Naina Devi Temple

Naina Devi Temple in Himachal Pradesh

Naina Devi temple (1100 meters Above MSL) , one of the most important Shakti Peeths of India, is situated in Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh. It is believed that at this place both the eyes of devi sati had fallen on the earth. Raja Bir Chand got this temple constructed in the 8th century.

As the temple is situated on the hill top and it commands a grand view of the holy Anandpur Sahib Gurudwara on the one side and the Gobind Sagar reservoir of the Bhakra Dam on the other side.

The temple is dedicated to the Goddess Bhagwati ( Durga). The Goddess Naina Devi is worshipped as a single self born pindi. There is another pindi of Ganesha and a third established by the Pandavas.

Devotees in great number visit this place during Navratras and on Ashtami (Eight Day ) of the month of Shravan.

In the earlier days, people used to trek the steep path of 1.25 kms to reach the temple at the hill-top. Now, the facility of cable car has been launched to make to journey easy and enjoyable.

Nearest Airport

Chandigarh Airport is the nearest airport 135 Kms from this place.

Nearest Railhead

Kiratpur Sahib in Punjab is the nearest rail head from there you can come by road.

Naina Devi Temple By Road

It is about 70 Km from Bilaspur, about 135 Km from Chandigarh and it is 15 km from Anandpur Sahib.

Climate at Naina Devi Temple

Situated in the hot temperature zone the climate of Bilaspur ranges from high temperature to sub tropical.

Chamunda Devi Temple

Pilgrimage Himachal Pradesh: Chamunda Devi Temple

Chamunda Devi Temple is located at a distance of 15 km from Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh. Dedicated to goddesses Durga or Chamunda (Hindu deity), the surroundings of the temple provide an excellent venue for meditation prayers and spiritual attainments. The Chamunda Devi Temple is said to be more than 700 years old. It is a big temple complex with a large pond where devotees take a dip.

The location of temple was used as a cremation ground by the people of 22 villages and supposed to be a place of solace, spiritual attainments. A large number of devotees travel to this place for worship and to attain spiritual peace for their ancestors. The main deity of the temple is kept under cover and is not accessible by the visitors, because of its sacred importance. There is a cave-like scoop located at the back of the temple, representing the stone lingam ( embodiment of Shiva). Apart from these attractions, there are many brightly painted images of gods and goddesses located in the vicinity of the Chamunda Devi temple.

During the time of Navratras, the temple is crowded by large number of people. Pilgrims from far and near come to visit this temple of great legacy and religious importance. Chamunda Devi blesses all her true devotees.

The temple is situated in the picturesque beauty of lush green mountains. Many saints can be seen here involved in penance and meditation.

Location Of Chamunda Devi Temple

The temple is easily accessible via road from Dharamshala, Palampur, Kangra and all the major cities of Himachal Pradesh. Tourist can hire private taxis or take state transport buses to reach this holy destination of Himachal Pradesh.

It is about 90 Km from Pathankot, the nearest broad gauge rail head. The nearest railhead on the narrow gauge line is at Moranda near Palampur, 30 km. By road, Chamunda Devi is 15 km from Dharamshala and 55 km from Jwalaji temple.

The nearest airport is Kangra airport at Gaggal near Dharamshala. It is 28 Km from Chamunda Devi Temple.

Climate

In winter, the temperature can get quite cold when woollens are required like shawls, sweater etc. It is hot in summer and cottons are recommended.

Jwalaji Temple

Jwalaji Temple in Himachal Pradesh

The flaming temple of Himachal Pradesh, Jwalaji temple is located at a distance of 34 km south of Kangra Valley. The Jawalaji temple is considered very powerful, and count as one of the 51 Shakti-Pitha temples in India. It is here that Sati’s tongue fell which can now be seen in the form of the flame.

Besides this main temple, there are Gorakh Dibbi, Chaturbhuj temple and many small shrines situated in the vicinity of Jwalaji temple.

Dedicated to Goddesses Jwalamukhi with flaming mouth, the temple is believed to have nine permanent flames named after the goddesses- Mahakali, Unpurna, Chandi, Hinglaj, Bindhya Basni, Maha Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ambika and Anji Devi. It is said that centuries ago, a shepherd saw the flames for the first time and Raja Bhumi Chandra, the ruler of the area had the original temple built. The Mughal Emperor Akbar installed a gold parasol and Maharaja Ranjit Singh had the dome gilded. Across the courtyard is Devi’s bed chamber and above the temple is the shrine of Baba Gorakhnath.

Main Attraction of Jwalaji temple

The main attraction of the temple is the Aarti session, which is performed five times a day that begins early morning then at sun rise, afternoon, evening and continues till bed time of the goddesses. Apart from these, the evening Aarti (Shaiyan Aarti), performed before bed time is unique and different. The bed of the Goddesses is piled up with rich dresses decorated with precious ornaments.

Design of Jwalaji Temple

The picturesque temple, built in the Indo-Sikh style, is a modern building whose dome is of gilt, gold and pinnacles and possesses a beautiful folding door of silver plates, presented by the Sikh Raja Kharak Singh.

How to Reach Jwalaji Temple

The airport at Gaggal is 46 km from Jwalamukhi. The closest broad gauge railhead is at Pathankot, 123 km away. The nearest narrow-gauge railhead is Jawalaji road Ranital at a distance of 20 km from the shrine. Taxis and buses are available at both places. This place is 34 Kms from Kangra Valley. From Delhi the road distance is 473 km and from Shimla it is 212 km.

Climate

In winter, the climate is cold but pleasant when woolens are required like shawls, sweater etc. During summer the temperature is hot and cottons are recommended.

Baba Balak Nath Temple

The Baba Balak Nath temple, a medieval cave temple is one of the famous pilgrimage center of Himachal Pradesh also called Devbhumi the God’s own land. Baba Balak Nath Temple is situated at village Chakmoh of district Hamirpur on the hill top. The temple has a natural cave carved in the hills which is considered to be the abode of Babaji.

Baba Balaknath Temple is visited by devotees throughout the year but during the Navratras, the visitors rush increases manifold and throng to the temple in large numbers. A few kilometers away from the Baba Balaknath Temple, is the Shah Talai connected by a ropeway which is also an important tourist attraction.

Devotees offer `Rot`, prepared with flour and sugar/gur at the altar of Babaji. Female devotees are prohibited to enter the inner cave. A raised platform just opposite to the cave has been specially erected for female worshippers for darshan. Six km from Baba Balak Nath Temple, there is spot named Shahtalai, where Baba is assumed to have observed penance. It is also considered exceedingly sacred to the pilgrims. Sunday is considered an auspicious day of Babaji.

How to Reach Baba Balaknath Temple

By Air

Chandigarh Airport is the nearest airport, which is 120 km from the temple and from there you can go by road.

By Train

Una at a distance of 50 kilometers is the nearest broad gauge rail head. Una is located at the entry point of Himachal Pradesh next to Nangal township of Punjab. There are daily train services from Delhi.

By Road

The temple is situated on the border of Bilaspur and Hamirpur district and is well connected by roads from all sides. The temple is easily accessible via road from Bilaspur (40 Kms) , Hamirpur (45 Kms) and all the major cities of Himachal Pradesh. Tourist can hire private taxis or take state transport buses to reach this holy destination of Himachal Pradesh.

Category: Temples