Himachal Pradesh is popular as “Devbhoomi,” literally meaning the abode of God. The Almighty is said to live here and this belief is best characterized by a number of pilgrimages and temples situated here. Considerably, there are more than two thousand temples in Himachal. They are not only holy embodiment of people’s devotion but also fine specimens of architecture.
Every temple here has a story to tell, based on myths and beliefs prevailing for long back. The temples have been built in homage to Gods and Goddesses. Every village has a temple devoted to its local Deity. On visiting, one gets to hear jaw-dropping legends from ancient mythology, explaining the glory of Deities.
The temples in Himachal have great significance from tourism point of view also. The visitors get overwhelmed to witness such rare creations. Let’s list some temples that walk you through the religious saga of Devbhoomi.
Jakhu Temple
Jakhu temple is located on the Jakhu hills at Shimla. The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanumana. There is this legend associated with this temple saying that Lakshmana got injured during the war with Ravana, the king of Lanka. Then Hanumana fetched the medicinal herb from the Himalayas and rested on the Jakhu hill on his way back.
Chamunda Devi Temple
Chamunda Devi temple is located at Palampur, Kangra district. The temple stands on the banks of the Ban Ganga River. This temple has an idol of Chamunda Devi that is wrapped by a red cloth. There story associated to this place says that Maa Kali assassinated two demons Chanda and Munda here. That’s when Maa Kali was given the name Chamunda.
Chintpurni Temple
Chintpurni Temple is one of the famous pilgrimages. The temple is situated on a ridge on Dharamshala-Hoshiarpur road. It is famed that the Sudarshan Chakra of Lord Vishnu cut off Sati’s body to calm down the anger of Lord Shiva. The body was cut into pieces and the feet of Sati fell here. Chintpurni Mata is believed to fulfill the wishes of her devotees.
Naina Devi Temple
Naina Devi Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peetha. The temple is located atop the Naina hillock in Nainital, Bilaspur district. This is the place where the eyes of Devi Sati fell and the name “Naina Devi” complements the story. There are three Deities in this temple – Naina Devi, Kali Mata and Lord Ganesha.
Bijli Mahadev Temple
Bijli Mahadev is one of the most renowned temples in Himachal Pradesh. The temple is situated in Kullu district. This temple has the most interesting facts associated with it. The occasional lightening falls on the temple and destroys the Shivalinga. Then pujaris build it again with the help of butter. The visitors need to take a climb up to the temple. There are two statues of the Nandi bull at the door of the temple.
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