Famous temples of 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.  

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.  

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: 5 am to 8 pm  

Address: 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.  

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  

Address: 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.  

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.  

Address: Jakhu Temple Park, Jakhu, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171001  

Best time to visit:   Visit during Dussehra, when Hindus commemorate Ravana’s death.  

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.  

Address: 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 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  

Address: 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  

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: 5 AM -9 PM  

Address : 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.  

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: 5 AM -5:30 PM  

Address: Sarahan, Himachal Pradesh 172102  

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

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  

Address: 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, 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  

Address: Reckong Peo  

Best time to Visit:   Summer and the winter months are perfect for exploring around the 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: 7 AM – 9 PM  

Address: Near Manali, Vashist, Himachal Pradesh 175135  

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

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: –