Hidimba Devi Temple

Located on the enormous rock of the cedar forest of Dhungri Van Vihar, Manali (Kullu), the Hidimba Devi Temple was constructed by Maharaja Bahadur Singh. Hidimba Devi is a divine deity who is honored here. The temple’s history lies in the Mahabharata period. Hidimba was living with her brother Hidimb in the forest and he bullied the villagers. Bhima killed Hidimb during the Pandavas’ exile and saved the villagers. Hidimba had swore to marry the man who murdered her brother and thus married Bhima under the condition that he deserted her following the birth of their son. Here was born their son Ghatotkach. Hidimba then coexisted with other women until her son was of age, which was followed by her meditation in the Himalayas, later being blessed as a Goddess. She protects them from natural calamities, locals believe.

 Bijli Mahadev Temple

It stands at 2,460 meters elevation and is located on the hilltop of Kashawri village 14 km from Kullu. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva as a Shivalinga. People trek 3 km to the temple through woods with pine trees. The Shivalinga is called Bijli Mahadev because in the middle of monsoon every lightning strikes the temple at a stroke. This breaks it into pieces. The local priest then assembles the pieces again with butter and flour paste (Sattu). Within months, the Shivalinga is restored to its original form. Indians believe that Lord Shiva protects the region from disasters. From the top, you have stunning views of the Kullu and Parvati valleys. Shrikhand Mahadev Kailash. Shrikhand Mahadev is among the Panch Kailash, homes of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, in Kullu at 5,227 m altitude. Here is, a 75-foot-tall Shivalinga, which remains snowless when it snoweth and stands snowless in the heavy ground. It’s one of the harshest and steepest hikes on earth, it’s 32 km as far as the village of Jaon can go, about 32 kilometers from there. Legend tells the story of Bhasmasur who worshipped Shiva and cursed in memory the Demon Bhasmasur, that was born of god Shiva that anyone who touched him would be consumed like ashes by it, and burnt him to ash trying to wipe away and marry Parvati. Lord Vishnu appeared as Mohini and convinced him to dance; as Bhasmasur placed his own hand on his head for that dance, he was turned to ashes, and red soil and water appeared here. Another myth is that Ravana also performed intense penance here, offering his head over and over, and then Shiva gave him immortality. The yatra which begins between July and August, is attended only by those members of the body who are fit for it.

Shrikhand Mahadev Kailash

Shrikhand Mahadev is one of the five sacred peaks, also known as Panch Kailash which is said to be the home of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Situated at 5,227 m above sea level and located in the Kullu district, its Shivalinga is 75 ft high and still snow free even during heavy snowfall. The route taken to Shrikhand Mahadev is the most difficult and steep, about 32 kilometers from the village of Jaon. Legend has it that the demon Bhasmasur was gifted by Lord Shiva the ability to turn anyone into ashes by placing his hand on their head. Out of his lust for God, Bhasmasur sought to kill Shiva to wed Goddess Parvati. Aware of his intent, Lord Vishnu manifested himself as Mohini and took him through dance to make him see his intentions. As an accidental distraction from that, in his dance Bhasmasur accidentally put his hand on his own head and burnt himself down to ashes. The soil and water of the region therefore appear to have become reddish due to this event. Another belief is that Ravana performed intense penance here, offering his head repeatedly to Lord Shiva, and as a result he received his immortality from Him. The pilgrimage to Shrikhand Mahadev takes place from July to August and is only done by those who are medically fit.

Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara

45 km from Kullu at an altitude of 1,760 meters lying on the Parvati River, Manikaran is the holy site for both Hindus and Sikhs. Its most attractive feature is a handful of natural hot water springs. Rich in sulfur that has the potential to heal skin diseases. Some springs are used for cooking food, while others are used for holy baths. In Hinduism, Parvati’s jewel was lost in the river in meditative state and Shiva’s anger shook the earth until Sheshnag released gems from the earth above, forming hot springs. An alternative belief claims that Guru Nanak Dev Ji held this meditation here. But Guru Nanak asked Mardana who had been hungered by him to gather some flour and rice in the village, cooking the meal in the hot springs.

Anjani Mahadev Temple

Situated in Burwa village of Solang Valley, about 14 km from Manali, which has a shrine to Lord Shiva. A natural waterfall drops right onto the Shivalinga. In winter, the waterfall freezes on its surface to form an ice Shivalinga up to 20 feet high; the region nowadays is known as the “Mini Amarnath” of Himachal Pradesh. According to mythology, Anjani, the mother of Hanuman, meditated here and Lord Shiva appeared before her. A moderate trek to this temple passes through snowy peaks, forests, banks, valleys and rivers.

Vashisht Temple

This 4000-year-old temple is situated on the Beas River in Vashisht village, 3 km away from Manali. It is dedicated to Rishi Vashisht who imparted wisdom to Lord Rama and meditated here. Its wooden architecture, ornate carvings and so-called healing hot water springs make the temple famous. Beside it is another temple to Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, and Lakshmana. Himalaya Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple. Located a short walking distance of Mall Road in Manali, this Nyingmapa Monastery attributes Lord Buddha. Here stands a two-storey-tall statue of Buddha highly revered. Attendees come to meditate and to find inner peace. This was one of the most famous Monastery of North India, known for the best architecture anywhere.

Siyali Mahadev Temple

Siyali Mahadev Temple is the temple devoted to Lord Shiva, situated 2 km from Manali, Hidimba Temple Road. It is believed that the Shivalinga is self-manifested. The temple features elegant wooden architecture and rests among pine trees and towering peaks. Behind the main temple lies a small shrine believed to mark the spot above the ground where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati appeared from a tree trunk. Mahashivratri is the largest festival here.

Gayatri Mata Temple

This 5000-year-old temple dedicated to Goddess Gayatri is 7 km from the Manali bus stand. This god is idolized as a marble one. Local villagers believe the Pandavas went here while in exile and prayed for Goddess Gayatri. The temple is spiritually soothing, with its tranquil atmosphere and wood architecture. Balu Nag Temple. This ancient temple, devoted to Nag Devta, is located in Bahu village near Jibhi, about 60 km from Kullu. We arrive at the temple surrounded by pine trees and towering mountains after a pleasant 20–30 minute walk. Chehni Kothi Temple.

Chehni Kothi

 A temple believed to be 17 centuries old located near Tirthan Valley (61 km from Kullu). Constructed by Raja Rana Dhadhia, the temple is pillar-structured, involving two wooden and stone towers (about 30–35 meters) in height. Goddess Jogini is worshipped here. Only residents can enter the temple.

Himalaya Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple

The Nyingmapa Monastery of Lord Buddha, situated not far from Mall Road, Manali. The two-storey tall statue of Lord Buddha, a focal point of devotion, is located in the monastery. Visitors visit here in search of inner peace, especially in meditation. It is seen as one of North India’s leading Buddhist monasteries and is popular with tourists throughout the world. Its architectural elegance is appreciated by everyone who visits.

Balu Nag Temple

Located about 60 kilometers from Kullu in the village of Bahu, near Jibhi, is Balu Nag Temple, an ancient shrine dedicated to Nag Devata. Access to the temple is provided upon a leisurely trek, typically lasting from 20 to 30 minutes. Amongst pine trees and towering mountains, it provides a peaceful and gorgeous setting for the worshippers and nature lovers.