Are you a religious person and looking forward to visiting Himachal Pradesh? If yes, then you need to look no further, as Himachal Pradesh is home to plenty of holy places that will satiate no desire to find peace among the chaos in life. In short, you will discover serendipity when you visit Himachal Pradesh as there is a different calmness surrounding it all over.
Himachal Pradesh is also known as Lord Shiva’s home. Some of the most sacred rivers also start from Himachal Pradesh, and different types of religious places have a lot of historical significance here. Under this guide, you can come across some of the famous holy sites in Himachal Pradesh that you should visit once you are here.
Here are some of the most popular religious sites in Himachal:
1. Hidimba Temple
one of the most prominent temples in Himachal Pradesh is none other than the Hidimba temple. It attracts plenty of tourists every year, and even foreign visitors visit this place. When you visit this temple, you can come across a lot of nature, and the beauty is just unparalleled.
The temple has been here since 1553, and it is dedicated to the goddess known as Hidimba. As per the ancient Mahabharata epic, the goddess was the wife of a warrior known as Bhima. The locals also believe that the goddess protects the valley from all destruction and calamities. Visiting best time to visit this temple is during the summer, which starts in June and goes up till August.
- Famous for: Intricate wooden carvings, Ancient cave temple, Mythological significance
- Best Time to Visit: May to June, September to October
- Duration: 1-2 hours
- How to Reach: 52 km from Kullu Manali Airport, 245 km from Chandigarh Railway Station, and 1 km from Manali town via National Highway 3.
2. Jwalamukhi Temple
the temple forms part of the Shaktipeeth trail and is dedicated to one of the forms of Shakti. As per Hindu mythology, the goddess’s tongue is believed to have fallen on the ground and played a crucial role in making the ground sacred.
The ruling king of Kangra had constructed this temple. Every year several devotees from different parts of the country visit this temple during the Navratri time especially. It is the time when nine forms of the goddesses are worshipped.
The unique thing about the temple is the blue flames appearing from within The Cave.
- Famous for: Eternal flames, Hindu pilgrimage site, Unique architecture
- Best Time to Visit: March-April during Navratri, September-October during Navratri
- Duration: 1-2 hours
- How to Reach: 46 km from Kangra Airport, 20 km from Jwalamukhi Road Railway Station, and 2 km off National Highway 154
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3. Baba Balak Nath Temple
The temple is constructed around The Cave and dedicated to a sage known as side Baba Balak Nath. Within Hinduism, he was one of the most prominent yogis and was believed to be a reincarnation of the God Shiva. The temple is nestled in the Hamirpur district of Himachal Pradesh.
The unique fact about the temple is that women are not allowed. The majority of the people visit this temple during the Navratri season as the temple is an important site for all the yogis for the Nath tradition.
- Famous for: Cave temple, Deot Sidh pilgrimage circuit
- Best Time to Visit: March-April during Navratri
- Duration: 1-2 hours
- How to Reach: 105 km from Chandigarh Airport, 83 km from Una Railway Station, and 5 km from Shahtalai via National Highway 503 (Road distance).
4. Sankat Mochan Temple
Sankat Mochan temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, and it is one of the most famous temples that devotees visit every year from different parts of the country. The temple is nestled on the Shimla Kalka highway.
If you want to attain inner peace and healing, then visit this temple while you are in Himachal Pradesh.
- Famous for: Panoramic views, Serene environment, Lord Hanuman temple
- Best Time to Visit: All year round
- Duration: 1-2 hours
- How to Reach: 25 km from Shimla Airport, 5 km from Shimla Railway Station, and 2 km off National Highway 5.
5. Naina Devi Temple
The temple is incredibly dedicated to the goddess Shakti’s eyes. It is a part of the Shaktipeeth trail and is religiously significant for all Hindu devotees. Thousands of devotees visit the temple, especially during the Navratri season. It is nestled in the Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh.
The unique part about the temple is that two eyes in golden colour are worshipped by the devotees, and people believe that when they visit this temple, they achieve inner peace.
- Famous for: Shakti Peeth, Cable car, Panoramic view of Bhakra Nangal Dam
- Best Time to Visit: March-April, September-October during Navratri
- Duration: 1-2 hours
- How to Reach: 100 km from Chandigarh Airport, 70 km from Anandpur Sahib Railway Station, and 20 km from Bhakra Nangal via National Highway 205.
