Last Updated At: 21-Feb-2023
The Land of Gods, Himachal Pradesh is famous for many significant temples in India. Also famous as Dev Bhoomi, it indeed is a little piece of heaven where Gods chose to reside. This sacred land is a shelter for many celestial beings and has an intriguing mythical past.
One of the most significant mythological fables that are attached to many temples says that grief-stricken Lord Shiva was performing Tandava by carrying the corpse of his beloved, Goddess Sati. In order to stop the destruction, Lord Vishnu emerged and slashed Sati’s body in 51 parts and a few parts of her body fell at various places of Dev Bhumi. These places are famous as Shaktipeeths and hold strong religious significance in Hindu culture.
These sacred shrines behold beauty from ancient times that attracts pilgrims from all over the world. If you wish to seek spiritual awakening, a Temple tour to Himachal Pradesh would pave your path for the most profound journey of a lifetime.
Adotrip would take you closer to your spiritual self and enlighten you with mythical and engrossing stories of the most revered temples in Himachal Pradesh!
Located in the Hamirpur District of Himachal Pradesh, Deotsidh temple is a cave temple. The temple is dedicated to a famous Sage, Baba Balak Nath, who is believed to have meditated here. He was a popular spiritual reformer who is known for his contribution to the Shakti Movement. His acts of philanthropy are remembered to date. This lovely cave temple, nestled amidst verdant, undulating landscape, is inaccessible. It is possible to see the deity only from a raised platform constructed right in front of the temple. It is one of the most famous temples in Himachal Pradesh that attracts many devotees and visitors, especially on Sundays, and offers rota to the deity. It is an Indian flour-based sweet. Special occasions like Navratra and Holi attract huge crowds to the temple. Visitors also love enjoying a thrilling cable car ride to Shah Talai, which starts from a short distance from the temple. When visiting this area, do make it a point to visit this temple and seek the blessings of the sage.
One of the most popular Devi temples in Himachal Pradesh, the Baglamukhi temple, is a Siddha Peeth. It is located approximately 30 km away from the Kangra District and attracts Hindu devotees in large numbers. Two other temples located in the vicinity of this temple are Chintapurni Temple and Jwala Ji. Both temples are renowned in the area. The temple dedicated to Baglamukhi Devi has a lot of religious and spiritual significance. Baglamukhi Devi is considered as one of the ten Mahavidyas, the Devi who destroys the evil. The unique aspect of this temple is its yellow-colored façade. It is believed that yellow is the favorite color of Devi. Hence all walls and interiors of the temple are painted in yellow color. Moreover, this color is also considered very auspicious. Devotees coming to the temple to seek the blessings of the Goddess wear yellow clothes and offer yellow sweets like Besan Ke Laddu.
The temple of Goddess Bajreshwari Devi is located in the heart of Kangra town. Devi Brajeshwari is considered the incarnation of Goddess Durga. As the legend goes, this temple came into existence when Pandavas came to this area during the Mahabharata era. Pandavas are believed to have paid their respect to the deity and built a temple in her honor. Over the centuries, the temple was plundered several times as stories of its riches and fame were widespread. In 1009 AD, Mahmud of Ghazni carried away many valuables, gold, diamonds, etc., donated by the devotees over the Khyber Pass. This temple has witnessed many invasions, and every time it was invaded, it was rebuilt and restored to its past glory. It is a beautiful temple with amazing architectural features.
Jwala Devi Temple is another very popular Devi Temple in Himachal Pradesh. One of the most striking features of this temple is the eternal flame burning in a hollow rock for thousands of years. It is believed that this flame burns due to the presence of natural gas in the rock. This hollow rock is considered the manifestation of Goddess Jwala Ji. Navratri in March-April and September-October see throngs of devotees visiting the temple to seek blessings from the deity. A gold-colored dome is built over the Garbhgriha or the sanctum sanctorum to protect the natural flame burning relentlessly. The temple is approximately 35 km from Kangra and 55 km from Dharamshala.
Located in Sarahan, Shimla, the Bhimkali Temple commemorates the all-powerful manifestation of the Goddess Bhimkali. This temple is multi-storeyed and has a twin temple complex which is styled like a hill fortress. Its architectural features make it stand apart from other temples in the area. The temple is located on high ground, commanding majestic views of towering peaks covered in snow. The entire area is blanketed in emerald green, making it a very scenic and attractive place. This temple attracts a lot of pilgrims and devotees every year. The Goddess Bhimkali is considered the destroyer of evil and Kuldevi or the patronizing deity of the Bushair princely state. During Navratri, fairs are held close to the temple that attracts a lot of visitors.
Nestled amidst the serene valleys of Chamba is a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Laxmi Narayan, the manifestation of Lord Vishnu. Raja Sahil Verman built the temple in the 10th Century. This main shrine in Chamba has a lovely Garbhgriha, Shikhara or Bimana, mandapa, and an antarala. Wooden Chattris and the shell roof of the temple keep it safe and protected against rains and snowfall. The metallic image of the mount of Lord Vishnu, Garuda, is one of the striking features of the temple. The architectural and historical significance of the temple has made it quite popular among discerning visitors to Himachal Pradesh. There are six temples on the premises dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The temple opens from 6 am to 12:30 pm and from 2:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
The famous Chaurasi Temple is located in the heart of Bharmaur Town. It is a 7th Century temple. The complex has 84 temples dedicated to 84 siddhis and yogis. An ornate and opulent structure decorates the entrance to the temple complex. The temple is dedicated to Lord Mani Mahesh, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. Another temple in the complex that attracts huge crowds is dedicated to Goddess Lakshana Devi. Devotees believe that their pilgrimage to Lake Manimahesh is incomplete a visit to the famous Chaurasi Temple, located approximately 65 km from Chamba.