Famous temples of Himachal Pradesh

travelxp- Holidays | 2024-02-29 | Ishan Sharma

Discover the best temples in Himachal Pradesh. Explore famous Shiva temples and other renowned temples in Himachal Pradesh for a spiritual journey.

16 Famous Temples in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh is well-known for its beautiful scenery, hill stations, and magnificently ancient temples. The state is brimming with temples and a rich cultural heritage. Visiting Dev Bhoomi (land of the gods) is completely useless until you visit the famous temples in Himachal Pradesh and hear the enthralling tales associated with it. This is the place to go if you want to have a spiritual awakening. Temples in Himachal Pradesh are a tale waiting to be told, with a rich mythological past and grandeur. With pilgrims crowding around the temples, these provide sights to behold.

Here is a curated list of the best temples in Himachal Pradesh with intriguing stories to grab your attention. Allow us to get you one step closer to spiritual awakening and a wonderful religious experience.

16 Famous Temples in Himachal Pradesh

In a country like India, temples play a major role in the lives of most individuals whether it’s to pray or to find peace. These well-known temples in Himachal Pradesh have a long cultural history. Pilgrims from all over the world travel to these heavenly locations in search of blessings and answers. Aside from their religious importance, these temples are architectural masterpieces built many centuries ago and provide a stunning view of the mighty Himalayas.

Baba Balak Nath Temple

An ancient temple and caves in the Dhaulagiri range of Himachal Pradesh. This temple, located in the village of Chakmoh near Kasauli, is an enchanting pilgrimage spot. During Navratri, when devotees fly to Myles to worship Babaji, this temple is packed with visitors. The temple is built out of a majestic hill and is an architectural marvel. It is said to be the home of Baba Balak Nath. Babaji was a devout follower of Lord Shiva, and all of his pilgrims fasted on Sundays to show their devotion.

According to the popular legend, couples who are unable to bear children upon Babaji are blessed with a boy. Women pilgrims are not permitted to access the cave and must worship the god from outside. Babaji is served rota, a sweet bread made with jaggery and wheat. This is one of the most well-known temples in Himachal Pradesh.

Hours of operation:

Deotsidh Rd, Shahtalai, Himachal Pradesh 176039

Best time to visit this temple:

Sundays are auspicious days, and pilgrims usually flock to the temple on Sundays.

Chamunda Devi Temple

The beautiful holy shrine of Devi Chamunda, a kind of forest Durga, is located in the Kangra valley of Himachal Pradesh. Chamunda Devi temple is often crowded with Hindu pilgrims who come to worship Devi Chamunda. The legend surrounding this temple includes an old story about the mother goddess Chamunda killing two demons, shumbh and Nishumbh. The temple is built on the same spot where the goddess put an end to evil. This place, surrounded by the verdant valleys and hills of Himachal Pradesh, is ideal for spiritual awakening.

Hours of operation:

6:30 am – 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm to 8 pm

Chamunda, Padar, Himachal Pradesh 176052

Best time to visit this temple:

The nine holy days of Navratri are the perfect time to worship and receive blessings at Chamunda Devi temple.

Sankat Mochan Temple

Sankat Mochan temple, located in the beautiful hill town of Shimla, is the heavenly abode of the Lord Hanuman. These temples in Himachal Pradesh, built by Baba Neeb Karori Ji, are a major tourist attraction in the Himalayas. It is home to several small temples dedicated to Lord Rama, Lord Shiva, and Lord Hanuman. Every Sunday, the temple also distributes langar, and sometimes marriage ceremonies are also conducted inside the temple. This is one of the most well-known shrines in Himachal Pradesh, India.

6:30 a.m.–8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Sankat Mochan, Bagh, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171010

Best time to visit this temple:

Sankat Mochan Temple should be visited during the pratah aarti (morning prayer) at 5 a.m. and the lovely Sandhya aarti (evening prayer) at 8:30 p.m.

Jakhoo Temple

Jakhoo Temple, the most popular tourist attraction of Shimla, is a mystical and mythological wonder. It’s in honor of Lord Hanuman. This temple in India is located at a height of 2455 meters above sea level and offers breathtaking views of Shivalik. According to legend, Lord Hanuman stopped here on his way to collect the Sanjeevani Booti for Lakshmana. The temple is situated at a distance of 1.5 km from the Shimla Mall road.

