“Shiva is Truth, Shiva is Infinite, Shiva is eternal, Shiva is God, Shiva is Omkar, Shiva is Brahman, Shiva is Shakti. Shiva is bhakti is what a Himachalis believes”.
Himachal, which is encircled by mountains and is home to Lord Shiva and Parvati, is dotted with temples, the majority of which hold great cultural value for the local population as well as for Hindus generally. Many of them date back hundreds of years, and they serve as reminders of the amazing architecture of the past. Most significantly, though, these houses of worship provide a tranquil haven and rays of hope to individuals who are seeking a higher level of spirituality.
Let’s take a look at some of Himachal Pradesh’s must-see Shiva temples.
Baijnath, Kangra District
The ancient Baijnath Temple in the Bias Valley in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh is devoted to Shiva as Lord Vaidyanath, the Lord of Physicians, who is worshipped here as a lingam. This sacred shrine, which is thought to have been built in the 13th century by two merchants named Ahuka and Manyukta, is a well-liked destination for pilgrims since the temple waters are thought to have therapeutic qualities.
The temple complex, which is encircled by lush green gardens, is decorated with exquisite carvings and idols of various gods. At the Baijnath temple, one cannot help but feel God’s presence because of the stunning backdrop of the mighty Himalayas.
Remarkably, it is thought that Ravana worshipped Lord Shiva here as well. Some traditions claim that Ravana set up the lingam that Lord Shiva had given him here by accident. Some people believe that this lingam is one of India’s twelve sacred Jyotirlingams.
Bil-Kaleshwar Temple, Hamirpur District
The well-known, about 400-year-old Shiva temple, Bil Kaleshwar, is located on the banks of the Beas River. According to legend, the Pandavas of the Mahabharata, assisted by Vishwakarma (the Lord of Creation), began building this temple while they were exiled. However, they were discovered by the locals and had to leave the temple halfway through. The temple was later finished by a Kaotch dynasty ruler.
In this temple, Lord Shiva is worshiped as a Shivlingam. One is in awe of the Bil Kaleshwar Temple’s exquisite grandeur. Those who are unable to travel to Haridwar pour their loved ones’ ashes in the nearby waters, since this temple is so highly regarded.
Baba Bhootnath, Mandi
Lord Shiva is revered as the terrible and valiant Lord of the Spirits in the historic Baba Bhootnath temple in Mandi, sometimes referred to as the Varanasi of the hills.
According to the temple’s legend, the people noticed that a cow that used to stand next to a particular rock every day began to produce milk. The king was informed once the news went viral. Meanwhile, in a dream, Lord Shiva instructed King Ajber Sen to excavate beneath the same rock. In 1527, a temple was constructed to house the Shivlingam that had been unearthed from beneath the stone. Every year, thousands of pilgrims come to this temple, particularly around the time of Mahashivratri.
Narvedeshwar, Hamirpur
Rani Prasanna Devi, the wife of King Sansar Chand, constructed the Narvedeshwar temple in 1802. Dedicated to Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati, this exquisite temple was built in the Bhitti architectural style and features stunning murals and paintings that illustrate themes from the Ramayana, Mahabharat, and the Bhagwat Gita. The temple walls are also decorated with paintings of untamed animals and birds. The Maharaja commissioned artists to create these beautiful murals at his court, since he was a big patron of the arts. Smaller shrines to Lord Ganesha, Ma Durga, and Lakshmi-Narayan are also located within the temple complex.
Panchvaktra, Mandi
Mandi, often called Chhoti Kashi (little Kashi) and home to 81 temples, is one of the most sacred regions in Himachal. One of the most popular of these is the Panchvaktra temple, which is devoted to Lord Shiva. This temple is well-known for its enormous five-faced statue of Lord Shiva, which symbolizes the divine faces of Aghora, Ishana, Tat Purusha, Vaamdeva, and Rudra. It is situated at the serene confluence of the rivers Beas and Suketi.
The temple’s Shikhara-style architecture is incredibly stunning, and it is situated on a platform on the banks of a river. The temple is really recognized as a national historic monument by the Archeological Survey of India. The rising waves that submerge the temple base during the monsoon season make the temple inaccessible.
Bijli Mahadev Temple, Kullu Valley
At a height of 2438 meters, the Kullu Valley is home to the revered Bijli Mahadev Temple. The 60-foot-tall staff of the temple sparkles in the sunshine like a needle. It is thought to shield the valley and absorb lightning. According to the locals, the temple lingam needs to be repaired by the priests using butter and ghee because it breaks into pieces every time lightning strikes. This represents the never-ending cycle of creation’s destruction and restoration.
According to legend, this temple is here, where Lord Shiva slew the evil demon Jalandhar. In another legend, Lord Rudra answered the prayers of Sage Vashishta here, allowing him to absorb lightning and save the world from destroying itself.
It takes two to three kilometers of hiking to get to the temple, but the effort is worthwhile. Unmatched and breathtaking vistas of the Parvati and Kullu valleys may be found at the temple site.
Pathankot’s Kathgarh Temple
The 6-foot-tall, vertically divided Shivlingam is the main attraction of the Kathgarh Shiv Mandir, which is situated where the Beas and Chonch rivers converge. Only on Shivaratri are the two parts united, and they are revered as Shiva and Parvati.
According to legend, when traveling to Kashmir to see his grandparents, Rama’s brother Bharat made an obeisance to Lord Shiva at this location. According to some, he came here while looking for Rama. This temple is a wonderful, mystical, and sacred location that was constructed in a distinctive Roman-style building.
