Known for its unending splendors, Shimla portrays itself as the Queen of Hills. Being widely known for its amazing views, romantic destinations; Shimla is brimming with magnificent temples and diverse cultures. Visiting the temples of Shimla is perhaps the most ideal alternative when one wishes to encounter some genuine bliss. Away from the hustle of the city, you can spend quality time amid spirituality.
Regardless of how modernized this hill station is, it actually portrays the force and holiness of the Hindu folklore. In this blog we’ll tell you about the most well-known temples of Shimla that add a uniqueness to the title of Land of Gods. Here is a curated rundown of the best temples in Shimla that have stories holding back to be told.
8 Temples in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
The temples of Shimla add a profoundly spiritual embodiment to the overall appeal of the hill station. Apart from the astonishing scenery, the snow-capped Mountains, lush green valleys, lovely Glaciers just as Meadows, Lakes and so on; Shimla is home to numerous sacred oddities. The varied Shimla temples are recorded beneath:
1. Jakhoo Temple
2. Sankat Mochan Temple
3. Tara Devi Temple
4. Bhima Kali Temple
5. Hatkoti Temple
6. Dhingu Temple
7. Kali Bari Temple
8. Hatu Temple
1. Jakhoo Temple
Settled on the Jakhoo Hill, the temple is a famous traveler site. Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, it houses a 108-foot-tall symbol of the deity. Because it is situated on the most noteworthy mark of Shimla, it offers clear views of the Shivalik ranges. Some stories suggest that Lord Hanuman halted here as he continued looking for the Sanjeevani plant, which was the spice expected to fix Lord Lakshmana as he was injured in the fight against Ravana. There is another folk tale that one of Lord Hanuman’s shoes fell at this spot, and consequently a temple was built at the spot.
The temple is a 45-minute stroll from the Ridge, one can likewise enlist horse or taxi to visit the temple. Jakhoo is a vantage point for seeing the changing horizon as the sun rises or sets.
Best Time To Visit Jakhoo Temple:
The temple remains open from 5:00 am to 12:00 pm and again from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm, make sure you visit at the time of Dussehra when people celebrate the killing of Ravana.
2. Sankat Mochan Temple
Sankat Mochan Temple is located on the Kalka-Shimla Highway and is one of the most famous temples in Shimla. Temple is only 11 kilometers from the railway station. Sankat Mochan is devoted to Lord Hanuman and also a collection of small temples of Lord Rama and Lord Shiva. Many tourists visit this temple to offer their prayers. Earlier the temple used to be a small shrine but as of now it is a three storied building. The temple was established by Baba Neem Karoli. Every Sunday a large Bhandara is organized here. Alongside, Sankat Mochan Temple has an Ayurvedic center too. People make a visit to the facility to recuperate different health concerns.
The moment you arrive at the temple, you come across the most engaging esthetic views of Shimla with wonderful knolls, thick wilds and high slopes.
Best Time To Visit Sankat Mochan Temple:
Because it is Lord Hanuman temple, every Tuesday and Saturday a lot of people visit the temple. Otherwise, visit at the time of Pratah Aarti at 5 am or Sandhya Aarti at 8:30 pm.
3. Tara Devi Temple
Tara Devi is probably 250 years old, and one of the significant spiritual destinations in Shimla. It is situated on the Kalka-Shimla Highway close to Shogi and is 15 kilometers from Shimla town. As per individuals, Tara Devi was certainly the Kul Devi, which is the family God of the Sen Dynasty. Tara Devi came from the eastern territory of Bengal. Legends say that this temple was founded by Bhupendra Sen. Later the temple was shifted to a crest by Raja Balbir Sen, the crest was known as Parvat. The belief behind shifting the temple to a peak was to allow Maa Tara to spread her blessings throughout the valley.
On your way, you come across lush green glades and tremendous Pine trees. One can rejuvenate their soul, body, and mind.
‘’Kho Gye Hum Kahan’’.
Best Time To Visit Tara Devi Temple:
The best time to visit Tara Devi Temple is during Shardiya Navratas especially on Ashtami, which occurs on a yearly premise.
