Top 8 Ancient Temples to Visit in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh, also called Devbhoomi, is the land of Gods and deities. People of this state have absolute faith and belief in their Gods and seek their blessings for peace and prosperity in their life. As a mark of respect and to honor the Gods, the kings and people of Himachal built various temples in the past. Some of these temples are centuries old and hold a special place in the history and heritage of Himachal as well as in the life of its people.?

Most of the temples are located high in the beautiful hills where there is no human habitation and the terrain is difficult to walk through. Gods deliberately chose such places as their abode to maintain their sanctity and piousness. People driven by the zeal of worship visit these places along with their family or friends during festivals as well as on normal days.?

You too may be keen to visit these temples for having a darshan of the deities and for your spiritual upliftment. So we are sharing with you some of the top and famous temples in Himachal Pradesh that are worth visiting, if you are an outsider on a visit to Himachal or even if you are a local resident.?

1. Bijli Mahadev

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Bijli Mahadev temple is located in Kashvari village in Kullu Valley. Located at an altitude of 2460 meters above? the sea level, this temple is one of the most ancient temples of India. Every 12 years, the Shiv Lingam inside the temple breaks down into pieces due to falling lightning. The priest? of the temple combines the broken lingam pieces through the paste of grains, flour obtained from lentils and unsalted butter. After some months, Shiv Lingam acquires its old shape as it was before lightning.?

It is said that once upon a time a demon (Rakshas) named Kulant used to reside in the Kullu Valley. He changed his form to a huge snake and by slithering through the entire village, he reached Mathan village in Lahaul Spiti. To reach the place, he tried to even stop the flow of Beas river due to which the village was flooded.

Lord Shiva was watching the demon. Feeling angered, Lord Shiva started fighting with Kulant. After the demon was killed by him, the demon got transformed into a huge mountain which was named Kullu thereafter. People's belief about lightning is that Lord Indra drops lightning on the instruction of Lord Shiva.

This temple has a beautiful architecture with various figures inscribed on its entrance. The architecture of this temple? in Himachal Pradesh is quite unique and breathtaking. The shiv lingam is also beautifully painted with leaves and is covered with a cloth. Entry to the shiv lingam is prohibited. However, you can have its darshan from outside.?

Outside the premises of the main temple, there are shapes of Nandi, Lingams, etc. which get worshiped by devotees. There is also a huge tree on which people have tied chunnis? (a red coloured pious cloth). You will be able to see a magnificent view of the peaks around from the temple.?

Bijli Mahadev Temple is a serene, pious and beautiful place that you must visit.

2. Dev Bala Kameshwar Banyuri??

Dev Balakameshwar Banyuri temple is located in the Mandi District? of Himachal Pradesh. Dev Balakameshwar is the chief deity of this temple who is the biggest devta among 12 Kameshwars. This deity can bring rain in drought. Dev Balakameshwar can conduct marriages of couples in his darbaar without matching their horoscopes.

On Shivratri hundreds of couples tie a marriage knot in this temple. This God can also cure 18 types? of physical ailments including ailments? of skin and abdomen. That’s why Dev Balakaameshwar is called 18 Vyaadhiyon ka Bhandari (keeper of 18 diseases).

3. Mahamrityunjaya Temple

Devoted to Lord Shiva, Mahamrityunjaya Temple? is located in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. This is the lone Mahamrityunjaya Temple in northern India and is one of the most important temples in Himachal Pradesh.

The temple has a unique idol of Lord Shiva where he is seen sitting in the lotus position in a meditative mood with his third eye open. This idol has four arms. Among them, his upper right hand is raised to bless, while his left upper hand is holding a pot with water of immortality.

In the idol, his lower right hand is seen in Bhumisparsha Mudra, while his upper left hand is seen holding a kamandal, which is a pot holding water. If you are coming to Mandi, do not miss visiting this temple and seeking blessings from Lord? Mahamrityunjaya.??

4. Jamdagni Rishi Temple

Jamdagni Rishi Temple, located in Malana village, is the abode of Jamdagni Rishi who is known as Jamlu Devta in local dialect. Having a breathtaking design, the temple is built from a combination of wood and stone. Visitors are prohibited from touching the temple. If they touch it, they will have to pay a fine of Rs. 3500.

There is an ancient tale associated with this temple.? According to it, Jamdagni Rishi was a worshiper of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesha. He managed to appease Shiva after intense players who appeared before him and told him to ask for a boon. Jamdagni Rishi asked for a place that was secluded and full of nature’s bounty for his residence. Shiva told him to go to Malana.

The two brothers of Jamdagni Rishi followed him. To avoid them, he created a mist in the valley and told his brothers that this place was not good. He further said that if they wanted to stay there they could. His brothers left him and went to Lahaul and Banjar valley respectively.?

At that time, a big Rakshasa (demon) named Banasura controlled Malana. When Rishi reached there, the? Rakshasa retaliated and a fight ensued between the two.?

