In the 7th century, Bilaspur was the capital of Bilaspur state, also known as Kahlur. At that time Chandel rajputs were the rulers and they asserted ancestry from Chanderi rulers who are presently in Madhya Pradesh. This town of Himachal was founded in 1663. Later it was under the  British of Punjab. In 1665, Guru Teg Bahadur went to the funeral of Raja Dip Chand of Bilaspur. He was offered a piece of land worth Rs 500 by Rani Champa of Bilaspur. Later Guru Teg Bahadur created his settlement on these grounds and named it after Nanaki (his mother’s name). Later in 1948, Raja Anand Chand acceded it to the Government of India. By an act of the Indian parliament, Bilaspur was made a separate district on July 1, 1954. The Old Bilaspur was immersed in the Satluj River when the river was dammed as Govind Sagar Lake and the new Bilaspur was built on the uphill. This town houses several prehistoric temples of cultural and religious importance. Such as Mata Naina Devi, Basandi Temple, Laxmi Narayan Temple, etc. Each temple has a unique story associated. Let’s explore some Famous Temples of Bilaspur.

1. Mata Naina Devi Temple

2. Laxmi Narayan Temple

3. Rishi Markandeya Temple

4. Baba Basandi Temple

5. Vyas Gufa

1. Mata Naina Devi Temple 

Mata Naina Devi is considered one of the Famous Shakti Peeth of Durga. It is located on the triangular hilltop of Bilaspur. There are so many folktales associated with the temple. One of the stories related to this temple is Goddess Parvati’s, Sati roop. Lord Vishnu cut the body parts of Sati’s body into 51 pieces to save the world from destruction that may result from the anger of Goddess Sati in her father’s yajna. Her husband, Lord Shiva was insulted for not being invited to that Yajna. She burnt herself in the same holy fire of the  yajna. One of her body parts fell here in Bilaspur and that is her eyes. And after then this Shaktipeeth was named as Naina Devi. A Ropeway facility is also available for the pilgrims to this Famous Temple of Bilaspur.

2. Laxmi Narayan Temple

This Famous Temple in Bilaspur is located near its Bus Stand. Temple architecture is Shikhara style. This Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi. The original temple was submerged in Govind Sagar Lake. Along with the idols of Laxmi Narayan, there are so many idols of other Hindu deities like Lord Ranganath, Lord Shiva, Maa Durga, and Baba Bangali. Earlier Lord Ranganath’s idol was in the old Bilaspur but later it was re-installed in Laxmi Narayan Temple. Every year thousands of pilgrims pay a visit to this temple and seek blessings.

3. Rishi Markandeya Temple

This Famous Bilaspur temple is dedicated to Rishi Markandeya and is situated 20 km from Bilaspur. Temple is away from the hustle and bustle of city life as it is located amidst the serene environs and tranquil your soul. It is believed that childless couples pay a visit to offer prayers and their prayers are answered here. Plunging into the holy spring that flows by the side of this holy place can cure many physical and mental ailments. Many devotees are surprised by listening to the healing results after visiting the shrine.

4. Baba Basandi Temple

Baba Basandi temple is located on Feti Dhar hilltop and is at a distance of 2 km from Rohin Village. He was a well-known saint from the Barota village of Ghumaravin. Before transforming into a completely divine power he worked in the Department of Police and had some conflicts with his officer due to his meditation during duty hours. So he resigned. Later he lived with a tiger in his grotto. According to folklore, Anand Chand who was later the king of Bilaspur was born to Raja Vijay Chand with the blessings of Baba Basandi Ramand.

5.Vyas Gufa

Vyas Gufa is situated at a height of  610 m above sea level and is dedicated to Rishi Vyas who wrote the epic Mahabharat. It is stationed on the banks of River Satluj. The Cave is surrounded by impressive Pine and Juniper forests. This holy place was named after his name, Vyaspur or Bilaspur. Rishi Vyas meditated in this cave for many years. Snow-capped mountains present a picturesque view of this place. It is a site for adventure seekers. One can experience paragliding, Trekking, climbing, hand gliding, etc.   

Most of the original temples of old Bilaspur are submerged and many temples were reconstructed. We can say it’s a planned hill station of Dev Bhoomi. Have a glance at these Famous Temples of Bilaspur by planning a tour to such a captivating district of Himachal, seek blessings from Gods and Goddesses, and reconnect yourself.

Frequently asked questions about the Temples in Bilaspur

Q. Which is the best time to visit Bilaspur?

A. The best time to travel to Bilaspur is the Winter Season ( October to February).

Q. What are the top attractions in Bilaspur?

A. Naina Devi Temple, Kandrour Bridge, Govind Sagar wildlife sanctuary and Lake, Laxmi Narayan Temple, etc. are the top attractions in Bilaspur.

Q. Which are the best hotels to stay in Bilaspur?

A. Courtyard by Mariott, Hotel silver oak, The east park, and The Hotel Red Diamond are the top-rated hotels in Bilaspur.

Q, What are the things to do in Bilaspur other than religious expeditions?

A. Trekking, Sightseeing in Wildlife sanctuaries, Lakes, Forts, Paragliding, climbing, gliding, etc are the other things to do except religious excursions.