Temples in Himachal Pradesh

Bhootnath Temple

Practically synonymous with Mandi and located in its very heart, this temple is as old as the town itself, dating back to the 1520’s. it has a Nandi or god Shiva’s bull facing the ornamental double arch to the sanctuary. The modern shrines nearby are brightly painted. in the month of March, the festival of Shivratri is a major event and Bhootnath Temple is its focus.

Syamakall Temple

Also known as the Tarna Devi Temple, this temple is situated on the Tarna Hill, which rises above the town. Raja Syama Sen built the temple in the 17th century after a particularly trying time when the goddess gave him success.

Raghunath Temple

Raghunath Temple: in the 17th century, Raja Jagat Singh of Kulu is said to have committed a great wrong, to atone for which, he sent a courtier to Ayodhya for a statue of Lord Raghunath - Lord Rama. He built this temple to house the image, and the shrine went on to be a popular site of worship.

Bijli Mahadev Temple

Located at an altitude of 2460 m, this fascinating temple rests on a spur, that offers some splendid views. The remarkable feature of the shrine, is a high pole or staff that periodically draws lightning, which shatters the ‘Shivlinga’ and scorches the building. Butter is, then, used as an adhesive by the priest to put the ‘linga’ together again.

Parashurama Tal and Renuka Temple

Parashurama Tal and Renuka Temple: Located at the base of the Renuka Lake is the Parashurama Tal, a massive pool embodying, it is believed, Parashurama, who desired to spend eternity at his mother’s feet. Mother and son are reunited every year at the great Renuka Fair, held on banks of the lake, in the month of November.The original temple of Renukaji, is said to have been built overnight by a contingent of Gurkhas in the early 19th century. Renuka LakeLegend has it that when the evil Sahasarjuna killed the sage Jamadagini and tried to abduct his wife Renuka, She flung herself into the water. The gods restored her to life and this like is regarded to be her embodiment. There is a row of temples along its banks, and a track encircles the waters.

Triloknath Shiva Temple

it is built in the Nagari style with a tiled roof. The temple at the centre of a group of sculpted stones shrines, overlooks the river and offers good views. inside the temple, Lord Shiva has been depicted as the lord of the three worlds, at the Panchvakhra he has five faces, expressing his five aspects.

Jakhu Hanuman Temple:- No visit to the state capital Shimla is complete without visiting Jakhu Hill. This hill looms over Shimla town and is the geographical nucleus. the Hanuman temple at the top of Jakhu hill is the highest point in town. The steep climb is rewarding for the fine views it offers over the surrounding valleys, out to the snow capped peaks and over Shimla it self. the temple is only 2 km from the Ridge but it could be an hour walk for a person not used to mountain climbing. the temple is one of the most favoured spots for tourists apart from pilgrims.

There are many monkeys around the temple, but surprisingly they don’t attack people. Pilgrims offer them eatables which they readily accept. The approach to the temple is through a dense forest of deodars, though many find the climb tiresome. Ponies are available for a to and fro ride to the temple.