Religious places in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh

Brief introduction and history of Kangra

In lower region of Himachal, Kangra is most beautiful and picturesque district. The scenic Dhauladhar mountain range just adds the magic to the beauty of this district. It is a place known for having Shakti-peeth. The beautiful city of Dharamshala is headquarter to Kangra district. Mcleodganj, a place 11 KM away from Dharamshala is home to Baudh Dharamguru Dalai Lama and centre for exiled Tibetan Government. In addition to this, the whole region has many religious spots and temples. Kangra district is also famous for its tea gardens and locally produced Kangra- Tea has acclaimed a worldwide appreciation for itself. Kangra was known as Nagarkot in ancient times. The Katoch clan from Rajput dynasty is believed to be the oldest to rule this region. The modern day Kangra was formed on 1st September, 1972.

Location
Kangra district is situated in Dhauladhar and Shivalik mountain range. It touches its boundary to Chamba and Lahaul in north, Mandi in east, Hamirpur and Una in south and Gurdaspur district of Punjab in west. When it comes to weather, Kangra district sees very hot summers and foggy winters in most of its area. The higher reaches of the district like Dharamshala, Bhangal and Palampur also witness the snowfall during winters. Adding more to it, Dharamshala is known to have highest rainfall not only in Kangra but also in Himachal Pradesh. One visiting this place in rainy reason, must carry either umbrella or raincoat, as it is highly unpredictable when it is going to rain and that too heavily. Cotton clothes are best for summers and heavy woolens including cap, scarves, mufflers, gloves are must for winters. The district has so much to offer to visitors. The shakti-peeth are centre for devotions from thousands of years. Jawala Ji, Chamunda Ji, Brajeshwari temple, Kunal Pathri, Bandla Mata, Baglamookhi Mata, Baba Baroh, Baijnath temple, Masroor temple are famous temples of this region. Among these, Masroor temple, also called rock cut temple is famous for its unique architecture as it is made of one single rock. Every year lacs of devotees come to all these temples to get blessings here. The whole experience becomes a lifetime experience. One takes back home the divine blessings and beautiful memories to cherish. Also, many Baudh pilgrims also visit Mcleodganj. The International Cricket Stadium at Dharamshala has acclaimed worldwide recognition for this district. Tourist also visits scenic tea gardens in Palampur. Bir Biling is world famous site for Paragliding. In short, apart from being a centre of Shakti peeth temples; the district has much more to offer to the visitors. Local people are very warm and helping. Tourism and agriculture are main sources of economy of this district.

How to reach
By Road: Frequent bus services from delhi (500 km), Chandigarh (250 km) and Shimla (235 km) are available to Kangra.
By Train: Kangra is very well connected by railway via Pathankot (85 km).
By Air: Kangra is connected by air at domestic airport Gaggal (6 km).

Shri Naina Devi Temple in Himachal Pradesh

Shri Naina Devi Ji temple is one of the famous temples in North India. Located in district Bilaspur of Himcahal Pradesh, this temple is located close to the border of Himachal and Punjab. Pilgrims from Himachal, Punjab, Delhi, UP and other areas visit the temple throughout the year. However during festival seasons like Navratris, Shravan and Chiatra (months of Indian calendar) there is huge inflow of pilgrims to the temple. 

Shri Naina Devi temple is located on a hill which is in triangular form. The hill is known as Naina Dhar and is approximate 3535 feet above sea level. Until the year 1987 local priests and partners used to operate the temple. Now temple is operated by “Shri Naina Devi Ji Temple Trust” formed under the Hindu Public Act (1984). The SDM Sadar of Bilaspur district is the president of the trust while the Tehilsdad Sadar Bilaspur is the Secretary. Remaining members of the trusts are district education office, medical office, village head etc.  You can check the updated list of Trustees here.

Facilities for devotees at Naina Devi Temple:
Temple offer various services to the devotees that are mostly free or at subsidized costs like:

• Langar: Langar is offered to the pilgrims free of costs in the lnagar bhawan. Breakfast, lunch and dinner meals are offered daily.
• Dharamshala for free stay: Dharmashala with a capacity of stay for 1000 people been constructed by temple trust. Stay is Dharamshala is free but one can also opt for rooms and dormitories in nearby staying shelters at nominal costs.
• Shop: One shop is run by trust for Prasad and sweets etc. The shop is a non-profit shop located near the main entrance gate of the temple. 
• Toilets & Bathrooms
• Medical facilities
• Free cloak room services near bus stand