6. Bhima Kali Temple
this temple also forms a part of the Shaktipeeth trail, and as per mythology, God is shakti’s ears fell on this, please. The temple is a sacred Hindu site for several pilgrims located in Sarahan, Himachal Pradesh. A unique wooden architecture with different wooden carvings. The picturesque Mountaineer’s background makes the temple a great attraction among tourists.
It is believed that the temple is at least 800 years old, and it is dedicated to the goddess Bhima Kali.
- Famous for: Unique wooden architecture, Religious significance in Hinduism and Buddhism
- Best Time to Visit: April to June, September to November
- Duration: 1-2 hours
- How to Reach: 164 km from Shimla Airport, 187 km from Shimla Railway Station, and 6 km from Sarahan via National Highway 5.
7. Manikaran Sahib
Nestled in the Parvati valley along Parvati’s riverbanks in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, Manikaran is one of the most prominent religious places for Hindus and Sikhs here. The Hot Springs and beautiful surroundings attract several people from different parts of the country.
When you visit this place, you can see the gurudwara, as it is one of the most highly worshipped places among the Sikhs. There is also a shift temple which attracts several people throughout the year.
- Famous for: Hot springs, Sikh and Hindu pilgrimage sites, Beautiful landscapes
- Best Time to Visit: All year round
- Duration: 1-2 days
- How to Reach: 35 km from Kullu Manali Airport, 270 km from Chandigarh Railway Station, and directly accessible via National Highway 3 (Road distance).
8. Dalai Lama, Dharamshala
Dharamshala is also known as the holy residence of the Dalai Lama. It is home to several Tibetan monks. Himachal Pradesh is a state where it is located, in the Kangra district. The city is separated into upper and lower divisions with various altitudes.
The lower division forms in Dharamshala town, where the upper division is prominently known as McLeod Ganj. One of the best times to visit this place is anywhere from October to June.
- Famous for: Tibetan culture, Tsuglagkhang Complex, Peaceful environment
- Best Time to Visit: March to June, October to December
- Duration: 1-2 days
- How to Reach: 15 km from Gaggal Airport, 85 km from Pathankot Railway Station, and 9 km from Dharamshala via National Highway 154 .
9. Chamunda Devi Temple
Situated in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, Chamunda Devi Temple is a sacred shrine dedicated to Goddess Chamunda, a form of Durga/Parvati. This temple is nestled on the banks of the Baner River, offering panoramic views of the Dhauladhar ranges. It’s a place of deep spiritual significance, attracting devotees from across India to seek blessings and partake in ritualistic worship. The temple is known for its intricate carvings and serene atmosphere, enveloped by dense forests. The best time to visit Chamunda Devi Temple is during the Navratri festival when the temple premises come alive with fervent celebrations and religious ceremonies.
- Famous for: Scenic beauty, Religious rituals, Ancient temple
- Best Time to Visit: March-April, September-October
- Duration: 1-2 hours
- How to Reach: 20 km from Kangra Airport, 90 km from Pathankot Railway Station, and 15 km from Palampur via National Highway 154.
10. Rewalsar Lake
Rewalsar Lake, located near Mandi, is a revered site for Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists, symbolizing the harmonious coexistence of multiple faiths. The lake is surrounded by temples, a gurudwara, and a monastery, reflecting its multicultural religious significance. For Hindus, the lake is associated with sage Lomas and the divinity of Lord Krishna. Sikhs hold it dear as Guru Gobind Singh visited here. Buddhists believe the lake is linked to Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche). The serene waters and the spiritual ambiance make Rewalsar Lake a must-visit for those seeking peace and spiritual insight. The best time to visit is during the spring when the area is lush and vibrant.
- Famous for: Sacred lake, Religious harmony, Meditation caves
- Best Time to Visit: March to June, September to November
- Duration: 1 day
- How to Reach: 55 km from Mandi via National Highway 21 (Road distance), 88 km from Bhuntar Airport, and 125 km from Joginder Nagar Railway Station.
