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Himachal is a North Indian paradise. This state is home to plenty of mountains and amazing views. It is very rich in cultural heritage and spirituality. The numerous temples in this place are proof of Himachal’s deep-rooted religious traditions. Himachal temples are unique and interesting, which makes them a must-visit for every tourist visiting here. Pilgrims and devotees from all over the country come here to worship. Let’s explore more about the temples in Himachal that you should not miss out on when you are here.
12 Himachal Temples You Must Visit
The state of Himachal is dotted with spectacular temples. Here are the Himachal temples you should visit.
1. Jakhoo Temple, Shimla
Photo: Jishnu Mohan / Wikimedia Commons
This temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is located 2445 metres in the Jakhoo Hills of Shimla. A slight peek through the snow-capped trees of the idol of Lord Hanuman will instantly make you admire it for its beauty and height. The idol is in saffron colour and stands at a massive 108 feet tall. This is also one of the famous temples in Himachal.
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
Suggested Read: Panchvaktra Temple
2. Hidimba Devi Temple
Photo: Ganesh Mohan T / Wikimedia Commons
This is a Pagoda-style shrine temple dedicated to Goddess Hidimba amidst the snow capped mountains. The ancient carvings and engravings are an interesting sight to adore in this temple. If you are planning on visiting this temple, the month of May will be the best as you will also get to attend the Hidimba Devi Fair.
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
3. Manu Temple
Photo: Francesco Ungaro / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
This temple is located on the banks of the River Beas. The architectural beauty of this pagoda-style temple is to be admired by every tourist here. This temple is dedicated to sage Manu. There are ancient scriptures and stone carvings on the walls and pillars of this place. The views of the valley from this temple will provide a sense of relief and calm for you.
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
Suggested Read: Jatoli Temple
4. Shree Chintpurni Devi Temple
Photo: Guptaele / Wikimedia Commons
Lakhs of people come here on pilgrimage to visit this temple every year. This temple is located 55 km away from the town of Una. What sets this temple apart from other famous temples in Himachal is that it has a gold shrine in the centre. Once you reach this place, you will have to walk as vehicles are not allowed inside the premises.
Timings: 4 AM – 9 PM
5. Shree Jwalaji Temple
Photo: Vijay Krishnawat / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
There is a flame of natural gas in this place that has been burning for thousands of years from a hollow rock. This natural flame has been protected in the sanctum sanctorum along with a temple that is shaped like a dome in gold. During the Navaratra days of March to April and September to October, colourful festivals are held.
Timings: 5 AM – 11 PM
Suggested Read: Explore Chintpurni Temple In Himachal Pradesh
6. Masroor Rock-cut Temple
Photo: Wsphotography / Wikimedia Commons
Unlike any other temple, this temple has a monolithic structure made of rock. Temples like this are quite rare in India. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, Rama, Vishnu, Sita, Lakshmana, and other deities. The style of this temple is Indo-Aryan. It has 15 temples cut in the rock. There is also a courtyard with a rectangular water pool which makes the view of this temple even better. Just 40 km from Kangra, you should not miss out on this rare temple. These famous temples in Himachal are ones that you should not miss.
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
7. Shree Bajreshwari Devi temple
Photo: Guptaele / Wikimedia Commons
This is one of the popular temples in Himachal. Located in the heart of the town Kangra, this temple honours goddess Bajreshwari. This temple, according to the legend, was built by the Pandavas during the Mahabharata Era. This temple was rebuilt and restored to its old glory after every invasion. At one point, this temple faced an earthquake in 1905 and had to be rebuilt.
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM, 12:30 PM – 9 PM
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Tirthan Valley
8. Shiva Temple – Baijnath
Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh / Wikimedia Commons
This was a stone temple that was rebuilt at an existing temple site in 1204 AD by two merchants. This Shikhara-style temple is home to a Linga which is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in the country. For Shivaratri, the temple is decorated with flowers and the sight of this beautiful temple covered by stunning flower garlands is something to behold. This town also holds a fair during the time of Shivaratri which makes it the best time for you to visit here.
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM
9. Baba Balak Nath Temple, Deotsidh
Photo: Rajthakurdxb / Wikimedia Commons
This is a pilgrimage centre on a hillside at Deotsidh which is visited by many visitors as a pilgrimage, especially in March every year. This temple is home to a flame called ‘light of truth’ that was lit by a boy sage about 500 years ago. This sacred flame has been burning for centuries. This temple is in a decent distance between the three towns of Hamirpur, Bilaspur and Una.
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Spiti Valley
10. Bhimakali Temple, Sarahan, Shimla
Photo: Gerd Eichmann / Wikimedia Commons
This multistoried twin temple in Shimla is an architectural beauty to admire with the fantastic views the place has to offer. Many pilgrims visit this temple around the year, especially during the Navaratra Fair. This fair is held twice a year in March/April and September/October.
Timings: 7 AM – 9:30 PM
11. Hatkoti Temple, Pabbar Valley, Shimla Hills
Photo: Varun Shiv Kapur / Wikimedia Commons
Located 100 km from Shimla on the bank of the River Pabbar, this temple provides a scenic beauty of green paddy fields and orchards. Within the compounds of this temple is a stone temple of Lord Shiva. A heavy metal pail called Charu has been leashed to the foot of the idol of the goddess and is made of an alloy of eight metals.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Solang Valley
12. Baglamukhi Temple, Kangra
Photo: Prazwol.1 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Yellow is the favourite colour of the Devi, this temple is painted in yellow. Devotees coming to this temple wear yellow and they also make an offering of besan ke laddoo which is also yellow in colour. The temple has the idol of the goddess Durga. This temple is within reach of the district of Kangra at only 26 km.
Timings: 5 AM – 11 PM
The spiritual landscape of Himachal is dotted with plenty of temples. Each of these temples is unique in what they have to offer which is why you should not miss any of them. Himachal temples come with fantastic views and interesting things to see and learn. These temples give us a glimpse of India’s ancient traditions and history. So if you are planning on visiting Himachal, make sure you stop by all these temples to worship and enjoy the atmosphere.
Cover Photo: Aryan Nikhil / Usplash.com
