Pilgrims

Rawalsar Gurudwara (Mandi)

This Gurudwara commemorates the visit of one of the eminent Gurus of Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh. He came here on the occasion of Baisakhi and to meet the king of Mandi, Raja Siddh Sen. During that time, there were major uproars in the area because of a famous ruler Aurangzeb; hence they both talked about how these problems can be tackled. The Gurudwara has a tank and the water from this tank is considered to be holy. Whoever takes a dip in the water or even touch it gets sanctified.

Naina Devi (Bilaspur)

Naina Devi is the first in the list of most popular pilgrimage sites in Himachal Pradesh .This temple located in Bilaspur district at an altitude of 1177 meters. It is said Goddess Sati burnt herself, this made Lord Shiva furious. When Lord Shiva gets enraged he performs his Tandav Dance, and so he did holding Goddess Sati on his shoulders. This further led Lord Vishnu to strike his Chakra cutting the body parts of Goddess Sati in several pieces; and her eyes fell to this temple. Pilgrims visit Naina Devi Mandir carrying faith in their hearts that Mata Naina Devi will eradicate all the problems from their life and bestow prosperity upon them. Nestled amidst the enchanting hills of Bilaspur district in Himachal Pradesh, the Naina Devi Temple stands as a sacred haven for devotees seeking solace and divine blessings. Perched atop the Naina Hillock with the serene Bhakra Lake below, the temple exudes an aura of spirituality and draws thousands of pilgrims from across the country. Legend has it that the temple derives its name from an ancient tale where the eyes (naina) of Goddess Sati fell at this very spot during Lord Shiva's cosmic Tandava dance. The temple holds immense significance as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, making it an essential pilgrimage destination for devotees of the divine feminine power. The journey to the Naina Devi Temple is an exhilarating experience in itself. Devotees can choose to take a gentle trek up the hill, immersing themselves in the natural beauty and tranquil surroundings. Alternatively, a cable car ride offers a breathtaking aerial view of the majestic landscape, leaving visitors awe-struck as they ascend towards the divine abode. The temple's architecture is a captivating blend of traditional and contemporary styles. The sanctum enshrines a beautiful idol of Goddess Naina Devi, adorned with intricate jewelry and vibrant garments. The atmosphere is infused with the soul-stirring sounds of devotional hymns and bells, creating an ambiance of profound spirituality. The Naina Devi Temple holds great cultural and historical significance. Festivals like Navaratri and Chaitra Navratri witness grand celebrations, drawing a large number of pilgrims and tourists. These festivities showcase the rich heritage and traditional dances of the region, making it an immersive experience for visitors. Beyond its religious and cultural allure, the temple boasts breathtaking vistas of the picturesque landscape. The panoramic view of Bhakra Lake and the surrounding lush green hills leaves visitors mesmerized, offering a glimpse of nature's splendor. From a tourism perspective, Naina Devi Temple plays a pivotal role in bolstering Bilaspur's economy. The influx of pilgrims and tourists has led to the development of infrastructure, including accommodation, eateries, and transportation services. In conclusion, Naina Devi Temple in Bilaspur stands as a testament to the unyielding faith and devotion of its devotees. This sacred abode not only reverberates with spiritual energy but also offers an immersive experience of Himachal's natural beauty. The enchanting journey to this divine sanctuary, the age-old legends it narrates, and the profound spiritual experiences it bestows, all weave together to create an unforgettable odyssey for pilgrims and travelers alike. As devotees bow before the resplendent Goddess, they carry with them a sense of fulfillment, carrying the blessings of Naina Devi in their hearts as they depart from this ethereal sanctuary.

Baba Balak Nath (Hamirpur)

This caved temple in the border of Hamirpur and Bilaspur is believed to be home of Baba Balaknath with his idol in it. His shrine is also known as Deotsingh. Pilgrims come from different corners and offer him gud ki roti and goats (they are not slaughtered but fed). Though women are not allowed near the deity but the can have darshan from a distance. Looking at the increasing number of crowd, government has put efforts to provide them with lodge, transport and other facilities.

Discovering the Divine Charm of Jwalamukhi Temple: A Sacred Abode in Kangra

The temple lies in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh and counted in most visited pilgrimage sites of Himachal Pradesh. Jwalamukhi got its name from Jwala (flame) and mukhi (mouth). The idol of this temple is one of its kind; an eternal flame in the rocks. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Jwala and it is believed that here is Goddess Sati’s tongue fell after being struck by Vishnu’s Chakra. The flame is covered with a dome made of gold, and the gold was gifted by Akbar. The gold turned into an unknown metal later and people said that the goddess did not accept his offering. Nestled in the enchanting Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh, the Jwalamukhi Temple is a revered spiritual destination that has captivated pilgrims and tourists for centuries.

Nestled in the enchanting Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh, the Jwalamukhi Temple is a revered spiritual destination that has captivated pilgrims and tourists for centuries. This sacred abode is dedicated to Goddess Jwalamukhi, and its name translates to "flame-mouthed," symbolizing the mystical eternal flames that have burned here for ages. As one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, the temple holds immense religious significance, attracting devotees seeking blessings and solace from across the country. Beyond its religious allure, the temple's unique architecture and breathtaking surroundings add to the divine charm that makes Jwalamukhi a must-visit destination for spiritual seekers and nature enthusiasts alike.

