Solan is also known as Mushroom City and the city of red gold ( due to the abundant production of mushrooms and Tomatoes ). Striking landscapes of Himalayan elevations, tolerable climate, classical temples, and monasteries make it a perfect tourist place. Solan is named after the Hindu deity Shoolini Devi. This one of the 12 districts of Himachal Pradesh is situated on Chandigarh-Kalka-Shimla Highway-5. A narrow gauge Kalka-Shimla train passes through the town snuggled in Shivalik hills. Let’s gaze over some Famous Temples of Solan and feel the equanimity.
1. Shoolini Devi Temple
2. Jatoli Temple
3. Shirdi Baba Temple
4. Menri Monastery
5. Jakholi Devi Temple
6. Kali Mata Temple
7. Mohan Heritage Park
1. Shoolini Devi Temple
Solan was named after the divine Devi Durga’s embodiment, Shoolini Mata. This one of the Famous Temples of Solan is the foremost attraction for tourists and pilgrims. Shoolini Utsav is a very popular festivity celebrated in the last week of June every year. During this fest, Maa Shoolini is carried in a palanquin and a massive march (Yatra) is carried out through the town. During the Shoolini fest local traders sell their products, and there is singing, dancing, wrestling, and various other activities. It is believed that Mahadev presented his three-faced spear which is a trident to Maa Parvati here. To elevate your devotional spirit come and seek divine blessings of Maa Shoolini.
2. Jatoli Temple
Jatoli Temple is 111 feet tall and is considered to be Asia’s highest temple. It is located at a distance of 7.3 km from the town. Its name is derived from Mahadev’s long Jata (Hair). Its southern Dravidian styled Architecture is the epitome of elegance. Temple is having three pyramids. The highest one is known as Shikhar, where Lord Ganesha’s image is inscribed, the middle one is called Vimana which is depicting Shesh Nag, and the third one at the base is called Trishul, where Mahadev resides. According to Hindu mythology, Shiva resided inside the cave which is there in the temple premises. There is a Jal Kunda on the North East corner of the temple which is believed to have medicinal qualities. One can get rid of skin diseases. Every year a Fair is held in Mahashivratri.
3. Shirdi Baba Temple
Shirdi Sai Baba Temple was constructed in the year 1989. This one of the Famous Temples of Solan is having a giant figurine of Sai Baba that was brought from Jaipur. The legacy of this meritorious temple stuns devotees that come to pay homage here. Sai Baba’s divine flame keeps on burning inside the shrine. This temple is near to Kali Mata Mandir.
4. Menri Monastery
Menri Monastery is a vivid place of Solan. Menri Trizin is the leader here. On New Year’s Eve, this monastery is the center of Jubilance and exuberance. A huge statue of Lord Shenrab Mibo is installed in the monastery. Earlier until 1998, it was an institution made of mudcaps and stones and lacked any intricate embellishments. At that time 100 monks lived here. Now 350 people are residing. It is well embellished and has a Health center, Nunnery, Bon Dialectic School, Library, etc.
5. Jakholi Devi Temple
Jakholi temple is dedicated to Maa Bhadrakali, an incarnation of Devi Durga. Although this temple is not so popular others are still visited by many worshipers of Bhadrakali Maa. Temple gives a glance at prehistoric North Indian Shikhara-styled architecture. The annual fair, the Jakholi Festival of five days is held in summer month. It is considered to be the Shakti Sthal by local people. Festivals like Navratri, Holi, and Diwali are celebrated with great enthusiasm.
6. Kali Mata Temple
This 200-year-old temple dedicated to the powerful Hindu deity Kali Maa is situated at the heart of the commercial town, of Solan on Rajgarh road. Settled on the hilltop it presents an amazing view. Kali Maa statue is established inside the sanctum. Kali Maa is a great protector, Goddess of death and time. This one of the Famous Temples of Solan is having customary Himachal Pradesh-styled architecture enriched with religious figures and paintings. Kali puja festival is a famous festivity celebrated in the temple every year.
7. Mohan Heritage Park
This Famous Temple of Solan is constructed by Mr. Kapil Mohan, Brigadier in the Indian Army. His goal to build this park is to promote the Vedic culture. Mohan Heritage Park is an ensuing site to visit. This delightful park is augmented with unique and multiple statues of Hindu Gods and Goddesses, lush green meadows, Archaeological places, and a panorama of peaks. On the outskirts of this temple, Kali Ka Tibba temple is situated. Animals statues made from Plaster of Paris on the premises make the view more attractive.
Roving through the beautiful grasslands and relaxing environs, let’s explore these Famous Temples of the Mushroom capital of India, Solan.