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.