History of Temple: -
Naina Devi Mandir is one of the 51 shakti peethas in the world. Shakti Peethas are the place where parts of goddess Sati fell on the earth. As per Hindu legends Mata Sati (wife of Lord Shiva) burnt herself alive in Yagna organized by her father Dakhsa Prajapati. It’s believed that Dakhsa organized the Yagna and invited all the lords and Devatas except Shiva. But still Sati insisted to visit the Yagna, on reaching Daksha insulted Shiva and distressed Sati fell in the Yagna Kunda and burnt herself. Lord Shiva then took corpse of Sati on her shoulder and start roaming around the universe. To get Lord Shiva out of this stage, Lord Vishnu used his chakra that cut the Mata Sati’s body into different pieces. Each place where the pieces fell one Shakti Peeth was built later. It’s believed that the eyes of Sati fell at this place, thus the name Naina Devi.

Temple was later built at this place. As per the legends a local shepherd,  used to graze his cattle one day saw one of his cow showering milk on a stone. This continued for few days and later that shepherd saw Goddess in his dream and told him that stone is her pindi. Shepherd shared this with the king Bir Chand, who when saw this happening in realty built a temple at that place.

How to Reach: -   
 
If you want come from Chandigarh simply you can arrive in temple by Bus. Distance between Chandigarh and Shri Naina Devi temple near about 108 kilo meter and 20 km from Anandpur Sahib. You can visit by bus or your own vehicle for Shri Naina Devi temple. Nearest airport is at Chandigarh around 110 km away. Anandpur Sahib is the nearest Railway station which is around 30 km from the temple.

Normally you can visit the temple all days of the year however you can avoid the winters as its very cold and foggy during that times.

Other facts:
Ancient cave: Very few pilgrims know that there is an ancient cave near the temple.  This cave is near the point where ropeway reaches uphill. It is a narrow cave and people enter the cave one by one in small groups.

Few other places to visit includes: Kripali Kund, Khappar Mahishasur, Kala Johar and Kolan wala Toba. All these places are sacred and of religious importance.

Kolan wala Toba is the first halt and popular for lotus flowers in the lake. Many people take bath here and begin the journey.


Kala Johar also known as Chiksu Kund is the area where the skull of Chiksu the main commander of demon Mahihsasur fell. Person with skin problems get cured by taking bath here. Also married women without children are believed to be blessed with children after taking bath here.

Bekhli Mata Temple in Kullu - Jagannathi Devi Mandir Kullu, HP

Himachal Pradesh is known as land of gods (Dev Bhoomi). In Himachal all the religious places have wonderful architecture and got significant importance among locals and tourists. Bekhli Mata Temple in Kullu is one such temple. I’d like to share some information about this temple in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh so that if you are visiting Kullu in near future you might can add one more beautiful place to your itinerary and also seek the blessings from the goddess.

Bekhli Mata temple is around 12 km from the main market (Ramsheela) of Kullu. Temple is located near a small village Bekhli and can be reached by buses or taxis from Kullu. Temple is believed to be built some 1500 years ago and is one of the oldest temples in the region. Goddess Maa Bhuwaneshwari or Jagannathi Devi is worshipped here. The temple is an excellent architectural work of Pahari style architecture. On your visit you’d be amazed to see the beautifully decorated idol of the goddess and while performing parikrama you’ll be amused to see the admirable wooden carvings that shows various avatars of goddess Durga.

History

As per locale legends long ago a shepherd boy used to graze his sheep in the area and play flute. One day he noticed two girls dancing to his flute tunes. He followed the girls and managed to catch one of them.  The girl was none other than Bhuweneshvari Devi, sister of Lord Vishnu. She disclosed her identity as goddess Bhuweneshvari to the shepherd. On knowing the truth the shepherd boy requested the goddess to remain there. On the request of Shepherd boy Bhuweneshvari Devi decided to settle down in the village called Bekhli. 

Bekhli mata temple has significany importance in Kully region. The Rath Yatra of the chariot of Lord Raghunathji, which marks the beginning of famous Kullu Dussehra, starts only after seeking the blessing and permission from the goddess Bekhli Mata.

Summers are normally the best time to visit the temple, though locals and tourist keep visiting the temple all times of the year.


How To Reach

By Air: - From Chandigarh it will take about 1 hr to reach Bhunter Airport in Kullu.
(Bhunter is 10 Km behind Kullu. You can take a bus or taxi from there to reach your destination)
By Bus: - Distance from Chandigarh to Kullu is around 270 km


We'll soon post some pictures and videos about Bekhli Mata Temple in Kullu in Himachal Pradesh at this Religious places blog soon. So keep visiting for more information.