Churdhar Temple, Sirmaur
Another well-known Shiva temple in Himachal Pradesh is Churdhar Temple, which is a hallowed pilgrimage destination dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated in the Sirmaur district. At 3,647 meters above sea level, it is the highest peak in the state’s outer Himalayas.
The spiritual atmosphere of Churdhar Temple and the expansive views of the surrounding countryside attract trekkers, nature lovers, and believers.
Historical and mythical significance can be found in Churdhar Mandir. Lord Shiva is said to have pondered here for a long time. Since the peak is thought to be home to 84 Siddhas (enlightened beings), the name “Churdhar” is derived from “Churasi,” which means “84” in Hindi. It is regarded as a sacred location and draws devotees looking for Lord Shiva’s blessings and spiritual serenity.
The temple itself is a small structure that contains the idol of Lord Shiva. The calm ambiance that surrounds it invites worshippers to pause, think, and commune with God. Awe and devotion are sparked by the expansive views from the summit, which encompass the Great Himalayan Range’s snow-capped peaks. These views add to the spiritual experience.
The nearby people also see cultural value in Churdhar Temple. It is popularly celebrated at the yearly “Churdhar Jatra” event in June or July. Carrying Lord Shiva’s palanquin (doli) amid customary music, dance, and ceremonies, pilgrims from nearby villages and towns undertake the arduous trek to the temple.
Kinner Kailash Temple, Kinnaur
A cherished pilgrimage site nestled in the stunning Kinnaur Valley, Kinner Kailash is a well-known temple in Himachal Pradesh that is part of the Kinnaur region. At 4,650 meters above sea level, it is regarded as one of the most sacred locations in the area and has great religious significance for both Buddhists and Hindus.
Historical and mythological significance can be found in Kinner Kailash Mandir. The mountaintop resembles Mount Kailash, the mythical home of Lord Shiva, and is said to be his winter residence. The mountain is revered by both Buddhists and Hindus, who see it as an expression of Lord Shiva’s heavenly power.
Kinner Kailash Temple is visited by devotees seeking spiritual enlightenment and blessings. Prakrama, or circumambulating the sacred mountain, is thought to be a form of penance that can result in spiritual liberation. It typically takes three to four hours to go around the top in a circular orientation.
Along the route, pilgrims visit a number of places of worship, such as Charang, a town famous for its medieval monastery and wooden sculptures. These sites deepen the spiritual experience and offer a glimpse into the rich cultural history of the area.
Shrikhand Mahadev, Kullu
The Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh is home to the renowned Lord Shiva temple known as Shrikhand Mahadev, which is a hallowed pilgrimage site. At 5,155 meters above sea level, it is one of the region’s most challenging and spiritually significant hikes. The trek to Shrikhand Mahadev is well-known for its challenging terrain, breathtaking scenery, and rich historical legends.
Shrikhand Mahadev holds mythological and historical significance. Mythology claims that Lord Shiva himself used this hallowed spot for meditation. The snow-capped peak of Shrikhand Mahadev is considered to be Lord Shiva’s celestial home.
Devout pilgrims visit Shrikhand Mahadev in search of blessings and spiritual enlightenment. It is believed that finishing the challenging journey and arriving at the summit is a test of one’s loyalty and commitment to Lord Shiva. It is said that only individuals with good intentions and a strong faith can complete the challenging journey.
The naturally occurring Shiva lingam, which is regarded as exceedingly sacred, is what distinguishes Shrikhand Mahadev’s peak. Devotees pray and carry out rituals to achieve spiritual fulfillment and divine benefits at the pinnacle.
Manimahesh Temple, Chamba
One of the most well-known and beloved pilgrimage sites dedicated to Lord Shiva is Manimahesh, a prominent Shiva temple in Himachal Pradesh. It is situated in the picturesque town of Bharmour in the district of Chamba. Nestled among snow-capped peaks and surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, Manimahesh Mandir is well-known in Himachal Pradesh and holds great religious significance for both hikers and believers.
According to legend, Lord Shiva used this hallowed location to perform his cosmic dance, known as the “Tandava.” Directly beneath the temple is the beautiful Manimahesh Lake, which is said to have been constructed by Lord Shiva. The serene lake waters mirror the stunning Mount Kailash, thought to be the home of Lord Shiva.
The Manimahesh mountain is regarded as extremely sacred, and only the most devout and spiritually prepared travelers are said to be able to see it from heaven. Devotees travel the challenging “Manimahesh Yatra” each year to honor Lord Shiva and seek blessings during the fortunate months of August or September (based on the Hindu calendar). Worshippers gather at Bharmour before starting the journey to Hadsar during the yatra. Cries of “Har Har Mahadev” and holy fervor permeate the atmosphere. With its rocky terrain and steep inclines, the last part of the route is regarded as the most challenging. But the unwavering commitment and the stunning surroundings make it a truly remarkable experience.
Triloknath Temple
Both Hindus and Buddhists find significance in the unique shrine known as the Triloknath Temple in Lahaul and Spiti. Buddhists venerate the god as Arya Avalokiteshvara, while Hindus worship it as Triloknath, a manifestation of Shiva. This dual significance is reflected in the temple’s architecture, which combines aspects of Buddhist and Hindu design. One of the main attractions is the statue of the deity made of white marble. The temple, which is situated in a secluded, picturesque place, represents religious unity in the neighborhood and provides a tranquil setting for spiritual reflection.
Anjani Mahadev Mandir
Devi Anjana, the Mother of Lord Hanuman, is worshipped in the well-known Anjani Mahadev temple in Manali’s Solang Valley. This is where Devi Anjana is said to have meditated. Because of the bitterly low temperatures, water that falls at a certain location from the mountains during the winter freezes and takes the shape of a lingam.
