji Temple
- Mandir Baba Bal Ji Maharaj
[See Also: Best Churches in Himachal Pradesh]
Himachal Pradesh is one of the top destinations for tourists in India, primarily for its snow-capped mountains and its picture-perfect locations. However, not many know that this is also a most visited Pilgrim destination for Hindu devotees. The state has some beautiful temples, and some are centuries old. Each of these temples has a history associated with them to stir the interest of the visitors. As it is a snowy place, a majority of these temples are constructed with wood and resemble pagoda style construction. We hope this article helped you shortlist the best temples you should visit during your stay in Himachal Pradesh.