4. Bhimakali Temple
Bhimakali Temple is a significant milestone of Sarahan town which is just about 180 km from Shimla. This temple is totally made out of wood which is surrounded by snow-clad mountain tops. As said by a legend, the ear of Goddess Sati fell at where the temple stands today. The perplexing wood carvings throughout the temple catches the attention of every visiting archeological enthusiast. The design of this temple portrays the Tibetan style and it contains the pictures of both Hindu and Buddhist divinities that are made in bronze. There are two temples on the same site, one is a traditional wooden temple, and the other one is newly built. The temple is viewed as one of the fifty Shaktipeeths that are widely visited by the enthusiasts.
Sarahan provides ultimate views of snow-capped peaks, wherein the Shrikhand peak provides the best pleasing scene with a unique naked tip whilst all other adjacent tips are covered with thick snow.
Best Time To Visit Bhimakali Temple:
October-March.
5. Hatkoti Temple
The temple is 105 Km from Shimla. Hatkoti Temple is the house of Goddess Mahishasura Mardini, a manifestation of Durga Mata. The sculpture of the Goddess is 1.2 m tall and is made of eight valuable elements. The idol portrays the Goddess with ten arms, riding a lion, and weapons killing the evil spirit Mahishasura. There is an engraving on the two sides of the idol that nobody has had the option to decipher up until now. Hateshwari Mata Mandir is certifiably not a solitary temple. Maybe, it is a temple which comprises a remarkable gathering of different temples that are nearby the Jabbar River. The complex likewise has a different temple devoted to Lord Shiva. The temple features five idols, which preferably address the five Pandava Siblings of Mahabharata era. These idols are aligned according to their size with the first being the biggest.
Best Time To Visit Hatkoti Temple:
The best time to visit Hatkoti temple is during the Navratri Festival. During the 9 days of this festival, devotees perform various rituals at the temple and offer flowers and sweets to the Goddess.
6. Dhingu Temple
Dhingu Mata Temple is situated at a hill top at Sanjauli, 2 km away from the mall road. The particular temple is dedicated to Durga Mata. Every Sunday langar is served to anyone and everyone. If you are looking for a place where you can meditate and relax your weary souls, then you must visit this Temple and offer prayers to Durga Mata.
The temple is surrounded by beauty and serenity. You can easily watch various places including Shimla, the valley of Naldehra, and other outlying mountains from this place. Enjoy a perfect paradise!
‘’In Wadiyon Mein Takra Chuke Hein’’
Best Time To Visit Dhingu Mata Temple:
All-round the year.
7. Kali Bari Temple
Kali Bari Temple is 10 minute walking distance from the mall road. Flaunting a majestic hilltop area, with the panoramic views of the mountain ranges, it offers a heavenly vibe to the devotees of Shyamala Mata. 100 years prior, the Kali Bari Temple was initially made by a Bengali Brahmin ‘Slam Charan Brahmachari’ nearby Rothney Castle on Jakhoo Hill. Afterward, the Britishers moved the area of the temple to where it stands in present. It is one of the oldest temples of Shimla which features an extraordinary Hindu-style architecture alongside the blue hued wooden symbol of Goddess Kali. Other than that, the temple likewise gives convenient staying for budget travelers. Additionally, there is a canteen where you can treat your taste buds with mouth-watering food during lunch and supper time.
Best Time To Visit Kali Bari Temple:
Visiting it during the favorable event of Durga Puja and Kali Puja is typically viewed as best.
8. Hatu Temple
Hatu top is located near Narkanda at an elevation of 3352 m. It is an antiquated temple, however the current structure is relatively newly built. Made in peculiar Himachali architecture, curved out of wood and stone, this temple has its own charm. The temple adds a pinnacle to chronicles of Himachal as it hosts a little oven like structure, which is believed to be used by the Pandava siblings for preparing their food during the Agyaat Vaas. On one side are the profound and steep valleys with tall deodar trees shaping enchanting patterns and on the other you can see unshakable mountains nearly driving you into the valley. On a sunny morning, you get a panoramic view of the snow-covered Shrikhand Mahadev Tops from the temple.
Best Time To Visit Hatu Temple:
April – October is considered as the best time to plan a visit to Hatu.
We assure you that our list of prominent temples was of some help to you. In case you are looking for a visit to Himachal Pradesh that can extraordinarily fill you with mysticism and the sensation of godlikeness, then, at that point, Shimla is the right place to head to. Visit these temples and you will get a feeling of how much holiness and otherworldliness is engrained in the existence of individuals in Himachal Pradesh. Every single temple of this powerful state mirrors the strength of confidence and the devotion of individuals. So, what is holding you up? Let it all be positive inside you.
Chalo Shimla Chalein!