Laxmi Narayan Temple, Chamba, Himachal Pradesh

Chamba is one of the ancient towns in Himachal Pradesh, situated on the banks of Ravi River. Chamba is known for its historic culture and traditions, with so many beautiful places and numerous temples to visit.

Laxmi Narayan Temple is one of the famous temples in Chamba, dedicated to Garuda the Vahan of Lord Vishnu. Direction of this temple is from north to south, surrounded by beautiful view of the green lush mountains. The inherent works on the stones of the temple is in fact the proof of ancient Indian art forms. Temple is built with wooden roof (Chatries) and has a Shikara, and the most important holy place Garbhagriha. Metallic image of Garuda, the Vahan (mount) of Lord Vishnu is installed on the dwajasthambam pillar at the main gate of temple. Temple also has a mandapa style structure. The main purpose to build this Shikhara is Heavy snowfall in winter and local climate conditions. In winter, the temperature gets very low because of chilly winds, when heavy woolen garments are required.

Timing: -   Temple is kept open for all the tourist and locals from morning 6 AM to 12:30 afternoon, and again from 2:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

Laxmi Narayan Temple is one of the largest and oldest temple in Chamba. Though mainy locals and tourists visit this temple to seek blessings of the god, there is a huge increase in number of people visiting the temple during the Manimahesh Yarta.  All the pilgrimage trekking to Manimahesk peak to seek blessing of Lord Shiva and get a glimpse of the holy Kailash also visit the Laxmi Narayan temple on the start of journey from famous Chaugan of Chamba. You can ream more about Manimahesh Yatra here.

History-.
In 920 AD the King of Chamba Raja Sahil Varman (or Raja Sahil Verma) built this Laxmi Narayan Temple and decided to shift the capital of kingdom to Chamba, on the request of his daughter Champavati (Chamba was named after her). In 1678, Raja Chhatra Singh decorated the temple roof with gold plated pinnacles as a reply to Aurangzeb, who orders destruction of this holy place.

How to reach
By Air: - Nearest Airport is located to Chamba is Pathankot. Approximately 120 km away from Chamba head quarter.

By Bus: - Distance from Chandigarh to Chamba is around 330 km. it takes at least 6 hrs to reach Chamba.

By Local Taxi: - You will easily find a local taxi from bus stand which will drop you at the temple.
By Rail: - Pathankot railway station is at a distance of 120 kilometers from Chamba town. You can take a bus or hire a taxi from there according to your choice.

Hadimba Devi Temple, Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Hadimba Temple in Manali, Himachal Pradesh is also known as Hidimbi temple, Hadimba Devi temple or simply Hadimba Mandir among the locals and tourists. It is one of the most visited tourist spot in Manali. Every year thousands of people from the state, country and even foreigner visits this temple.  Whenever there is a documentary by national or international team about Manali, this temple surely finds mention about it.

Temple is just a few kilometers distance from the Manali town and is surrounded by lush green forests. Lying in the foot of Himalayas, you can also view the Beas River flowing though the hills.
Hadimba temple is a four storey temple, made mainly of wood. The temple is a symbol of architectural excellence. With carved wooden doors and wooden tower, this temple architecture leaves the visitors astonished. It is 24 meters tall and 4 levels (3 square roofs made of wood and one cone shape roof covered by brass). The inner part of the temple is mainly occupied by a large rock and the base is made up of whitewashed mud-covered stonework.  Tempe is beautifully decorated with animal horns, wooden carvings etc.

Hadimba temple is believed to be built in the year 1553 by then king of Manali, Raja Bahadur Singh. However the history of this temple is linked to the ancient time of Mahabharata. Most of the Hindus know about the Mahabharata and Hadimba. For those readers who don’t know let share few lines about the history of this temple.

History

According to Hindu legend Mahabharata, the battle of Mahabharata was fought among Pandavas (5 sons of King Pandu) and Kauravas (The sons of Dhristatra of Kuru Dynasty). Pandavas emerged winners from the battle. A long before the battle was won Pandavas went to exile to escape an attempt of murder by Kauravas.  While they were on exile and traveling from one place to another they reached Manali.  The area that time was under control of Hidimb (Brother of Hadimba). Both Hidimb and Hadimba were born in rakshas family. Hidimb was the most powerful man in the region and Hadimba vowed to marry the person who would defeat him. While Pandavas were staying in the forest of Manali, they were attacked by Hidimb and Bheema who was the most powerful among the five Pandavas killed Hidimb. Bheem then has to marry Hadmiba, however he told Hadimba that he’ll stay with her till first child of their marriage is born. Their son Ghatotkacha was born a year later and then Bheem left her with the son. You can find a shrine for worship for Ghatotkacha near the temple as well.

