17 Hindu Temples to Explore in Himachal Pradesh
Checkout places to visit in Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh (meaning "snow-laden province") is situated in the Western Himalayas. Himachal Pradesh is spread across valleys with many perennial rivers flowing through them. Almost 90% of the state's population lives in rural areas. Agriculture, horticulture, hydropower, and tourism are important constituents of the state's economy.
Hindu Temples by destination
Activities Around
Hindu Temples to Explore in Himachal Pradesh
Bijli Mahadev Temple is one of the ancient and sacred temples in India. As the name suggests, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is very popular for trekking. It is said that the Bijli Mahadev Temple houses a Shiva Linga which was broken into pieces by lightning, that was brought back together and bounded by a temple priest using butter. The word around is that this repeats itself every year.
Chintpurni is a major idolized shrine of the Hindus, which is located in the Una district of Himachal Pradesh. It is placed on one of the highest peaks of the Sola Singhi Range. Chintpurni Devi is the goddess here who takes away all the worries and stress of devotees. In this temple, the Goddess is showed without her head in a pindi form. Many Devotees have been flocking Shaktipeeth for centuries to worship at the lotus feet of Mata Shri Chhinnamastika Devi.
The temple of Gauri Shankar is situated immediately below the Naggar Castle in Naggar. Dating back to 12th century AD, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is believed to be the last monument of the Gurjara-Pratihara traditions. This Shiva temple is a protected monument. The temple is famous for its splendid Shikhara Style architecture. The temple features a dome shaped top while the base is present in square shape.
Hadimba Temple is a unique shrine dedicated to Hidimba Devi, who was the wife of Bhima and mother of Ghatothkach. Surrounded by gorgeous cedar forests, this beautiful shrine is built on a rock which is believed to be in the image of goddess Hidimba herself. The construction style of the Hidimba Devi temple is entirely different from that of any of the other temples, with its wooden doorways, walls, and cone-shaped roof. This temple is a fitting dedication to its presiding deity Hadimba.
An ancient temple in Shimla, dedicated to the Hindu deity Hanuman. It is situated on Jakhoo Hill, Shimla's highest peak, at a height of 2,455 m (8,054 ft) above sea level.
Jatoli gets its name from the long Jata (hair) that Lord Shiva has. Considered as Asia's highest Shiv temple, this shrine is indeed an architectural marvel. Jatoli Shiv Temple is one of the famous holy destinations of Solan which attract a large number of pilgrims and is only 6 Kms from the city.
The famous Kalibari Temple of Shimla is a popular tourist destination, and is dedicated to Goddess Kali, who is also known as Shyamala. This majestic temple was built in the year 1845 and it is from the name of the Goddess Shyamala that Shimla derives its name. This religious spot is very famous in Shimla and people coming here make it a point to visit the temple, which is located in Jakhu Hill. It is set amidst the lush green forests of Shimla and offers a magnificent view of the Himalayas.
Built in the 10th century by Raja Sahil Verman, Laxmi Narayana Temple is the main shrine in Chamba that includes Bimana i.e. Shikhara and Garbhgriha with a small antarala and a mantapa. The temple has wooden chattries and a shell roof at the top to protect against snowfall. There is a wheel shaped roof that helps to protect from cold. It houses a metallic image of Garuda, the mount of Lord Vishnu. It's a beautiful place of great historical implication and architectural marvel.
This magnificent temple is dedicated to the sage Manu, who is said to be the creator of the world and the writer of Manusmriti. The Manu Temple is located in old Manali, at a distance of three kilometers from the main market. Though this area is quite congested, the presence of the River Beas adds to its attraction. The temple is one of the prime attractions in Manali and is believed to be the same place where sage Manu meditated after stepping on earth.
Masroor Rock Cut Temple is a popular archaeological site in India is around 32 km from Kangra on Nagrota-Surian Link Road. A major part of the famous rock cut temples are in ruins yet one can study the relics clearly. They are a version of North Indian Nagara architecture style, dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, Devi and Saura traditions of Hinduism.
The lake is located at a height of 2730 m above sea level. With deep blue waters, the lake is held sacred to the sage Prashar and he is regarded to have meditated there. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and looking down on the fast flowing river Beas. This wooden temple has a pagoda style of architecture with intricate carvings of animals and serpents. As legend states, it is made of deodar wood. The region has emerged as a popular tourist destination besides being a pilgrimage site.
The Bajreshwari Devi Temple is a popular Hindu pilgrimage site in Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh behind the crowded market of Kangra Town. It is said to be constructed by Goddess Bajreshwari itself at a place where once the famous Ashwamedh or horse-sacrifice took place. Standing behind the cricket field, numerous food selling stalls and bustling streets, the temple stands high and proves its presence by the echoing sounds of its huge bells.
Known for its summer and winter sport conditions, It is a side valley at the top of the Kullu Valley.
Sui Mata Temple stands as an honour to the sacrifice of Queen Sui- the wife of King Sahil Varman. The temple is situated in the Saho village of Chamba district and is a paradigm of sacrifice. It's decorated with beautiful painting that depicts the life of Sui. A fair is organized every year at this place which begins on 15th March and continues till the first of April. Married women and girls flock to this place with offerings to pay respect to the great queen.
The Trilokinath Temple, also known as Sri Trilokinathji Temple, is located in Trilokinath village in Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh, India. About 9 km from the village of Udaipur (not to be confused with Udaipur in Rajasthan), the temple is the only place in the world where both Hindus and Buddhists worship. The diety is considered as ‘Lord Shiva’ by Hindus while the Buddhists see it as Arya Avalokiteshwar.
Vashisht is a small village located around 3 km from Manali across the River Beas. This beautiful village is famous for its sulphurous hot water springs and Vashisht temple, built just next to the springs. The water from this spring is believed to have great healing powers, which can cure many skin diseases and other infections. There are Turkish-style bath houses available here that contain the hot water from the springs, which are used to take bath and enjoy the warmth of the place in privacy.