The word jakhoo is derived from the name of the sage Yakoo, who constructed this shrine. The temple is reached through a magnificent ropeway with panoramic views. The world’s largest statue of Lord Hanuman can be found in this temple. Hundreds of monkeys live in the shrine.

Hours of operation:

5:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Jakhu Temple Park, Jakhu, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171001

Best time to visit:

Visit during Dussehra, when Hindus commemorate Ravana’s death.

Hadimba Temple

A beautiful rendition of Goddess Hadimba, who was the wife of Bhima and mother of Ghatotkach, is nestled between the snow-covered mountain peaks of Manali Hidimba temple. She had spiritual abilities as a result of her extreme penance. The Hadimba Devi temple is entirely made of wood and wooden carvings. Looking at the engraving, you can understand the stories and tales of old times. The temple is situated at the center of old Manali.

Hours of operation:

8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Hadimba Temple Rd, Old Manali, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131

Best time to visit:

During the Dhungri festival. Take in the local festivals, as well as the Kullu Natto dance and processions.

Tara Devi Temple

Tara Devi temple is dedicated to the goddess of the stars and is located between the lofty scenic Himalayas. It was built in honor of the goddess Tara, who came to Himachal from Bengal. Tara Devi idol is made of an eight-element mixture known as the “Ashtadhatu.” The serene, tranquil air and the quiet background make this your go-to place for peace and spiritual retreat. The 255-year-old temple is situated 9.7 km from Shimla Mall Road.

Hours of operation:

7 am – 6:30 pm

NH-22, Kachi Ghati, Bagh, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171001

Best time to visit:

At Tara Devi Temple when processions are conducted during Navratri and Ashtami

Maa Sharvari Temple

This temple is dedicated to Maa Sharvari and is considered to be a significant and well-known shrine in Himachal Pradesh. The goddess is thought to be an embodiment of Goddess Durga and is visited by many devotees seeking blessings. This temple is located 5 kilometers from Manali on the bank of the Beas River and can be reached by hiring a taxi. The Kullu kings are said to have worshipped the goddess.

Hours of operation:

5 AM-12 PM and 4 PM-9 PM

Shaminallah Village, Manali, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh 175131, India.

Best time to visit:

Again, during the time to Navratri when the temple glows with different colors.

Naina Devi Temple

This is regarded as one of the most famous temples in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh. Naina Devi Ji, located 70 kilometers from Bilaspur, is frequently crowded by devotees who travel long distances. The Goddess Durga is believed to be the incarnation of Naina Devi Ji, and legend has it that Lord Vishnu cut Maa Durga (Sati) in 50 parts to appease Lord Shiva, and her eyes dropped here. Raja Bir Chand founded the Naina Devi temple in the eighth century.

Hours of operation:

: Matriarchal Bhawan, Himachal Pradesh, 174310

Best time to visit:

September – October is the perfect time to visit and experience the festivities of Dussehra at Naina Devi Temple.

Vyas Cave Temple

This is one of the oldest temples in Bilaspur, and it is well-known among pilgrims who come every year. According to legend, Sage Vyas meditated here for several years before writing the epic Mahabharata. This location is located between Bilaspur’s old and new towns, along the Satluj River. This place, located at 610 meters above sea level, is significant in its own right.

Hours of operation:

Bilaspur is in Himachal Pradesh.

Best time to visit:

The best time to visit is between October and March.

Jwala Devi Temple

Jwala Devi temple is located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh and is one of India’s 51 Shaktipeeths. This temple, located in Kangra’s Jwalamukhi village, is said to be the location where Sati’s tongue fell. According to local tradition, a shepherd first saw a raging fire on top of the hill and reported it to the king. Later, the king went to see Goddess Jwala Devi and decided to create a temple in her honor.

Hours of operation:

5 AM-12 PM and 4 PM-8 PM

Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh

Best time to visit:

The best time to visit is the autumn months i.e, October to February.

Bhimakali Temple

This is another Shaktipeetha temple in Himachal Pradesh, located in the town of Saharan. The structure is made of wood, and one can enjoy the breathtaking view of the snow-covered mountains in the background. According to legend, Goddess Sati’s ear dropped here, and a temple was later constructed over it. The thing to admire here is the intricate wood carvings as well as the view surrounding the place, which is lavish and worth seeing.

Hours of operation:

Sarahan, Himachal Pradesh 172102

Best time to visit:

The best time to visit Bhimakali Temple is between October and March.

