Out of 12 districts of Himachal Pradesh, Sirmour is an enchantingly beautiful district with assorted cultural and religious beliefs. It lies in the southern direction of Himachal. At an altitude of about 3,646 m is Churdhar Peak. Churdhar Peak is the highest of the Shivalik ranges. River Giri which originates from Jubbal passes through the district of Sirmour before entering into the river Yamuna near Paonta Sahib. Sirmour has so many temples of religious and cultural importance that are centered around local Hindu deities like Mahadev as Shirgul Dev and Parshuram at Renuka Ji Lord Vishnu’s incarnation. Sirmour is popular for its Renukaji fair which is held near spectacular Renuka Ji Lake in November every year. Another fair that is celebrated with great zeal is the spring festival, Bishu, which is followed by Nati folk dances, and a unique Archery game, Thoda, etc.
There are so many mountain treks in Devbhoomi but the Churdhar trek is considered to be the best one due to the Picturesque views on the way. Let’s peek through the List of Famous temples of Sirmour.
1. Renuka Mata Temple
2. Maa Bala Sundri Temple
3. Maa Bhangayani Temple
4. Jagannath Temple
5. Shirgul Maharaj Temple
6. Bhureshwar Mahadev Temple
7. Churdhar
1. Renuka Mata Temple
This Famous Sirmour Temple is settled on the banks of Parshuram Lake and is at a distance of 36 km from Nahan and 98 km from Ambala. Four temples dwell inside the Renukaji Temple premises. One is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and has pink domes with majestic paintings related to the ten Avatars of Lord Vishnu. Another ancient shrine of Lord Parshuram faces this sanctum known as Purani Deorhi and has a Shikhara roof. There is a beautiful idol of Parshuram with war equipment inside this holy place. Behind this shrine is the third one Parashurameshvara Temple which is a small and white shrine where Lord Parshuram is worshiping the Panchmukhi (Five faced) Lord Shiva. After climbing some stairs from this temple you will reach Mata Renuka temple. There is an idol of Renuka ji holding red bangles and wearing a red dress which symbolizes her devotion to her husband.
2. Maa Bala Sundri Temple
Maa Bala Sundri temple is dedicated to the incarnation of goddess Durga, the Young roop of Maa Vaishno Devi. This temple is located in Trilokpur village of district Sirmour. Temple architecture is a blend of both Hindu and Sikh styles. It is believed that the temple belongs to Pandavas time. According to folklore, the idol of Maa Bala Sundri reached Sirmour from Deoband in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh. Ramdass was a salt trader in Trilokpur and once he brought salt sacks from Deoband and there was an idol of Maa Bala Sundri inside one sack. Ramdass was surprised to see that his salt was not running out. Then he had a dream in which Maa Bala Sundri asked him to build a temple for her at that place. But he did not have enough money. Later in 1630 AD, he came in the dream of the King of Sirmour and told him to construct a temple.
3. Maa Bhangayani Temple
This Famous Sirmour temple is one of the heritage temples located in the land of Gods. At a distance of 140 km from Shimla it is Situated 8000 ft above sea level. This temple lies in Haripurdhar of the Shivalik ranges. Maa Bhanayani is considered the God sister of Shirgul Mahadev, who is the most powerful. Prehistoric stories say there is a link between Chureshwar Mahadev/ Churdhar with Bhangayani Devi. According to folktales with the blessings of Bhangayani Shirgul Dev was freed from Mughal Prison.
4. Jagannath Temple
This Famous Temple of Sirmour is dedicated to Lord Neel Madhav, worshiped by local people. After Raja Budha Prakash visualized Lord Neel Mahadev he constructed this magnificent temple in 1681. Local people celebrate Sawan Dwadashi here with great joy. Temple is located near the pond, Ranital. Every year a fair is held in which a procession is taken out through the city. Triloknath Temple and Paonta Sahib Gurudwara are some of the attractions for tourists near this temple of Nahan.
5. Shirgul Maharaj Temple
This 5000-year-old Famous Sirmour Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Lord Shirgul Maharaj and Bijjat Mharaj are the two local deities. Earlier both the deities had good relations. Once they met at Jagrata in Chadhna village where Shirgul Maharaj came in a Palanquin but when the people of Chadhna village killed Karinda of Devnamal village and sent in Shirgul Maharaj’s palanquin, resulted in an argument among the two deities and spoiled their relations.
6. Bhureshwar Mahadev Temple
Bhureshwar Mahadev is located on top of the peak near Nahan. According to legends Lord Shiva and Parvati viewed the battle of Mahabharat from this peak. Also, one story of brother and sister is linked to this holy place. Both of them have some powers acquired from Lord Shiva. Once they were grazing calves in the jungle near this peak and they lost one of the calves. Boy was searching alone with other calves as he sent back his sister. Due to heavy rains, they died that day. After that, this temple was constructed.
7. Churdhar
Churdhar is the highest mountain range out of the Shivalik hills. It is located at an altitude of 3,646 meters above sea level. This peak is considered the Abode of Shiva. This Famous Sirmour Temple is the site from where Lord Hanuman took the herb to cure Laxmana during the Ramayana period. The area is covered with dense flora and fauna and is the popular Hotspot for trekking in Dev Bhoomi Himachal.
Roving through the woods of Pine forests with an overview of wildlife sanctuaries, panoramic landscapes, energizing weather, and above all the renowned temples hold long-lasting attractions for tourists. Plan a visit and experience the divinity.
Frequently asked questions about temples in Sirmour
Q. Which time is the best time to travel to Sirmour?
A. The best time to travel to Sirmour is between June and October. As the climatic conditions are appropriate during these months.
Q. Which are the Famous temples of Sirmour?
A. Mata Renuka Temple, Maa Bhangayani Temple, and Maa Bala Sundri Temple are the famous temples of Sirmour.
Q. How can we reach Sirmour?
A. Barog Railway station, Solan is nearest to Sirmour (33 km), the nearest Airport is Chandigarh Airport (68km)/ Dehradun Airport (60km) and buses are also easily available.
Q. What are the things to do in Sirmour?
A. Trekking in Churdhar Peak, Sightseeing in Wildlife sanctuaries in Renuka Ji, Divine excursions to famous temples, and Gurudwara Sri Paonta Sahib are the things to do on the trip to Sirmour.