Mandi is well known as Choti Kashi or Varanasi of the hills. It is one of the district headquarters of Devbhoomi which is 145 km away from the capital city, Shimla. It is linked to Manali Shimla and Pathankot highways through National Highway 21 and 20 respectively. The district was founded by Raja Ajbar Sen in 1527. This district of Himachal is famous for the International Mandi Shivratri Fair. Mandi, the name is acquired from Mandav Nagar. Its roots are connected to the great saint Rishi Mandav. He meditated on a rock here for a long period. It is believed that his intensity of atonement turned the rocks black. For trekking lovers, it’s the beginning of the trekking area to Prashar Lake. Mandi is the first Heritage city of Himachal Pradesh that is reflected in the remains of the forts and remarkable examples of colonial architecture. Mandi has 81 old stone Shaivite temples with fine artistic excellence and hence named Varanasi of Himachal or Choti Kashi. It’s quite a difficult task to list the top 10 or 20 temples out of the 81 but endeavors are to show you the Famous Mandi Temples.
1. Chelli Mandir
2. Shikari Devi Temple
3. Jalpa Devi Temple
4. Bhimakali Temple
5. Kamakshi Devi Temple
6. Panchvaktra Temple
7. Bhootnath Temple
8. Simsa Mata Temple
9. Kamrunag Temple
10. Trilokinath Temple
11. Shyamakali Temple
12. Mahunag Temple
13. Prashar Lake
1. Chelli Mandir
This Famous Mandi temple is located near Kandha Bajukhar. It is situated 2km from Kandha towards Pandoh Road. Temple is amidst the impressive environs of Deodar trees and small Kail trees. However, the area is underdeveloped with no facilities. During January and February, the area is covered with snow. It presents a spectacular view during snowfall. There is a trekking route from Chaili to Bansakodi via Kamayani.
2. Shikari Devi Temple
This Famous temple in Mandi is dedicated to the Hunting Goddess Kali. It is believed that goddesses love animal sacrifices. So local devotees offer sheep/goats on the temple premises for sacrifice. This Hindu deity is worshiped by hunters so that they remain protected during hunting. This roofless sanctum is prehistoric and was even visited by Pandavas during their exile. Shikari Devi Temple is the highest in the entire Mandi area and situated at the peak of 10,768 ft above sea level. During snowfall, the whole area is snow-capped except for this magnificent temple. Isn’t it surprising! This Famous Mandi temple is near to so many valleys like Seraj, Janjheli, and Bagsaid valleys.
3. Jalpa Devi Temple
This Famous Mandi temple is constructed on Saroa Peak. The temple is surrounded by apple orchids and forests. Artistic skills in wooden carpentry can be seen. Some wooden kandeels or lanterns make enchanting sounds when the wind blows. Jalpa Devi temple is constructed in such a way that it perfectly suits the weather conditions. During clear weather conditions, a picturesque view of Karsog, Janjheli, Kamrunag, and Sundernagar is visible from this temple.
4. Bhimakali Temple
Goddess Bhimakali is considered an Avatar of Goddess Shakti, Durga. This Famous Mandi temple is located on the banks of the Beas River. There is a museum inside the Bhimakali Temple premises where one can overview the Hindu deities. According to folklore, this is the only place on this planet that viewed the fight between Lord Krishna and Banasur. Legend says that the head of Banasur was buried in the entry gate here. Temple architecture is the blend of both Hindu and Buddhist cultures as depicted by the wooden figurines/sculptures that are inscribed on the temple walls. Kali puja festival is celebrated with great joy every year in this Famous Temple of Mandi.
5. Kamakshi Devi Temple
Kamakshi Devi Temple is one of the Famous Temples in Mandi that is stationed amidst the impressive Shivalik ranges. It is situated at Village Kao in Karsog Valley. Kamakshi Devi is an incarnation of Goddess Durga. According to legends Devi Durga killed the demon Mahishasur (who was in the form of Buffalo). Therefore buffalo sacrifices are done in the temple during Navratri. This temple presents a panoramic view of verdant valleys with Apple Orchards, Deodar, and Pine trees. Wooden Carvings with Pagoda-style architecture can be seen.
6. Panchvaktra Temple
This Famous Mandi temple is situated at the junction of River Beas and its side stream Suketi. There is a Picture of Lord Shiva which is interesting. It’s unique in its way. As five faces of Mahadev are not in a row but the fourth face is placed in reverse and the fifth one is on the top of the effigy. This sculpture represents the five features of Lord Shiva Sadyojata, Vamadeva, Aghora, Tatpurusha, and Isana. In the year 1717 due to over pouring of rains Beas and Suketi rivers were overflowing to such an extent that the temple was immersed in the flood.