Hatkoti Temple

Hatkoti, a charming Shimla village, is home to one of the most prominent temples in Himachal Pradesh. Hatkoti Temple is a significant religious site where many locals conduct rituals. The main deity in this temple is Goddess Durga, and a good time to visit is during the Navratri Festival. During the festival’s nine days, devotees perform various rituals at the temple and give flowers and sweets to the Goddess.

Hours of operation:

SH 10, Hatkoti, Himachal Pradesh

Suitable time to visit:

This is one such temple complex in India which is open and suitable to visit all year round.

Mathi Temple

There are three Mathi temples in the region, the most prominent of which is located in Chitkul. Chitkul is India’s last village, located at an elevation of 3500 meters on the India-China border. The temple in Chitkul, which is made of wood, is thought to be 500 years old. According to legend, the Devi made the long journey from Brindavan to Chitkul. After stationing her nephews and husband as bodyguards in Himachal Pradesh, the Devi decided to settle in Chitkul. It is also believed that after her birth, the village flourished, elevating her to the status of a goddess.

Hours of operation:

6:00 AM- 5:00 PM

Sangla-Chitkul Rd, Chitkul, Himachal Pradesh 172109

Suitable time to Visit:

The summer season is the best time to visit the temple as in winter due to heavy snowfall the temple might remain close.

Chandika Temple

Chandika Temple, an important temple in Kinnaur, is located in Kothi in Sairag. This temple is dedicated to Chandika, who is regarded as Kinnaur’s most important deity. The golden idol of Chandika is swung on a palanquin in the temple by four devotees who continuously dance. The temple is also well-known for its beautiful wooden architecture and silver-plated doors. Chandika is thought to be the eldest daughter of the demon devta Banaasur, who ruled Kinnaur. According to legend, Chandika ruled Sairag; however, Thakur of Chini had captured Sairag with the aid of a demon. Chandika exterminated the demon with the assistance of a sly female relative and her brother Chagaon Maheshwar.

Hours of operation:

09.00 AM to 01.30 PM and 05.30 PM to 08.30 PM

Best time to Visit:

Summer and the winter months are perfect for exploring around the temple.

Vashisht Temple

This is one of the most well-known temples in Himachal Pradesh, and it is famous for its natural hot springs or sulphur springs. It is dedicated to the sage Vashisht, who once meditated here. They have a different bathing zone for men and women, and people flock here to soak in the boiling water, which has healing properties. Another interesting aspect of this temple is its age of 4000 years.

Hours of operation:

Near Manali, Vashist, Himachal Pradesh 175135

Good time to Visit:

Visit during the winter months to enjoy a warm bath in the spring.

Bil-Kaleshwar Temple

Bil Kaleshwar is a 400-year-old Shiva temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located at the confluence of the rivers Beas and Kunhad on the Nadaun-Sujanpur route. According to legend, the Pandavas of Mahabharta started building the Bil-Kaleshwar Temple, but they were unable to finish it. As a result, the temple was completed later in time by a king of the Katoch dynasty. For Himachal devotees, this location is equivalent to Haridwar, which means that if anyone is unable to travel to Haridwar, he can immerse the mortal remains of family members here.

Hours of operation:

5:30 AM – 8 PM

Kaleshwar, Himachal Pradesh 177108

Good time to Visit:

Any time of the year is ideal for visiting this gorgeous temple in Himachal Pradesh.

FAQs about Temples in Himachal

Which is the largest temple in Himachal Pradesh?

Lakshana Devi Temple is the largest temple in Himachal Pradesh located in Bharmour.

How many temples does Himachal Pradesh have?

This state in India is brimming with temples with a total number of 591. The famous temple in Himachal Pradesh are as follows: –

What is the famous monument of Himachal Pradesh?

Champavati Temple is situated in Chamba, built-in memory of Raja Sahil Varman’s daughter Champavati, is a popular pilgrimage destination for many tourists. This temples’ Shikhara style reminds visitors of Nepal’s architectural wonders, which feature cylindrical structures divided into 5 to 9 sections. It houses a deity of Goddess Mahisasuramardini, the avatar of Goddess Parvati.

Which place in Himachal Pradesh is known as Ellora and Ajanta?

The Masroor rock-cut temples, also known as the Himalayan Pyramid, are a famous archaeological and pilgrimage site in Himachal Pradesh. This is a set of 15 monolithic rock-cut temples built from a single rock about 40 kilometers from Dharamsala.

Which are the temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in Himachal Pradesh?

Following temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva: –