Famous Temples In Himachal Pradesh

If you want to have a spiritual awakening then Himachal Pradesh is the best destination. The temples in Himachal Pradesh boast rich cultural history. The pilgrims from around the world visit this heavenly place and seek blessings. The temple flaunts pretty architecture and offers astonishing views of the Himalayas. So let us take a look at some most famous temples in Himachal that possess stories, waiting to be told-

1. Jakhoo Temple

One of the famous temples in Himachal Pradesh, the Jakhoo temple is devoted to Lord Hanuman and is located at the height of 2455m above sea level and offers astonishing views of Shivalik. Jakhoo temple has the world’s largest statue of Lord Hanuman and is home to hundreds of monkeys. Make sure to pay a visit during the time of Dussehra. The story behind this temple is that lord hanuman rested here when he flew to collect the SanjeevaniBooti for lord Lakshmana.

Timings- 5am -12pm, 4pm-9pm.

2. Chamunda Devi Temple

Pay a visit to the ChamundaDevi temple, one of the most famous temples located in the Kangra valley of Himachal Pradesh. This beautiful shrine of Devi Chamunda is visited by Hindu pilgrims who worship Devi Chamunda. The mythological story behind this temple contains an old story of the goddess Chamunda who killed two demons, Shumbh and Nishumbh. The temple is built on the same spot where the goddess ended the evil. The best time to pay a visit is during the nine holy days of Navratri. So visit during these auspicious days and seek the blessings of Devi.

Timing- 6am to 12:30pm and 3:30pm to 8pm

3. Bhimakali Temple

Bhimakali is yet another Shaktipeeth temple located in the Saharan town in the state of Himachal Pradesh. This temple offers one of the amazing views of the snow-clad mountains in the backdrop. As per the legends, the ear of Goddess Sati fell here and later this temple was built over it. The intricate wood carvings of this temple will surely be going to amaze you. The apt time to visit this temple is between October to March.

Timings- 6am-5:30pm.

4. Masrur Temple

Masrur temple is an 8th-century complex and is located in the Kangra valley in the state of Himachal Pradesh. MasrurTemples are rock-cut temples and are the epitome of architectural excellence. This temple is devoted to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Goddesses. Head towards this temple on your vacation and seek the blessings of all the prominent gods and goddesses.

Timings- 6am-5:30pm.

5. Hatkoti temple

HatkotiTemple is located in the beautiful village in Shimla, Hatkoti. This temple is one of the prominent religious spots. Goddess Durga is the main deity in this temple. Visit this temple during the Navratri festival. During the 9 days of Navratri, devotees perform various rituals at the Hatkoti temple and offer flowers and sweets to the goddess. One can plan a visit here all round year.

6. Baba Balak Nath Temple

Baba Balak Nath temple is located in the Chakmoh village near Kasauli. This temple witnesses pilgrims and tourists during the Navarti festival. The temple is an architectural wonder and is carved out of a beautiful hill. It is believed that Babaji was an ardent devotee of lord shiva. The pilgrims usually flock to the temple on Sundays and fast every Sunday. Women pilgrims are prohibited from entering the cave but can worship deities from outside the cave. Babaji is offered rota, a sweet bread made of jaggery and wheat.

Timings- 5 am to 8pm.

7. SankatMochan Temple

SankatMochan temple is located in the pretty valley of Shimla and is devoted to Lord Hanuman. This temple is a major attraction and is listed amongst the most famous temples in Himachal Pradesh, and has many small temples of Lord Rama, lord shiva and lord hanuman. The temple also distributes langar every Sunday. Visit this temple at the time of Prataah aarti at 5am and the beautifulSandhya aarti at 8:30pm.

Timings- 6:30am -8pm, 7am-6:30pm.

8. Hadimba Temple

Hadimba temple is beautifully nestled between the snow-covered mountain peaks of Manali and is a rendition of Goddess Hadimba, wife of Bhima and mother of Ghatotkach. This temple is constructed out of wood and wooden carvings. Pay a visit to this temple during the Dhungri festival. Enjoy the local festivities and the Kully Natto dance and processions.

Timings- 8am- 6pm

9. Tara Devi Temple

Nestled between the lofty picturesque Himalayas, Tara Devi temple is devoted to the goddess of stars and is one of the historical temples in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Her idol is made of a blend of eight elements called- Ashtadhatu. The peaceful backdrop and the tranquil atmosphere make this place a spiritual and peaceful retreat. Pay a visit during the Navratri and Ashtami when processions are held.

Timings- 7am-6:30pm.

10. Vashisht Temple

One of the most popular temples in Himachal Pradesh, the Vashisht temple is renowned for having a hot spring. This temple is devoted to sage Vashisht who once came here and meditated. It is believed that the Vashisht temple is 4000 years old. This temple has a separate bathing place for both men and women. Devotees visit this temple to take a holy bath in the boiling water that is said to have healing properties.

Timings- 7am-9pm, for holy bath- 7am-1pm and 2pm-9pm.

11. Vyas Gufa

Vyas Gufa is one of the oldest temples situated in Bilaspur in the state of Himachal Pradesh and is quite famous among the pilgrims who pay a visit every year. As per the legends, sage Vyas meditated here for several years and later wrote the epic Mahabharata. Vyas Gufa is located alongside the river Satluj. Make sure to plan a visit between October to March as this time is considered perfect for a visit.

12. Jwala Devi Temple

The JwalaDevi temple is situated in the Jwalamukhi village in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh and is renowned for being one of the 51 Shaktipeeths in India. It is the place where the tongue of Sati has fallen. As per the legends, a shepherd first saw a raging fire on top of the hill and then told the king. Laker the king went and saw goddess JwalaDevi and later he decided to construct a temple. Visit this temple between October to February as it is the perfect time for a visit.

Timings- 5am- 12pm, 4pm-8pm.

13. Narvadeshwar Temple

Narvadeshawar temple is a 200-year-old architectural wonder and holds a rich cultural history. This temple is adorned with magnificent paintings. The murals tell the stories of epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata. Pay a visit during the Kully festivities and get drenched in the serenity of this temple.

Timings- 8am-6pm.

14. Naina Devi Temple

Naina Devi temple is one of the major temples and is located in the Bilaspur in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The Naina Devi is believed to be the incarnation of the goddess Durga. As per the legends, Lord Vishnu cut Ma Durga in 50 pieces to pacify lord shiva and her eyes fell here. This temple was constructed by Raja Bir Chand in the 8th century. Pay a visit to this temple between April to October as this time is considered perfect for a visit.

Timings- 5am-9pm

15. Baijnath Temple

Baijnath temple is one of the most beautiful and famous temples in Himachal Pradesh. This temple is constructed in Nagara style and is situated in Kangra. The presiding deity in the Baijnath temple is lord Vaidyanath, a form of Lord shiva. The temple was built in 1204 A.D and since then it is one of the prominent religious sites in India. Attend the morning and evening prayer that will give you an immense peaceful experience. Plan your visit between October to March as it is considered to be the best time to pay a visit to Baijnath temple.

Timings- 6am- 5:30pm.