7. Bhootnath Temple
This is one of the Famous Temples of Mandi which is the illustration of Mahadev. This Shikhara-style temple has a small porch crowned with a spire. It has Sabha Mandap too with pillars on which the elephant carvings are inscribed. Bhootnath temple depicts the victory of Raja Sidh Sen over the ruler of Kullu, Raja Man Singh. After this battle, the heads of 380 Kullu men were taken to Mandi which Bhootnath Mahadev wore as a necklace. Bhootnath Temple was constructed by Raja Ajbar Sen of Mandi after he visualized that he had to dig the buried statue of Shiva. In ancient times the area on the left-hand side of the river bank was waste and only cattle used to graze there. Now there stands a beautiful temple of Bhootnath.
8. Simsa Mata Temple
Simsa Mata Temple is a tribute to Goddess Simsa, well known as child-girl or Sharadha Devi. Every year a special festival Sallindara is held during Navratri which exactly means ‘dream’. During this festival, women from every corner of the country pay a visit to this Famous Mandi Temple with the wish to have a child. Ladies used to sleep on the floors of the temple premises. According to myths, women had a dream that their prayers were accepted by Goddess Simsa.
9. Kamrunag Temple
This is the Famous temple of Mandi which is located on the banks of Kamrunag Lake. Kamrunag Lake is 3,334 m above sea level. Kamrunag temple is dedicated to the weather God of Seraj Valley on Mandi-Karsog road. It has huge religious importance and is one of the most admired deities of Mandi. Kamrunag was very passionate about taking part in the battle of Mahabharata but couldn’t do so. But he watched the whole war till the end. Every year on June 14, a fair is held that lasts for three days.
10. Trilokinath Temple
This magnificent temple of Mandi is devoted to Lord Shiva. Trilokinath means “Lord of three worlds”. There is a three-faced idol of Mahadev inside the holy place. In the 16th century, the queen of Ajbar Sen, Sultan Devi ordered the Trilokinath temple’s construction. Statues of Lord Shiva and Parvati dwell inside the sanctum. Impressively carved standing Nandi faces the holy temple. The walls are inscribed with the sculptures of Narada, Devi Sharada, Mahishasurmardini, Devi Durga dancing and hunting, and other Hindu deities.
11. Shyamakali Temple
This Famous Mandi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvati which was constructed by King Shyam Sen after invading the King of Suket. Temple is beautified with paintings related to Goddess Parvati and the inner sanctum is bejeweled with complicated designs of gold. According to myths, Parvati once started dancing and she was so lost in immense joy while dancing that her dance turned out to be wild. Three worlds were in danger and other deities prayed in front of Lord Shiva to save the world. Lord Shiva laid down on the way Parvati was dancing and she stepped on Lord Shiva. As a result of which Goddess turned black and her tongue came out guilty after stepping on her husband. Hence the Goddess Parvati was named Shyamakali and so is the temple.
12. Mahunag Temple
This Famous temple in Mandi is located in Karsog Valley. It is 25 km away from the main market of Karsog and was built in the year 1664 by Raja Shyam Sen. This temple is dedicated to Lord Karna, who played a prominent role during the battle of Mahabharata. Local people call Karna, Mahunag. Whenever anyone is in trouble people pay a visit to this temple and believe that all their worries will be gone.
13. Prashar Lake
This beautiful lake is situated at around a distance of 51 km from Mandi. According to folklore, Pandavas were returning from the battle of Kurukshetra along with Lord Kamrunag when they crossed this region, Lord Kamrunag was impressed with the serenity of this area and he wanted to stay there. Bheem built a temple over there. Another myth says Rishi Prashar meditated here and so is the name given to this lake.
Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, this beautiful and calm district of Devbhoomi holds so much for your sightseeing. Dwell into its serenity by reconnecting yourself. Feel blessed by touring “Choti Kashi of Hills”.
Frequently asked questions about temples in Mandi
Q. Which is the best time to visit Mandi?
A. Summers are pleasant and winters are so chilled with snow. The months of April and May are suitable to visit Mandi.
Q.What are the things to do in Mandi other than visiting temples?
A. Trekking, camping in Barot Valley, visiting a wildlife sanctuary, fairs, water sports at Pandoh Dam, and Rafting, etc are the other adventures awaiting you in Mandi.
Q.How can we reach Mandi?
A.Joginder Nagar Railway station is 54.8 km and Kullu Airport at Bhuntar is 73.9 km from Mandi. Buses are also easily available.
Q.Which are the famous temples of Mandi?
A.Trilokinath Temple, Bhimakali Temple, Bhootnath Temple, Kamrunag Temple, Shikari Devi Temple, and Shyama Kali Temple are popular temples of Mandi.
Q.Is Himachal Pradesh Safe?
A. It is the safe state of India. Even female travelers can travel solo.
Q.How can I reach Mandi from Delhi?
A. You can plan a visit by train. Take the Delhi-Una Himachal expressway and deboard at Kiratpur Sahib from where it takes 3.5 hrs to reach Mandi. Or you can travel by road from Una Bus Stand.