11. Shikari Devi Temple
Perched at the peak of Shikari Devi Mountain in Himachal Pradesh, the Shikari Devi Temple is an ancient site without a roof, dedicated to the goddess Shikari Devi. It is believed that the goddess has been protecting the region for centuries. The temple offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayas and dense forests. It’s a favored destination for trekkers and spiritual seekers alike. The journey to the temple itself is an adventure, traversing through beautiful landscapes. The best times to visit are from April to June and September to October, when the weather is pleasant, and the natural beauty of the area is at its peak.
12. Baijnath Temple
The Baijnath Temple, located in the Kangra district, is a historical and architectural marvel dedicated to Lord Shiva as Vaidyanath, the Lord of Physicians. This ancient temple, dating back to the 13th century, is revered for its beautiful carvings and exemplary North Indian Nagara architectural style. Devotees believe that prayers for health and healing are answered here. The temple is set against the backdrop of the stunning Dhauladhar range, adding to its mystical allure. The best time to visit is during the Shivratri festival when the temple celebrates the divine with grandeur and piety.
- Famous for: Ancient Shiva temple, Architectural beauty, Religious significance
- Best Time to Visit: All year round, especially during Shivratri
- Duration: 1-2 hours
- How to Reach: 50 km from Kangra Airport, 142 km from Pathankot Railway Station, and 16 km from Palampur via National Highway 154 (Road distance).
13. Raghunath Temple
- Famous for: Oldest temple in Kullu, Idol from Ayodhya, Cultural heritage
- Best Time to Visit: During Dussehra festival
- Duration: 1-2 hours
- How to Reach: 10 km from Kullu Manali Airport, 270 km from Chandigarh Railway Station, and 1 km from Kullu town center via National Highway 3 (Road distance).
Situated in Kullu, the Raghunath Temple is dedicated to Lord Rama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This temple holds a special place in the hearts of devotees, as it houses the idol believed to have been brought from Ayodhya in the 17th century by Raja Jagat Singh. The temple’s architecture is a beautiful blend of Pahari and Pyramidal styles, making it a significant cultural and religious landmark. The annual Kullu Dussehra festival, which starts from this temple, is a major attraction, drawing visitors from all over to witness the vibrant processions and rituals. The best time to visit Raghunath Temple is during Dussehra when the whole valley lights up in festive fervor.
These are some of the most extraordinary religious places of Himachal Pradesh that you should visit while you are in the state.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Why is Himachal Pradesh famous for religious tourism?
Himachal Pradesh is known for its serene environment, ancient temples, monasteries, and sacred sites surrounded by the Himalayas.
2. What are the most famous religious places in Himachal Pradesh?
Popular sites include the Jakhoo Temple (Shimla), Chamunda Devi Temple, Naina Devi Temple, Hidimba Devi Temple (Manali), and Tabo Monastery.
3. Why is Jakhoo Temple in Shimla significant?
Jakhoo Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, is located atop Jakhoo Hill and offers panoramic views of Shimla.
4. What makes the Naina Devi Temple special?
The Naina Devi Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas and is believed to be the spot where Goddess Sati’s eyes fell.
5. What is unique about the Hidimba Devi Temple in Manali?
The Hidimba Devi Temple is known for its wooden architecture and association with the Mahabharata, as Hidimba was Bhima’s wife.
6. What is the spiritual significance of Tabo Monastery?
Tabo Monastery in Spiti Valley is over 1,000 years old and is considered one of the oldest Buddhist centers in India.
7. Are there any Sikh pilgrimage sites in Himachal Pradesh?
Yes, Gurudwara Shri Manikaran Sahib in Kullu is a major Sikh shrine known for its hot springs and sacred history.
8. What is the story behind the Chamunda Devi Temple?
The Chamunda Devi Temple, near Dharamshala, is dedicated to Goddess Durga and is associated with the story of her slaying demons.
9. Why is the Jwala Devi Temple famous?
The Jwala Devi Temple is unique for its eternal flame that has been burning for centuries without a known fuel source.
10. When is the best time to visit religious places in Himachal Pradesh?
The ideal time is from March to June or September to November, as the weather is pleasant for travel and pilgrimage.
11. Are there monasteries in Himachal Pradesh for meditation?
Yes, monasteries like Key Monastery and Tashi Jong Monastery offer tranquil spaces for meditation and spiritual learning.
12. What should I wear when visiting religious sites in Himachal Pradesh?
Wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, and follow the local customs, such as removing shoes before entering temples.
