Top 10 Famous Temples in Himachal Pradesh to Visit
Amidst the majestic Himalayas, Himachal Pradesh is a land of serene beauty and spiritual sanctity. Renowned for its snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and pristine rivers, this northern Indian state beckons travellers seeking tranquillity and adventure.
Temples in Himachal Pradesh combine natural splendour with spirituality, offering a transcendent experience, each narrating tales of devotion and heritage.
List of Temples in Himachal Pradesh
10 Best Temples to Visit in Himachal Pradesh
Explore the divine allure of Himachal Pradesh with these top 10 temples; here are those 10 temples:
1. Hadimba Devi Temple | Manali
Situated in the lush greenery of Manali, Hadimba Devi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Hadimba, the wife of Bhima from the Mahabharata. The temple's unique architecture and tranquil surroundings attract devotees and tourists alike.
- Best Time to Visit: April to June.
- Temple Timings: Open daily, 24 hours.
- How to Reach: Accessible by road from Manali town.
- Nearby Railway Station: Joginder Nagar Railway Station.
- Nearby Airport: Bhuntar Airport.
- Nearby Bus Station: Manali Bus Stand.
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2. Shaktipeeth Mata Jawala Ji Temple | Kangra
Located in Kangra, Shakti Peeth Mata Jwala Ji Temple is renowned for its eternal flame, which is believed to be the manifestation of Goddess Jwala. Devotees flock here, seeking blessings and witnessing the divine aura surrounding the temple.
- Best Time to Visit: March to October.
- Temple Timings: Open daily from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
- How to Reach: Easily accessible by road from Kangra town.
- Nearby Railway Station: Kangra Mandir Railway Station.
- Nearby Airport: Gaggal Airport.
- Nearby Bus Station: Kangra Bus Stand.
3. Shakti Peeth Shri Chamunda Devi Temple | Kangra
Shakti Peeth Shri Chamunda Devi Temple is revered as one of the Shakti Peeths, where the goddess' hair fell. Dedicated to Goddess Chamunda, an incarnation of Goddess Durga, this temple exudes a spiritual aura and architectural beauty.
- Best Time to Visit: March to June.
- Temple Timings: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
- How to Reach: Accessible by road from Kangra town. Visitors can also trek to the temple from nearby areas.
- Nearby Railway Station: Kangra Mandir Railway Station.
- Nearby Airport: Gaggal Airport.
- Nearby Bus Station: Kangra Bus Stand.
4. Mata Shri Naina Devi Temple | Bilaspur
Perched atop a hill in Bilaspur, Mata Shri Naina Devi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Naina Devi, a manifestation of Goddess Durga. Pilgrims flock here to seek blessings and witness the panoramic views of the surrounding hills.
- Best Time to Visit: July to November.
- Table Timings: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
- How to Reach: Accessible via a cable car or a trek from the base of the hill.
- Nearby Railway Station: Anandpur Sahib Railway Station.
- Nearby Airport: Chandigarh Airport.
- Nearby Bus Station: Naina Devi Bus Stand.
5. Shri Baijnath Temple | Baijnath
Located in the Kangra Valley, Baijnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its exquisite architecture and spiritual significance. Devotees throng here to seek blessings and witness the ancient temple's serene ambience.
- Best Time to Visit: March to June.
- Temple Timings: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
- How to Reach: Easily accessible by road from Palampur town.
- Nearby Railway Station: Baijnath Paprola Railway Station.
- Nearby Airport: Gaggal Airport.
- Nearby Bus Station: Baijnath Bus Stand.
6. Shri Bhima Kali Ji Temple | Sarahan
Shri Bhimakali Ji Temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhimakali, a form of Goddess Durga. The temple's architectural grandeur and serene surroundings make it a popular pilgrimage destination for devotees seeking blessings.
- Best Time to Visit: April to June.
- Temple Timings: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
- How to Reach: Accessible by road from Shimla town.
- Nearby Railway Station: Shimla Railway Station.
- Nearby Airport: Jubbarhatti Airport, Shimla.
- Nearby Bus Station: Sarahan Bus Stand.
7. Shri Maa Chintpurni Temple | Una District
Situated in Una District, Chintpurni Temple is dedicated to Goddess Chintpurni, also known as Mata Shri Chhinnamastika Devi. Devotees visit this sacred shrine to seek blessings and fulfilment of their wishes amidst the serene surroundings.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March.
- Temple Timings: Open daily from 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
- How to Reach: Easily accessible by road from Una town.
- Nearby Railway Station: Una Himachal Railway Station.
- Nearby Airport: Gaggal Airport.
- Nearby Bus Station: Chintpurni Bus Stand.
8. Gurudwara Sahib Manikaran | Manikaran
Located in Kullu, Gurdwara Sahib Manikaran is a revered Sikh pilgrimage site renowned for its hot springs and spiritual significance. Devotees and tourists visit this sacred place to seek blessings and immerse themselves in the divine atmosphere.
