Famous Temples in Himachal Pradesh: List of 8 Must Visit Hindu Himachal Pradesh Temples
Himachal Pradesh is situated in the northern part of India and is also known as the Apple state thanks to the luscious apples grown in the state which are marketed across India.. It is spread across valleys and most of its population lives in rural areas. Shimla is very popular among tourists and is visited year-round. The villages have good connectivity with roads, public health centres and high-speed broadband. In earlier times, Himachal was divided among smaller kingdoms, such as those of Chamba, Bilaspur, Bhagal and Dhami. After the Gurkha War of 1815–1816, it became part of the British India. It has been ruled by Rajputs, Gurkhas and the British, thus contributing to a varied and a rich culture. There are now hundreds of beautiful temples in the area. If you visit Himachal Pradesh you cannot miss out on these remarkable places of worship:
Also See: Indias Famous Temples
List of 8 Temples in Himachal Pradesh
1. Chintpurni Temple
The temple is said to be 26 generations old and according to legend,Lord Vishnu chopped the burning body of Maa Sati into 51 pieces as only after this would Lord Shiva calm down and stop his Tandav. It is said that sati’s head fell at this place and therefore it is considered one of the most important of 51 Shakti Peeths. Chintpurni devi is a big symbol ofself-sacrifice as she cut her own throat when two of her yoginis got thirsty for more blood after conquering all of their enemies.
- Distance From City: 20 km
- Temple Timings: 4 am – 11pm
- Main Gods Worshipped: Mata Chintpurni Devi
- Best Time To Visit: 10 am
- Time Taken: 1 hour
- How To Reach:Buses can be hailed from Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Gagret, Mubarikpur, Thaneek Pura, and bharwain
Nearest train station is Amb Andaura and nearest airport is Gaggal in Dharamshala
Also See: Indias Richest Temples
2. Chamunda Devi Mandir
The temple is on the banks of the famous Ban Ganga river and has an idol of Chamunda Devi wrapped in red cloth. Mata Kaali killed the demons kings Shumbh and Nishumbh and their two generals Chanda and Munda who headed the large army brought to kill her. It is their killing which gave goddess Kaali a new name called Chamunda.
- Distance From City: 15 km
- Temple Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Main Gods Worshipped: Mata Kaali
- Best Time To Visit: Mid June to Late October
- Time Taken: 1 hour
- How to Reach:Private taxis can be taken from Palampur or Dharamshala|State transport buses are also available.
Nearest train stations are Moranda and Pathankot and the nearest airport is Gaggal
See This Too: Indias Oldest Temples
3. Shri Bhima Kali Temple
Bhima Kali Temple is dedicated to goddess Bhimkali and is 7 km from the river Satluj. According to legend the ear of sati fell at this place and it became a place of worship. The idol is consecrated at the top of this temple and there is detailed woodwork on all exteriors. It is also said that the head of banasur is buried at the temple gate when he was decapitated by lord Krishna in a fight.
- Distance From City: 15 km
- Temple Timings:6:00 am to 8:00 pm
- Main Gods Worshipped: Mata Kali
- Best Time To Visit: Summer
- Time Taken: 1 hour
- How to Reach: Private taxis can be taken on NH-22 and the place is 180 km from Shimla | Nearest train stations is Shimla and nearest airport is Jubbarhati airport
4. Jwala Ji Temple
The main deity in this temple is goddess Jwalamukhi who according to folklore has a flaming mouth. A shepherd once discovered the nine flames here which belong to nine different goddesses and when the emperor learned of this discovery he got the temple built. The temple dome is made up of gilt, gold and pinnacles with a beautiful folding door of silver plates.
- Distance from City: 34 km
- Temple Timings:05:00 am to 12 pm, 4pm to 8 pm
- Main Gods Worshipped: Goddess Jwalamukhi
- Best Time to Visit: Summer
- Time Taken: 1 hour
- How to Reach: Private buses and taxis can be taken | Nearest train station is Una
5. Tara Devi Temple
It is more than 250 years old and people from all places come here to seek peace and tranquillity. According to legend, goddess Tara was brought here from West Bengal. It boasts of magnificent architecture and a lot of devotees and tourists frequent here every day.
- Distance from City: 11km
- Temple Timings:7:00 am to 6:30 pm
- Main Gods Worshipped: Goddess Jwalamukhi
- Best Time to Visit: Summer
- Time Taken: 1 hour
- How to Reach: Private buses and taxis can be taken | Nearest Train Station Shoghi and nearest airport is Chandigarh
6. Chaurasi Temple Bharmour
Chaurasi temple is one of the oldest temples in Himachal Pradesh and is said to be more than 1400 years old. It has 84 shrines. According to folklore, the 84 siddhas who had come from kurushetra fell in love with the beauty and tranquility of Bharmour and that’s when the temple complex was built.
- Distance from City: 65km
- Temple Timings: 6:00 am to 4:00 pm
- Main Gods Worshipped: Brahmini Devi and Lord Shiva
- Best Time to Visit: May to November
- Time Taken: 2- 3 hours
- How to Reach: Private buses and taxis can be taken | Nearest Train Station is in Pathankot and nearest airport is Gaggal
7. Hidamba Devi Temple
This temple is said to be built way back in 1553 AD and was built around a cave in which the wife of Bhim, Hidamba Devi used to meditate. It has well designed and beautifully carved wooden doors along with a 24 metre high shikhar above the sanctuary.
- Distance from City: 2 km
- Temple Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Main Gods Worshipped: Hidamba Devi
- Best Time to Visit: June to October
- Time Taken: 1-2hours
- How to Reach: Private buses and taxis can be taken | Nearest Train Station is in Joginder Nagar and nearest airport is Dhuntar
Also Read: Famous Hindu Temples in Pakistan
8. Baba Balak Nath Temple
Baba Balak Nath was a baby born to the wife of Rishi Vyas who gave refuge to a parrot Lord Shiva was determined to kill in her stomach.The parrot apologized to Lord Shiva and promised to come out of hiding only if Shiva gave his blessings. Lord Shiva turned him into a human and the baby this human had came to be known as Baba Balak Nath.
- Distance from City: 45 km
- Temple Timings: 5: 00am to 8:00 pm
- Main Gods Worshipped: Baba Balak Nath
- Best Time to Visit: April to June
- Time Taken: 30 minutes
- How to Reach: Private buses and taxis can be taken | Nearest Train Station is Una and Nearest Airport is Chnadigarh
