6 Most Famous Temples To Visit In Himachal

Presently, there are 591 temples in the North-Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. All these temples in Himachal Pradesh are dedicated to various forms of Hindu gods and goddesses. Some of these temples also belong to local mountain gods known as ‘Devtas’. Some festivals and events are dedicated to the worship of these mountain gods.

Devotees from all over India and from foreign countries visit these temples to pay their respect. Annual pilgrimages to these temples are organized for the people who visit the important temples significant to their faith. Most of the temples in Himachal Pradesh belong to the Hindu deities Shiva and Shakti. Goddess Shakti has been depicted through various goddess forms. Some of the most visited temples in Himachal Pradesh belong to some of the incarnations/forms of Goddess Shakti.

There are some Shiva temples in Himachal Pradesh along with some temples which are in the state of Uttarakhand as well. Shaktipeeth is the trail of temples which are dedicated to Goddess Shakti. According to the folklore, Shakti gave herself up to the sacrificial fire. Her body was carried by Shiva to the mountains. Her body was cut in 51 pieces and every body part was buried in 51 different places. This trail of 51 temples is known as the Shaktipeeth. There are temples built on these 51 locations dedicated to the various forms of Goddess Shakti.

# Hidimba Temple

This temple is quite popular and it attracts devotees and tourists in large numbers. This temple is visited by foreign tourists as well. Surrounded by nature, the location is ideal to experience the beauty of a Manali forest.

The temple was constructed in the year 1553 and is dedicated to the goddess called ‘Hidimba’ also known as Hidimbi. According to the ancient epic of Mahabharata, Hidimba was the wife of the warrior called Bheema. The locals believe that the goddess Hidimba is protecting their valley from calamities and destruction.

# Vashisht Temple

This is another very important temple dedicated to the Hindu tradition. The temple is located in Manali and is said to be 4000 years old. The temple is dedicated to one of the ancient Vedic saints by the name Vashisht. The saint is believed to have used this place for his meditation.

The locals believe this temple to be holy because of the hot springs in the temple which are considered to have healing properties. The local people believe that many diseases can be healed by the water of these hot springs.

This ancient temple attracts tourists and devotees who engage in taking bath in these hot springs. The hot springs are available for the public and everyone is allowed to take a dip.

# Jawalamukhi Temple

This temple is part of the Shaktipeeth trail. This temple is a Goddess temple dedicated to one of the forms of Shakti. According to Hindu mythology, the tongue of the goddess is believed to have fallen on the ground and made this site sacred. In the year 1815, the ruling king of Kangra during this time, ordered the construction of this temple. This temple is located in the district of Kangra in Himachal Pradesh. It can be located around 55 kilometers from the city of Dharamsala.

Every year devotees from all over India in thousands visit this temple. This inflow of devotees happen during the ‘Navratra’ time. This is when 9 forms of the goddess is worshipped, this time lasts for 9 days. During this significant astrological time in the Hindu calendar, this is one most visited temples in Himachal Pradesh.

# Jakhoo Temple

This temple is dedicated to the god Hanuman. Hanuman is a very important character in the Hindu epic of Ramayana. According to mythology, Hanuman is believed to have rested at this location during one of his quests.

Jakhoo temple is a popular destination for tourists and devotees. Most tourists find the journey to this temple very pleasant. This is because the temple is situated at the height of 8000 feet above sea level. During the summer season, people from all over India visit this temple.

# Baba Balaknath Temple

This temple is built around a cave and is dedicated to the sage Siddh Baba Balak Nath. He was a yogi of a particular sect within Hinduism. He is believed to be a reincarnation of Lord Shiva himself.

The temple is situated in the district of Hamirpur in Himachal Pradesh. The idol of the Baba Balak Nath has been placed in the temple for worship.

The unique thing about this temple is that the entry of women is not allowed. Many have questioned this practice but it is very difficult to understand and explain the real reasons for this. Some people believe that this temple is an occult temple and entry of women and affect them negatively.

# SankatMochan Temple

This Hanuman temple is a very famous temple where devotees visit in thousands from all over India. The temple is the situation on the Shimla-Kalka highway and is dedicated to the worship of Lord Hanuman.

SankatMochal Temple was commission by the saint Neem Karoli Baba. Neem Karoli Baba is known to be an enlightened being and he got worldwide recognition after many famous international figures became his devotees. Steve Jobs was also one of the people who was inspired by Neem Karoli Baba. Krishna Das and Ram Dass are two famous Americans who devoted themselves to Baba Neem Karoli.

Devotees visit this temple and believe that they will find healing at this place. The number of people visiting this temple has been increasing every year.