Often referred to as the “Queen of Hill Stations”, Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is one of the stunning hill stations in India and among the top places to visit in Himachal. Shimla is an all-time favorite holiday destination for travellers as this pristine hill station is blessed with colonial architecture, breathtaking landscape, and rejuvenating views of lofty Himalayas. Besides, the place is also famous for its sacred temples that behold the power and sacredness of Hindu mythology. Along with religious significance, these temples are beautiful in architecture and offer some stunning views of the Himalayas. If you want to experience some real bliss and joy away from the hustle and bustle of the city, visiting these temples is one of the best options for religious freaks as part of Shimla Tour Packages.
Here is the list of some sacred temples in Shimla.
Jakhoo Temple
Lying at an altitude of 2500 m atop Jakhu Hill, Jakhu Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to the Hindu deity Hanuman. It is one of the sacred temples in Himachal Pradesh, and among the prime places to visit in Shimla. It is believed that Lord Hanuman visited this hill at the time of Ramayana to get sanjeevani herbs that could heal Laxman, who was injured during the battle with the demon king Ravana. This temple has the world’s largest statue of Lord Hanuman about 108 feet in height. The surroundings of the Jakhoo Temple are complemented by amazing views that make the setting even more spectacular. It is a great place to enjoy the awe-inspiring sunrises and sunsets and an adventurous drive for trekking enthusiasts. There is a ropeway that connects the Jakhu temple to Shimla Ridge.
Also Read : Top Hill Stations in India
Tara Devi Temple
Tara Devi Temple is a sacred Hindu Temple situated between Shimla and Shoghi village. Stands on Tara Devi hilltop at an altitude of 1851 m, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Tara (goddess of stars) and is one of the pilgrimage sites near Shimla. It is believed that the Goddess Tara was brought here from West Bengal. The presiding deity’s idol is made up of eight elements called the “Ashtadhatu”. The location of the temple on the hilltop makes it appear that the goddess seems to keep everyone under the protective gaze, showering innumerable blessings on her worshippers. From the temple, one can get a panoramic view of the lofty snow-capped Himalayan range and Shimla town, one of the top places to visit near Chandigarh. There is a big precession held at the temple on Ashtami during Shardiya Navratras each year.
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Kali Bari Temple
Located on Bantony Hill at the center of Shimla town, Kali Bari Temple is dedicated to the fearsome reincarnation of Goddess Kali, who is locally known as ‘Shyamala’, after which the Shimla city is named. Built-in 1845 by a Bengali devotee Ram Charan Bhramachari, this is one of the oldest temples in Shimla and is held in high veneration by the Hindu community in Shimla, one of the famous hill stations near Delhi. The temple is believed to have existed in the vicinity of Rothney Castle on Jakhoo Hill and was shifted to its present location by the British. The temple features a unique Hindu-style architecture along with the blue coloured wooden idol of the goddess Kali. One can also witness various incarnations of the goddess in the temple premises including Bhadrakali, Chinnamasta, Rudrarani, Tara, Chamunda, Durga, Himavati, Kumari Sati, Kamakhya, Meenakshi, and Uma. The travellers visiting Shimla never miss offering their prayers to the goddess Kali as they believe it will bring happiness and prosperity to their lives. The temple is thronged by thousands of devotees during the Navratri festival.
Must Read : Prominent Treks near Shimla
Sankat Mochan Temple
Another well-known temple to visit in Shimla is Sri Sankat Mochan Temple situated at Taradevi on the Kalka- Shimla National Highway. Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the temple was built by Baba Neeb Karori Ji Maharaj in the year 1966, and is one of the must-include places in the Shimla tour. The temple is located in a picturesque site and is visited by a large number of devotees throughout the year. It is the most-visited temple to visit in Shimla, among the stunning hill stations in Himachal. The temple houses many small shrines dedicated to Lord Rama, Lord Shiva, and Ganesha along with a temple for Baba Neeb Karori Ji Maharaj. Apart from worship, tourists also visit this spot to experience the calm atmosphere and the lush green natural beauty that surrounds the place. The view of the Shimla town, beautiful meadows, dense forests, and the lofty Himalayan range from this spot is just breathtaking.
Also Read : Best Places to see Snowfall in Shimla
Bhimakali Temple – Sarahan
Dedicated to Goddess Durga known locally as Bhimakali, the Bhimakali Temple in Sarahan is one of the popular places of pilgrimage in Himachal Pradesh, and among the famous temples to visit near Shimla. This 800-year-old temple is regarded as one of the 51 sacred Shaktipeethas as it is believed to be the place where the ear of Sati Devi fell when Lord Vishnu cut the pieces of her body carried by heartbroken Lord Shiva. The Bhimakali temple is in Tibetan architectural style with Buddhist and Hindu influences and bronze statues of both religions in the shrines. It has slanted slate roofs, golden towers, pagodas, and a carved silver door. An idol of the eternal goddess at Sri Bhimakali Temple represents the virgin and it lies at the top storey of the temple. Below that storey, goddess Parvati has been enshrined as the divine consort of Lord Shiva. There are three other shrines in this complex dedicated to Lord Raghunath, Narsingh, and Patal Bhairava. Dussehra is celebrated grandly at Bhimakali Temple.
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Hatkoti Temples
Located on the scenic banks of River Jabbar, Hatkoti Temples are a group of temples date back to the period between the 6th to the 9th century, the Gupta period in Indian history. Hatkoti is one of the popular temples near Shimla, and among the major pilgrimage sites near Chandigarh. The most prominent among the group is the temple dedicated to Goddess Mahishasuramardini. Made of eight precious metals, the 1.2 m high idol depicts with ten arms, riding a lion, carrying weapons, and slaying the demon Mahishasura. The Hatkoti Temple complex also has a separate temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The walls of the temples are carved with ornate sculptures and speak volumes of the architectural designs of the eras in which they were created. A grand fair is held at the temple every year in the month of April which is visited by a large number of devotees.
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