As per the agreement, administration and justice were to be handled separately. Banasura had a say in the selection of the members of the executive while justice was taken care of by Jamdagni Rishi. In the event of a dispute in the administration, it was to be sorted out by the judiciary.

The Kanashi language was made compulsory for those who lived in Malana. Customs and traditions were also made mandatory for its residents. During festivals, the first sacrifice was made for Banasura, the Rakshasa. As the time passed, Jamdagni Rishi gained superiority over Banasura, but the village retained its traditions which are still followed here. Wasn’t that interesting????

5. Shuk Dev Rishi Temple

Shuk Dev Rishi Temple is yet another temple among ancient temples in Himachal Pradesh (HP). It is the abode of Shuk Dev Rishi, known as Thatti Madghayal in the local dialect. It? is located? in Thata Village of Siraj Tehsil? of Mandi District. The idol of Shuk Dev Rishi adorned? with peacock feathers? on the top looks beautiful. The idol of Lord Brahma lies next to it.

The architecture of this temple is detailed and contains fine woodwork which is a treat to watch. On the outside walls of Shuk Dev Rishi temple, various paintings of Gods and spiritual events are inscribed.

Shuk Dev Rishi went to the forest for gaining knowledge in his childhood. He narrated the story of Shrimadbhaagwad Puraan to Raja Parkishit. Shuk Dev ji learnt Mahabharat from Vyas Rishi ji and narrated it to Gods. This Muni (Sage) attained salvation (immersed himself in God) at a young age.?

6. Shangchul Mahadev

Shangchul Mahadev Temple is located in Sainj Valley of Kullu region.? This temple is related to Mahabharat kaal. Pandvaas stayed here during their exile. Kauravas also followed them and reached here. Pandvaas sought refuge in Shangchul Mahadev and prayed to him for their safety.

Mahadev stopped Kauravas and told them that this is my area. Whoever is under my protection, you cannot do harm to them. Fearing Mahadev’s wrath, Kauras left the place. From then, it became the tradition to provide full protection to devotees.

As a part of this tradition, Shangchul Mahadev provides protection to couples who have eloped after breaking societal and caste barriers. Residents of this village also take full care of refuge seekers, including looking after their food needs.?

Nobody is allowed to carry arms here. Furthermore, nobody is allowed to indulge in a quarrel here and nobody is allowed to speak in a loud voice. Only the judgment of Devta reigns supreme and everybody has to accept it. The entry of liquor, cigarettes and leather is also prohibited in this village.??

This village was once completely burnt in fire in the past but it resurrected itself due to the grace of Shangchul Mahadev.?

7. Raja Dev Shetty Naag Ji

Raja Dev Shetty Naag Ji Temple is dedicated to Dev Shetty Naagi Ji who is Hazaar pahadiyon ka raja (King of 1000 Hills). The temple is located in the Shiraj Tehsil of Mandi district. Surrounded by hills with rising clouds, the place looks like heaven on earth.

The temple has a beautiful architecture that is sculpted on wood and the idol of the chief deity Dev Shetty Naag Ji lies in the middle? of this temple. If you are looking for a serene, spiritually uplifting and peaceful place to visit, then Dev Shetty Naag Ji Temple should be the best choice.

8. Prashar Lake Temple

Next? in this list of ancient temples in Himachal Pradesh is Prashar Lake Temple It is located around the Prashar Lake, one of the most beautiful and naturally bountiful spots in Himachal.

Sage Prashar meditated at this sacred lake. Raja Ban Sen of Mandi got this temple built in the 13th century to honor Rishi Prashar. According to a legend, the temple was built by a baby from a single tree.

The depth of Prashar Lake is too deep. Even divers could not determine its depth. The lake is located at a height of 2,730 m above sea level. The lake has deep blue waters and is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and looks down on the fast flowing river Beas. The lake also contains a floating island. Prashar Lake is located 49 km north of Mandi, Himachal Pradesh.?

Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers, had created this lake. According to the story, after the Mahabharat war, the Pandvas were returning along with Lord Kamru Nag. When they reached this place, Kamru Nag loved the tranquil surroundings and decided to make this place his permanent abode. So, Bheem who was known for his unlimited might, rammed his elbow on the mountains and thus caused a big dent in the land. From this dent, Prashar Lake originated.?

Now, you are aware of the most important, famous and ancient temples of Himachal Pradesh where you can pray for peace, prosperity and salvation in life. So make your travel plans accordingly to visit one or more of these magnificent, grand and sacrosanct temples in Himachal Pradesh.

A truly enjoyable, extremely satisfying and spiritually uplifting travel experience awaits you in Devbhoomi, the land of Gods and Deities. When are you coming? People of Himachal are eagerly waiting for your arrival and are all geared up to give you a warm, friendly and inviting welcome that you won’t forget ever.?

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