The Divine Legend and Significance

The mystical history of Jwalamukhi Temple traces back to ancient mythology. According to the legend, when the demon king Daksha insulted Goddess Sati, Lord Shiva's consort, she immolated herself in her father's Yagna (sacred fire ritual). In response, Lord Shiva performed the Tandava dance of destruction, and during this cosmic dance, Sati's tongue fell at the location where the temple now stands. This sacred spot is considered one of the most powerful Shakti Peethas, where the Goddess' tongue is believed to be manifest as the eternal flames.

The temple's main sanctum houses seven natural flames that emerge from the ground through fissures in the rock. These flames are symbolic representations of seven forms of the Goddess, namely Mahakali, Unpurna, Chandi, Hinglaj, Bindhya Basni, Maha Lakshmi, and Saraswati. Devotees believe that the Goddess herself ignites and sustains these flames, which have remained unextinguished for centuries, imparting an ethereal aura to the temple.

The Enchanting Architecture

Jwalamukhi Temple's architectural splendor is an attraction in itself. The main shrine is adorned with a gold-plated dome and intricate silver doors, creating a majestic sight for visitors. The temple's surroundings are adorned with ornate carvings, intricate artwork, and colorful frescoes that narrate ancient stories and religious symbolism.

The structure's unique design allows visitors to witness the divine flames emanating from the earth through specially designed fissures. The fascinating play of light and shadows amidst the mystical flames further adds to the temple's captivating ambiance.

A Spiritual Retreat and Festive Celebrations

Jwalamukhi Temple is not only a place of worship but also a spiritual retreat that offers tranquility and inner reflection. The serene surroundings, coupled with the divine presence of the Goddess, create an atmosphere conducive to meditation and self-discovery.

The temple comes alive during festive occasions, especially during Navaratri. The nine-day Navaratri festival witnesses grand celebrations, drawing devotees and tourists in large numbers. Elaborate rituals, traditional dances, and melodious hymns reverberate through the air, filling the temple with an aura of profound devotion and celebration.

Access and Accommodation

Jwalamukhi Temple is easily accessible by road from Kangra and Dharamshala, both well-connected to major cities in North India. Several transport options, including buses and private vehicles, are available for pilgrims and tourists.

For accommodation, there are various options near the temple, ranging from budget hotels to comfortable guesthouses, providing visitors with a peaceful stay amidst the serene surroundings.

Jwalamukhi Temple in Kangra is a mesmerizing blend of spirituality, architectural beauty, and natural splendor. Its eternal flames and divine significance make it a compelling pilgrimage destination for countless devotees seeking the Goddess' blessings. As the temple continues to allure spiritual seekers and nature enthusiasts, its ethereal charm and rich legacy shine brightly, carrying forward the divine flame of devotion and mystique for generations to come.

Bijli Mahadev (Kullu)

Bijli Mahadev temple is also dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Shivling inside the temple was once struck by thunder lightning and broke it into pieces, and then a priest used butter to fix it piece by piece. This is something that happens today as well. The tall staff receives blessings in the form of lighting, breaking the shivlinga into pieces and later the priest fix it by using butter and sattoo. The temple is visited by even larger number of pilgrims in “Shivratri” and is a part of a beautiful landscape with lush green mountains on the backdrop.

Baijnath (Dhauladhar)

Baijnath temple lies in a small town in Dhauladhar Range and one of the most religious pilgrimage site in Himachal Pradesh. This one thousand year old temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. A great throng of pilgrims visit Baijnath temple especially in Shivratri festival. There are inscriptions on the wall interpreting the story of Baijnath temple. It is believed that Devil Ravana worshipped the lord here. This temple is made of Nagri style of architecture. After being dilapidated because of an earthquake, it was renovated by Raja Sansar Chand.

Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara (Manikaran)

This is the most sanctified shrines of Sikhs; the Gurudwara was built to commemorate the visit of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji. In 1574, Guru Nanak Dev Ji was on a tour with his disciple Bhai Mardana to different places where he preached life lessons and Manikaran was his last stopover. Manikaran Gurudwara is also known for its hot spring. This was the spot where Nanak ji sat, upon a stone, and later asked his disciple to lift it. And when it was removed, hot spring emerged. It is believed that dipping one’s body in the hot water from the spring makes them attain a place in heaven and have a prosperous life.

Hadimba Devi (Manali)

Hadimba Devi temple is the most popular temple in Manali and has triangular top divided into three segments. The temple has four storeys and is made up of wood. Hadimba was mother of Ghatotkach and used to come here to meditate and escape from the misdeeds of his brother who was a devil. The main thing for which this 500 year old temple is revered is the footprint of Mata Hadimba. The temple was built by Raja Bahadur Singh and receives even higher number of pilgrims during the fair or mela “Saroohni” in his remembrance. On the birthday of Mata Hadimba Devi, ladies come from nearby and faraway towns to celebrate this day by worshipping her with even higher zeal.

Mata Vaishno Maha Devi Tirth Temple (Kullu)

Situated in Kullu, 35 Km from Manali, this temple was founded in 1966 and receives thousands of pilgrims each day ever since. Swami Sewak Das Ji Maharaj was a saint, who in search of peaceful environment for meditation came here and realized that Mata Vaishno resides here. The saint is also famous for his preaching about “Nishkaam Karseva”, which means self service. The temple was founded in 1962, lies in the center of lush green valleys and has beautiful wooden works and carvings. Don’t get yourself confused between Vaishno Devi Mandir in Jammu and Mata Vaishno Maha Devi Tirth Temple in Kullu.