Himachal Pradesh is situated in the Northern part of the country and lies in the lap of the Himalayas. This eminent state is a sight to behold with its majestic pre-historic temples, stupendous views, verdant valleys, and serenity. Listing the top 10 or 20 temples in the category of Famous Temples oF Himachal Pradesh is quite hard, still, endeavors are taking you on the spiritual journey of prominent temples of the Land of Gods and Goddesses.
1. Hadimba Devi Temple
2. Jwalaji Temple
3. Chamunda Devi Temple
4.Chintpurni Temple
5. Naina Devi Temple
6. Baijnath Temple
7. Bajreshwari Temple
8. Bhimakali Temple
9. Masrur Temple
10. Laxmi Narayan Temple
11. Baba Balak Nath
12. Tarna Mata Temple
13. Triloknath Temple
14. Jakhu Temple
- Hadimba Devi Temple,Manali
This pagoda-style temple constructed by Maharaja Bahadur Singh is located in the lush green hills of Manali. Temple Is dedicated to the Hindu deity Hadimba, wife of Bheem(Pandava). It’s a four-storeyed temple with a conical top and the rest of the stories are covered with timber tiles. It is believed that Devi Hadimba sat on a rock for self-punishment to shed her
evils and later after many years of penance her prayers were answered and she was crowned by the most powerful, Devi Durga.
2. Jwala Ji / Jwalamukhi Temple ,Kangra
Jwalamukhi is Shakti Peeth temple of Kangra district that is listed under one of the Famous temples of Himachal Pradesh. To save the world from destruction, Lord Vishnu cut the body of Goddess Sati into 51 pieces and her tongue along with her yogic powers fell at this place. There is a natural cave inside the temple from which the flames keep on burning all the time. These flames are worshiped and represent the form of Shakti, Maa Jwala. Once Akbar tried to extinguish these flames but wasn’t successful. After seeing such divine power of Maa Jwala, he offered Golden Chhattar to Maa, that too was declined by Devi.
3. Chamunda Devi Temple,Kangra
Every Temple of Devi Bhoomi has a different story to tell. Chamunda Devi Temple is 18.7 km Away from Palampur City. Chamunda Maa or Chandika came out of the eyebrows of Maa Kaushiki and has killed famous monsters, Chanda and Munda. Maa Chandika was the main warrior when there was a battle between Jalandhar and Lord Shiva. Hence she was named Nandikeshwari. Aadi Himani Chamunda was the original temple of Devi Chamunda that was far away from the present location of the temple. Once one particular priest visualized in his dream that Maa ordered him to shift the idol of hers. After performing all the rituals Devi idol was established in Padar. For Devi Darshan, Plan a spiritual trip to Seek blessings in this one of the Famous temples of Himachal Pradesh.
4. Chintpurni Temple /Chinnamastika Dham,Una
Himachal has so many sacred seats of Devi Bhagwati and one such Shakti Sthal is 53.3 km away from the Una district of Himachal Pradesh. Goddess Sati’s head fell here when Lord Vishnu cut her body parts with his Sudarshan chakra. People have deep faith in Devi. They believe that a sacred tying thread(mauli) of their wish on the Banyan tree, their all wishes will be granted by Devi Maa. Maa Chintpurni is in the form of a Pindi resting on the Palanquin of white marble under the banyan tree. According to Puranas Maa Chnadika’s two yoginis ( Jaya and Vijaya)were still thirsty after killing demons in the battle to fulfill their thirst Devi Chandika cut her head and her bloodstream satisfied her yoginis. According to Puranas, Lord Shiva is protecting Maa Chhinnamastika from all four directions by the four forms of Lord Shiva (Incarnations of Mahadev). These are other Famous Temples of Himachal Pradesh. From the east “Kaleshwar Mahadev “, from the west “Narayhana Mahadev”, from the north” Muchkund Mahadev” and south” Shiv Bari”.
