Temples of Himachal Pradesh
Himachal
Pradesh - An Abode of Temples
Himachal Pradesh, the land of God is located in the northern region of
India. Dotted with century old temples, forts, monasteries, the state is
described as one of the popular holiday destinations of India. Situated
amidst calm, quite and peaceful surroundings, Himachal Pradesh attracts
large number of tourists throughout the year. Himachal Pradesh witness
as many Gods as there are villages. It is believed that there are around
two thousands or more temples all over the state. Baijnath temple,
Jwalaji temple, Chintpurni temple, Chamunda Devi temple are some of the
famous temples of Himachal Pradesh, which are known for their dignity.
Baijnath Temple
Situated alongside Mandi - Palampur road, the Baijnath temple is 36 km
east of Kangra. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is worshipped for
the lingam of Shiva. Originally named as Kirangama, the name of the
temple changed to Baijnath after dedicating it to Lord Shiva, who is
also known as the 'Lord of Physicians'. Every year during the month of
March 'Shivratri fair' is celebrated to mark the presence of Lord Shiva
and witnessed by huge number of devotees who sing, dance and perform
prayers to the main deity of the temple.
Jwalaji Temple
One of the most popular pilgrimage sites in Himachal Pradesh, Jwalaji
temple is situated at a distance of 34 km south of
Kangra. The temple, which is also
described as 'the flaming temple' comprises of 9 permanent flames
dedicated to nine different forms of Goddess. Apart from the main
temple, there is Gorakh Dibbi and Chaturbhuj temple situated in the
vicinity of the Jawalaji temple. A large number of devotees travel to
the temple to witness the famous Aarti session, which is performed at
five times a day.
Chamunda Devi Temple
Situated at a height of 1000m above sea - level, Chamunda Devi temple
is located at a distance of 16 km from
Dharamsala. The temple is
dedicated to Lord Chamunda, which is believed to have formed by the
combination of two demons, Chanda and Munda. Apart from the mythological
significance of the temple, the Chamunda Devi temple is also known for
the Ayurvedic dispensary, library and Sanskrit college.
Chintpurni Temple
Chintpurni temple is located at a distance of 35 km from Jawalamukhi in
Himachal Pradesh. The temple, which is dedicated to goddess 'Parvati'
(an associate of Lord shiva) is worshipped in the form of a stone
lingam. The legend says that the temple came into existence after the
goddess revealed herself to Mayadass, an ardent devotee. The temple is
constructed around the Devi's pind and houses headless image of goddess
Parvati. Every year large number of devotees flock to the temple to get
blessings from the goddess and make their presence in the famous
Navratra festival, which is held during the month of April and October.
Naina Devi Temple
Naina Devi temple is situated at a distance of 65 km from
Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh.
Dedicated to goddess 'Naina Devi' the temple is considered as one of the
51 shaktipeeths. Situated amidst Gobind Sagar dam and Bhakra dam, the
Naina Devi temple is a great source of comfort, strength and influence
on the soul searching. The temple, which is located on the mighty
Shivalik range of Indian Himalayas takes around half an hour to reach
from the foothill. Every year during the month of April and October a
famous Navratra festival is celebrated in the memory of goddess Naina
Devi. A large number of devotees throng to this holy place to attain the
festival, which is celebrated with great fun and enthusiast.
Lakshmi Narayan Temple
Lakshmi Narayan Temple is located in the
Chamba
district of Himachal Pradesh. Dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu, the
images of the temple are constructed using white marbles. Apart from the
main temple, Chamba town include other temples like Hari Rai,
Champavati, Bansigopal, Ram Chandra and Yogi Charpat Nath temple.
Other Temples
Besides, there are many more temples located in the Himachal Pradesh
region, which are known for their mythological belief and faith. Some of
them were Bajreshwari temple, Chaurasi temple, Chattari temple,
Raghunath temple, Bijli mahadev temple, Prashar temple, Shikari temple,
Bhimkali temple, Hadimba temple and many more. There are some sort of
stories related to all these temples, which are believed to be of
ancient time period.