- Best Time to Visit: May to June and September to November.
- Temple Timings: Open daily, 24 hours.
- How to Reach: Easily accessible by road from Kullu town.
- Nearby Railway Station: Bhuntar Railway Station.
- Nearby Airport: Bhuntar Airport.
- Nearby Bus Station: Manikaran Bus Stand.
9. Shri Hanuman Temple | Jakhoo
Perched atop Jakhoo Hill in Shimla, Shri Hanuman Temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. It is renowned for its towering statue of Lord Hanuman and offers panoramic views of Shimla city. Devotees visit to seek blessings and witness the temple's serene surroundings.
- Best Time to Visit: March to June.
- Timings: Open daily from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
- How to Reach: Accessible by road or a trek from Shimla town.
- Nearby Railway Station: Shimla Railway Station.
- Nearby Airport: Jubbarhatti Airport, Shimla.
- Nearby Bus Station: Shimla Bus Stand.
10. Shakti Peeth Shri Bajreshwari Devi Temple | Kangra
Shaktipeeth Shri Bajreshwari Temple is dedicated to Goddess Vajreshwari, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. It is one of the oldest and most revered temples in Himachal Pradesh, attracting devotees from far and wide who are seeking blessings and spiritual solace.
- Best Time to Visit: March to June.
- Timings: Open daily from 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM (4:30 AM to 7:30 PM on Sunday).
- How to Reach: Easily accessible by road from Kangra town.
- Nearby Railway Station: Kangra Mandir Railway Station.
- Nearby Airport: Gaggal Airport.
- Nearby Bus Station: Kangra Bus Stand.
Explore the divine realm of Himachal Pradesh through its sacred temples, each a testament to the region's rich cultural heritage and spiritual significance. From the tranquil ambience of Hadimba Devi Temple to the majestic presence of Shaktipeeth Mata Jwala Ji Temple, these sacred sites offer solace, blessings, and a profound connection to the divine.
FAQs about Temples to Visit in Himachal Pradesh, India
What are the lesser-known rituals performed at Hadimba Temple in Manali?
Explore the unique rituals like the "Dhungri Mela" and "Bhog Ceremony" that add to the temple's cultural significance.
What makes the location of Bhimakali Temple in Sarahan, Shimla, particularly significant?
Bhimakali Temple's location in Sarahan, Shimla, holds historical significance as it is believed to be the site where the ear of Goddess Sati fell during the Daksha Yagna. This sacred spot is revered as one of the Shakti Peeths, making it a spiritually significant pilgrimage destination.
Are there any folklore or legends associated with the origin of Jwala Ji Temple's eternal flame in Kangra?
Yes, According to local folklore, the eternal flame at Jwala Ji Temple is believed to have been burning since ancient times, symbolizing the divine power of Goddess Jwala. Legend has it that the flame emerged from the ground spontaneously, signifying the goddess' presence and divine energy.
Which are the 4 Devi temples in Himachal Pradesh?
The four devis are Jwalaji, Chintapurni Devi, Nayana Devi, and Brajeshwari Devi, and according to tradition, Goddess Sati's tongue, feet, eyes, and left breast fell at these locations.
Which is the old temple in Himachal Pradesh?
Baijnath Temple in Baijnath is one of the oldest temples in Himachal Pradesh, dating back to ancient times.
Which Shaktipeeth is most famous in Himachal Pradesh?
Shaktipeeth Shri Chamunda Devi Temple in Kangra is one of the most famous Shaktipeeths in Himachal Pradesh.
What is the style of temple in Himachal Pradesh?
The temples in Himachal Pradesh typically feature traditional Himachali architecture, known for its wooden carvings, sloping roofs, and intricate designs.
What is the temple food of Himachal Pradesh?
The temple food of Himachal Pradesh often includes simple vegetarian dishes such as dal, rice, sabzi, roti, and kheer, prepared with locally sourced ingredients and served as prasad to devotees.
What is the famous festival in Himachal Pradesh?
The famous festival of Himachal Pradesh is "Dussehra," celebrated with grand processions and cultural events, particularly Kullu Dussehra in the Kullu region.
Which is the oldest fair in Himachal Pradesh?
The Lavi Fair in Rampur Bushahr, dating back to the 17th century, is among the oldest and most renowned fairs in Himachal Pradesh, fostering trade in wool, dry fruits, and handicrafts.
Why is Himachal Pradesh known as the Land of Gods?
Himachal Pradesh is called the "Land of Gods" or "Dev Bhoomi" due to its mention in ancient Hindu texts and the multitude of historical temples found across the state, highlighting its spiritual significance.
Why is Manikaran Sahib water hot?
Deep fissures in the Parvati Valley allow water from the Parvati River to percolate and heat up underground. This heated water then gushes upward at Manikaran, creating hot springs.