5. Naina Devi ji,Bilaspur
Naina Devi ji is also one of the major Shakti Peetha of Devi Durga. It is situated at the top of the hill in Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh. Goddess Sati’s eyes fell on this place and named Maa Naina Devi. Temple was built by Raja Bir Chand. Once a Gujjar boy was grazing his cattle at this place and saw that a cow is showering milk on a stone for several days. Then Maa Naina came in his dream and said that stone is her Pindi. Maa Naina told the same in Raja Bir Chand’s dream. Raja Bir Chand visited the location and saw the cow showering milk over that sacred stone, Pindi. He constructed a temple over there. Every year lakhs of devotees visit this one of the Famous Temples of Himachal Pradesh. An interesting feature of this temple is the facilities of Cable cars/ropeways for pilgrims. The beautiful view of Gobind Sagar Lake makes it even more special.
6. Baijnath Temple, Kangra
Baijnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva( also known as Lord Of Physicians)This impressive Nagara-style temple is located in the lap of verdant valleys of Dhauladhar. Mahadev is in the form of Swayambhu Shivling inside the sanctum(garbhagriha). Prominent Shivgan, Nandi( the bull) is in the front of the Mandap (resting on four pillars). Lanka pati Ravan wanted to be a world champion. He got a boon from Lord Shiva that he wanted to take Shiva to Lanka and want to be above all. After his hard penance, Mahadev agreed to answer his prayers but on one condition. Suggested not putting his shiv linga on the ground otherwise his wish will not be granted. Shivling will be established there only. And unfortunately, he was tired going back to Lanka, rested there in Baijnath fields, and held shivling to a farmer who was none other than Lord Vishnu. Isn’t it quite interesting? Ravan, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva themselves created this spectacular abode of Mahadev. One more unique thing about this one of the Famous Temples of Himachal Pradesh is that people do not celebrate Dussehra in Baijnath. The reason is Ravan is the most beloved and firm devotee of Mahadev.
7. Bajreshwari Devi / Kangra Devi
Amidst the snow-laden peaks lies one of the Famous Temples of Himachal Pradesh.Nagarkot Dham of Devi Bhagwati.Goddess Sati’s left breast fell at this place and it is categorized under one of the Shakti Peethas. the original temple was built by Pandavas during their exile in the Mahabharat period. Devi Durga came into their dream and suggested them if they want security they have to construct a temple in her name. Temple was looted so many times by many Muslim invaders and in 1905 a massive earthquake damaged the whole temple. But Government rebuilt again. Temple has a Drum house/Nagarkhana at the entrance. It resembles the Bassein Fort of Maharashtra.
8. Bhimakali Temple
This Spectacular and one of the Famous Temples of Himachal Pradesh is situated at Gateway of Kinnaur, Sarahan 153.7 km from the Shimla. Bhimakali is the main deity of Rampur Bushahr state of Dev Bhoomi. It is the sacred Seat of Goddess Durga, Where Sati’s ear fell. Temple’s architecture is a blend of Buddhism and Hinduism sculptures. Raghunath, Narsingji, and Patal Bhairav ji are the three guardian deities surrounding Maa Bhimakali. Devi Maa’s new idol is established in the top story of the temple and Goddess Parvati’s idol is in the lower one. According to Puranas, When there was a battle between Banasur(great-grandson of Prahlad) and Lord Krishna, King Bali died and Pradhyuman(son of Krishna) ruled this place.
9) Masrur Temple
Let’s explore the magnificence of another One of the Famous Temples Of Himachal Pradesh, the Rock Cut Temple Of Masrur. Well known as Ellora of Himachal Pradesh in having unique Nagara style architectural designs of Southwestern parts of India. This temple is dedicated to Mahadev but Lord Ram, Laxman, Sita, and Lord Vishnu idols are also inside the temple. Pandavas constructed this monolithic temple during their exile. Monolithic means only a single rock is cut and carved to build an entire temple without any use of cement. Shivalinga is in the center(sanctum) of the temple known as Thakurdwara. Hieung Tsang, a Chinese traveler mentioned this temple during his journey to Kullu hills. In 1905, a massive earthquake destructed the temple.