When Bheem left her with other Pandavs,  Hadimba performed meditation in the forest known as Dhungri Van Vihar. It is the place where the actual temple was built later. This is why many people also refer this temple as Dhungri Temple. She meditated for years and attained supernatural power gifted by God. She used the powers to heal local people and soon attained the status of Goddess. She is the patron deity (KulDevi) of the rulers on the region. Permission and blessings of the goddess are necessary for every coronation of new king combined with sacrifice of a buffalo.

Kullu Dussehra which is an important annual international festival beinges by a ceremony called “Ghod Pooja”. In this the blessing of the goddess Hadimba are sought for the ceremonial horse.  Also a huge fair is held every year. They fair is known as “Bahadur Singh Re Jatar”.


One important fact about the temple is that unlike other temples in India, here no idol of the goddess is worshipped. There is a one footmark of the goddess on a rock and devoted worship this foot print. Another interesting fact is that one could see a huge foot mark using Google satellite near the temple area.

How to reach
One can reach Manali by Bus or Air

By Air: - Nearest Airport is at Bhunter in Kullu. It is about 50 km from Manali.

By Rail: - In Manali there isn’t any rail track. Nearest metre guage station is Joginder Nagar.  A couple of trains (Also known as toy trains) from Pathankot to Joginder Nagar operate daily. There after you’ll need to take bur route. Other options are broad gauge railway station is Chandigarh/Kalka. Shimla anther option, again is a narrow guage railway track. The Kalka Shimla railway track is a world heritage track so you might not want to miss a journey here.

By Bus: - Distance from Chandigarh to Manali is around 300 km. it takes almost 10 hr to reach Manali.

By Local Taxi:-You will easily find a local taxi from bus stand which will drop you at the temple. Temple is about 1.5 km away from the Manali bus stand.

Best Time to Visit: - Best time to visit temple is Month of May when Hadimba Devi festival is hosted by the temple authorities.

Timing of Temple: - 5:00AM to 8:00PM, Mornings are the best time to visit the temple though.

Shiv Kund Sohna - Ancient Shiva Temple in Sohna, Gurgaon

Shiv Kund Sohna in Sohna near Gurgaon is one of the most popular place of religious importance among locals and people from near by states. Here is a Shiva Temple situated at Shiv Kund at Sohna of distt.Gurgaon(Haryana). The Shiv Kund Sohna is famous for natural hot water springs (Sulphur Mixed Hot Water). The water from this hot water spring is very much useful for curing skin diseases.

 

The Place is named Shiv Kund because of Ancient Shiva Temple. The hot water  from the earth gets collected in a Kund (tank) arond 55 feet deep, and is covered with a tomb. The tomb was built by a banzara family in Vikrami Samvat 1566 (Hindu calendar). The Main Tomb and Tank is called Sakham BABA. The Shiva Temple is situated near the main tank and was built by the Maharaja of Gwalior, during the same period.

 

This place is very famous place and one can also find its records in the book “Aien-E-Akbari” This book was writtern during the time of famous mughal emperor Akbar.  Once can find mention of religious importance of this place in the book.

On the Ocassion of Fagun Month,Savan Month,Ganga Sanan and Somvati Amavasya, people from surrounding villages and cities gather here to take holy dip in Shiv Kund and offer prayers to lord Shiva and Sakham Baba to fulfil their wishes.

The Shiv Temple is an monument of architectural excellence. At temple you can find stone cut windows that are fitted alike. During mornings, mid-afternoon and in evening rays of the sun falls directly on the Shiva Linga located in the temple. In the morning The Shiva Linga seems like a sitting child whereas in the afternoon it resembles like a young man and in the evening  it sees like an old man is sitting in the "Dhyan Mudra" (meditation position). As per the belief of the people if you pray here to lord Shiva all the wishes are fulfilled.

As per the mythological beliefs Shiv Kund is also Called "Nai" of All the Hindu Tirth's (pilgrimage place). If someone may have visited all the Tirthas and not visited Shiv Kund, their Tirth Yatra will not be completed till Shiv Kund is visited and holy bath is taken and darshan of Shiva famile done here.

 

Hope you like this post. Please take a look at some of the pictures of Shiv Kuna Sohna below: