Himachal Pradesh is famously known as Dev Bhoomi or Land of the Gods and for all the right reasons. Every other town and district of this beautiful state has its own set of temples replete with legends about different Hindu gods and goddesses. In this blog, we will learn about the 10 most famous temples of Himachal Pradesh that you should visit on your trip to Himachal Pradesh.
Must-Visit Temples in Himachal Pradesh
1. Sankat Mochan Temple
The Sankat Mochan Temple, located on the Kalka-Shimla Highway, is one of the most revered temples in Himachal Pradesh, especially in Shimla. Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, it holds a special place in the hearts of devotees who believe that Lord Hanuman has the power to alleviate all troubles (Sankat). Initially, the temple was just a small shrine but has now been expanded into a three-storied building. Herein, you can also find an Ayurvedic clinic, offering traditional herbal treatments to visitors. More so, the temple also occasionally runs a Langar, serving free meals to all.
Location: Bus Stop, Sankatmochan, Bagh, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, 171004
Timings: 6:30 AM – 8:00 PM & 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM (During winter)
2. Vyas Gufa
Lying on the banks of River Sutlej, Vyas Gufa holds a special significance. It is believed that Vyasa, one of the most revered sages in Hindu mythology meditated here for several years. And yes, Sage Vyas is the same sage who wrote the epic Mahabharata. The temple stands at an altitude of 610 meters above sea level, all surrounded by beautiful pine and Juniper forests. Nearby this, you can also find many attractions like Kali Mandir, Kalapani Spring, Budhi, and Gunji. If you are to plan a visit here, try picking a date between October to March as the weather remains quite pleasant during this time.
Location: Diara Sector, Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, 174001, India
Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
3. Hidimba Devi Temple
Located in Manali, the Hidimba Temple is dedicated to Hidimba Devi, the wife of Bhima from the Mahabharata. The temple is famous for its unique architecture, which features intricate wood carvings and a pagoda-like structure. It is built around a cave where Hidimba Devi is said to have meditated.
Surrounded by dense cedar forests, the temple has a serene ambiance, which attracts both tourists and devotees alike. If you are planning a visit here, try visiting during the Saroohni Annual Mela, to become a part of the great, enthusiastic local celebration.
Location: Regency Road, Siyal Rd, Siyal, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131, India
Timings: 8:00 AM – 6 PM
4. Jwala Devi Temple
Jwala Devi is one of the 51 Shaktipeethas situated in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. It is the place where the tongue of Sati fell. According to a famous legend, once a shepherd saw a raging fire on the hilltop. All concerned, he immediately ran to the king to tell him about the incident. When the king reached the spot, he witnessed goddess Jwala Devi in the raging fire flames. The king thereupon decided to build a temple at the exact same spot dedicated to Goddess Jwala Devi. It is said that everyone’s wish gets fulfilled upon visiting the temple. However, while you visit the temple, make sure to offer a coconut as it’s a mandatory ritual here.
Location: Kohala, Jawala Ji Temple Road, Jawalamukhi, Kangra – 176031, India
Temple: 5 AM – 10 PM (Summer) & 6 AM – 9 PM (Winter)
5. Tara Devi Temple
The Tara Devi Temple, situated on the Kalka-Shimla Highway near Shogi, is one of the oldest temples in Shimla, dating back 250 years. Tara Devi is believed to be the family deity of the Sen Dynasty. According to the legends, the temple was initially located at a lower altitude but was later shifted to its current hilltop location by Raja Balbir Sen to spread the blessings of Maa Tara Devi over the entire region.
The temple offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and is a popular destination during the Shardiya Navratras, especially on Ashtami. Devotees flock to the temple to seek the blessings of Maa Tara Devi for prosperity and well-being.
Location: Shoghi Bypass, Taradevi, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, 171010, India
Timings: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
6. Jakhu Temple
Situated at an altitude of 8000 feet in Shimla, the Jakhoo Temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. It is home to a massive 108-foot-tall statue of Lord Hanuman, which is easily visible from various parts of Shimla. The temple is believed to be located at the spot where Lord Hanuman took a short rest while he was on his mission to bring the Sanjeevni buti (herb) to save Lord Lakshmana.
According to another legend, the temple was commissioned by a sage named Yaaku, who guided Lord Hanuman about the Sanjeevni herb. The Jakhoo Temple is a popular pilgrimage site and is among the top five must-visit places in Shimla. You can visit it anytime from early morning till late evening.
Location: Jakhu Temple Park, Jakhu, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, 171001, India
Timings: 7 AM – 8 PM
7. Vashisht Temple
The Vashisht Temple, located in Manali, is known for its natural hot springs, which are believed to have healing properties. The temple is dedicated to sage Vashisht, who is said to have meditated at this spot. Herein, you will find separate bathing zones for men and women, wherein you can take a dip in the hot springs and experience their therapeutic benefits. If you are seeking a place to relax and rejuvenate amidst nature, then this might be the right place for you.
Location: Near Manali, Vashisht, Himachal Pradesh, 175135, India
Timings: 7 AM – 9 PM
Also Read :Â Top 10 Monuments of Himachal Pradesh
8. Maa Sharvari Temple
Located near Manali on the banks of the river Beas, this temple is dedicated to Maa Sharvari, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. She is believed to be the deity of the Kullu Kings who worshipped her for protection and prosperity.
The temple is visited by thousands of devotees during the festival of Dussehra. During this time, the idol of Maa Sharvari is taken out in a grand procession to meet God Raghunath Ji in Kullu. The temple remains open for visitors from early morning till late evening, so you can visit anytime to seek the blessings of Maa Sharvari.
Location: Maa Sharvari Temple, Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Timings: 5 AM – 12 PM & 4 PM – 9 PM
9. Naina Devi Temple
Situated around 70 kilometers away from Bilaspur, Naina Devi Ji Temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and is believed to be one of the 51 Siddha Peethas of India. Legend has it that it was built at the spot where one of Sati’s (an incarnation of goddess Durga) eyes fell. The temple holds immense religious significance among both Hindus and Sikhs. Every year, thousands of devotees visit here to seek the blessings of Naina Devi and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding hills. However, the best time to visit is between April and October when the weather is quite pleasant.
Location: Shri Naina Devi Ji, Distt. Bilaspur Himachal Pradesh
Timings: 4 AM – 10 PM & 2:00 AM – 12 AM (during navratri)
10. Narbadeshwar Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Narbadeshwar temple was built by Rani Prasanna Devi, the wife of King Sansar Chand. Herein, you will find various beautiful murals and paintings adorning the walls of the temple which give it a whole different spiritual and artisanal touch. The complex also houses many small temples dedicated to Lord Lakshminarayana, Lord Ganesha, and Goddess Durga that you explore upon your visit.
Location: SH 39, Sujanpur Tira, Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh, 176110, India
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) :
Q. What are the 5 Shakti Peeths in Himachal Pradesh?
A. Jwalaji, Naina Devi, Chamunda Devi, Chintpurni Devi, and Brajeshwari Devi are the five Shakti peeths in Himachal Pradesh.
Q. Which part fell in Chamunda Devi?
A. It is believed that the ears of Sati fell in the Chamundi Hills of Mysuru where now stands the temple of Chamunda Devi.
Q. Which temple is in Manali?
A. Vashisht temple, dedicated to sage Vashisht is located in Manali.