10) Laxmi Narayan Temple, Chamba
To witness the impressive Shikhara-style architecture of six temples together come over to this one of the Famous
Temples Of Himachal Pradesh. This mind-blowing sacred place is situated in Chamba. Out of the six temples, three are dedicated to Lord Shiva and one is dedicated to Radha Krishna. The prominent deity worshiped is Lord Vishnu. Temple is having slated roofs that are resting on wooden pillars, just for protection from snowfall. Temple was constructed by Raja Sahil Varman in the 10th century. Vishnu idol was made of rare marble that was imported from the Vindhyachal
mountains. King sent his eight younger sons to the Mountains, and while coming back they were killed by dacoits. Then he sent his elder son Yugakara, he too was attacked but with the support of sannyasins, he killed them and returned. Due to this very reason Sadhus never go empty-handed from this place. Later idol of Lord Vishnu was installed.
11) Baba Balak Nath Temple, Deotsidh
Baba Balak Nath is another beautiful temple situated on the hills of Chakmoh village of Hamirpur district in Himachal Pradesh. Baba Balaknath is believed to be the incarnation of Lord Kartikey, son of Lord Shiva. He took birth to kill the demon
“Tarakasur”.Temple is also famous for the name ” Deotsidh”.It is located at a distance of 45 km from Hamirpur.
Every year lakhs of devotees from Delhi, Punjab, and Himachal come to visit this Famous temple of Himachal Pradesh.
NOTE: Entry to the Babaji’s cave is restricted to ladies. They can only see the idol of Paunahari ji away from the temple. Being Brahmachari, no lady can enter the cave and can’t even touch the idol of Babaji.
12) Triloknath/Trilokinath Temple
This is one of the Famous Temples of Himachal Pradesh and the only Shikhar temple located in the Lahaul and Spiti districts. It is 45 km away from Keylong. Sanctum is cherished by both Hindus and Buddhists. Hindus worship Lord Shiva and Buddhists worship Arya Avalokiteshwar/Garja Fagspa in Tibetan language. Trilokinath means God of Three Universes. This masterpiece was created by Dvanjra Rana in the 10th century with stone carvings. In 2015, Mahakumbha was celebrated. Dalai Lama pays his visit in July. Abhishek ritual is done during some festivals like Makar Sankranti, Halda, and Fagli.
13) Jakhu Temple,Shimla
Jakhu temple is situated in the Capital city of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla. It is dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Hanuman. Temple is at the height of 2,455 m above sea level and around 2.5 km away from The Ridge, Shimla.During the Ramayana period, when Laxman became unconscious while fighting a battle with Lanka Naresh Ravana. Vaid Sushain asked to bring Sanjeevani herb and said,’ Only that herb can cure Laxmana’.Lord Rama ordered Pawan Putra, and Hanuman to search and bring that herb. Flying towards Himalayas Lord Hanuman stopped somewhere at the hilltop and met Sage Yaksha later who was named Yak, Jakh and presently Jakhu. Come, seek the blessings of Anjani Putra by visiting this one of the Famous Temples of Himachal Pradesh.
14) Tarna Mata Temple
Another alluring of the Famous Temples of Himachal Pradesh is Tarna Mata Temple dedicated to the deity Shyama Kali is located 300 feet above the sea level in Mandi. Tarna Devi is an incarnation of Devi Parvati. It was built in the 17th century. An idol of the deity is a three-faced statue. It is believed that Raja Shyam Sen constructed this glorious temple after his
wish of winning the battle with Raja Suket Jeet Sen was granted by Goddess Shyama Kali. Temple was built with Redstone. Local deity Kamru Naag stays at the temple during Shivratri.
Those who experienced the everlasting blessings which come from visiting the holy temples know that no immolation is too great, no cost is too big, and no struggle is so hard to receive those blessings. So why wait! Tranquil your soul while roving through the woods of Himachal.