Himachal Pradesh History

History of Himachal Pradesh

Continue reading at History of Himachal Pradesh | Himachal Travel Guide

Himachal Pradesh has a rich history that has laid a strong foundation for the state it is now. The origin of Himachal Pradesh goes back to the era of the first ever human settlement that took place in India – Indus Valley Civilization. The flourishing civilization affected the foothills of the Himalayas, the place where present day Himachal Pradesh is located. According to evidences studied by historians, it is clear that the influence of the Aryans in this region dates back to the time period preceding the Rig-Veda. The history of Himachal Pradesh is reflective of the accumulation of the varied culture that evolved as well as flourished here. This was the ‘Deva Bhoomi’ – land of Gods, since earlier times. There are evidences that confirm the existence of pre historic humans in this region. Himachal Pradesh has also find its place in Epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana too. Various legends and mythological depiction also have appraised this state with varied names

Himachal Pradesh is often dubbed Dev Bhoomi or the Land of the Gods. Himachal is nothing but a slice of heaven on earth and there is indeed no doubt that even gods can fall for it. Said to be the abode of many celestial beings, Himachal has a very rich mythological past. No wonder we can see hundreds of temples often swarmed by massive number of devotees from all corners of the world here. Undoubtedly, there are a number of reasons to visit Himachal, yet temples are amongst the prime ones. These sacred shrines, which narrate many an interesting tales, are a very important part of Himachal Pradesh tourism as well.

Here are some of the most famous temples in Himachal Pradesh that would truly prove why this state deserves to be called the Land of Gods:

Temples in Shimla

Sankat Mochan Temple

A very popular temple in Shimla, Sankat Mochan Temple is situated on Kalka-Shimla highway. The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and was commissioned by Baba Neem Karoli. Initially the temple was a small shrine but today it is a three-storied building, which is used for many purposes like feeding the poor (Langar) and conducting marriage ceremonies. There is also an Ayurvedic clinic to address the health concerns of the devotees.

Tara Devi Temple

Tara Devi is a 250 years old temple in Shimla. The temple is situated about 15kms from the town of Shimla on Kalka-Shimla Highway near Shoghi. It is believed that Tara Devi was the Kull Devi (Family Deity) of Sen Dynasty, who came from the eastern state of Bengal. According to legends, the Tara Devi Temple was commissioned by Bhupendra Sen, who ordered to build a temple for Maa Tara Devi on 50 Bhiga land near the present-day temple. Later, his descendant Raja Balbir Sen shifted the temple to a hill top called Tara Parvat (where it is present till date) with the intention of denoting that the Goddess looks at everyone and everything. The best time to visit Tara Devi Temple is at Ashtami during Shardiya Navratras held annually. During this time a fair is also held in the temple complex of which wrestling is an important tradition.

Jakhoo Temple

Jakhoo Temple is one of the most popular temples in Shimla. It is situated at a height of 8500ft and its tall Hanuman statue makes an important landmark of the town. Legend has it that Jakhoo Mountain is one of the places, where Lord Hanuman stopped, while he was on the mission of collecting Sanjeevni herb for an injured Lakshamana. As per another legend, Lord Hanuman met Yaaku, a sage on this mount who briefed him about the Sanjeevni herb. It is also believed that Yaaku sage was the one who commissioned the construction of this temple. The temple has a 108ft high statue of Lord Hanuman, which is indeed a major attraction in Shimla.

Other Temples in Shimla: Hatkoti Temple (104kms), Kali Bari

Temples in Manali

Hadimba Temple

Hadimba is the most popular temple in Manali; it is in fact the most famous tourist attraction here as well. Dedicated to Hadimba Devi (the wife of Bhima), Hadimba Temple is built around a cave amidst a thick forest. In this temple, devotees come to worship Hadimba Devi, who once meditated, prayed and did penance here. The temple catches the eye of the tourists due to its excellent architecture. The intricate wooden carving and the 24m tall tower above the sanctuary is the main attraction here.

Naina Devi Ji

Naina Devi Temple is a prominent temple in Bilaspur. The temple is situated about 70kms from Bilaspur and is dedicated to Naina Devi, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. According to legends, this sacred shrine is built in a place where one eye of Sati (Durga) fell when Lord Vishnu cut her body into 51 pieces in order to pacify an angry Lord Shiva. The Naina Devi Temple is said to have been built by Raja Bir Chand in the 8th century. It is perched upon a hillock, which is now connected by a ropeway.

Kaleshwar Temple

Bil Kaleshwar is a 400 year old temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is situated on Nadaun-Sujanpur road, at the confluence of River Beas and Kunhad. Legends have it that the construction of this Bil-Kaleshwar Temple was initiated by the Pandavas of Mahabharta; however, they could not complete the temple. Therefore, in later years, a king from the Katoch dynasty completed the temple. For devotees in Himachal, this place is equivalent to Haridwar, which means if someone is unable to go to Haridwar, he can immerse the mortal remains of the family members here.

Baba Balaknath Temple

Baba Balaknath is amongst the most famous temples of Himachal Pradesh. The Baba Balaknath Temple is situated in Chakmoh district about 45kms from Hamirpur. It is a cave temple that has been carved of a rock. The cave is reckoned to be the abode of Baba Balaknath. A sizable population of devotees throngs this temple: however, the entry of females is restricted here. The best time to visit this temple is during the Holi festival, when a fair is organized here.

Other Temples in Hamirpur: Murali Manohar Mandir, Tauni Devi Temple, Awah Devi Temple, Gasota Mahadev Temple, Jhanyari Devi Temple, Kalanjari Devi Temple

Temples in Mandi

Bhootnath Temple

This temple is the most famous temple in Mandi as well as Himachal Pradesh. Bhootnath Temple was established by Raja Ajber Sen in 1527. The temple is known for its Mahashivratri fair, which is celebrated here with much pomp and show. It is believed that Raja Madhav Rao used to visit this temple before starting the Shivratri procession each year. Shivratri is the best time to visit Bhootnath temple, as people from all corners of India trickle in here to seek the blessing of Lord Shiva.

Jwala Devi Temple, Kangra

Amongst the 51 Shaktipeethas, Jwala Devi temple happens to be an important temple in Himachal Pradesh. Jwalamukhi is a village in Kangra district, which is believed to be the place where the tongue of Sati fell. According to a legend, a shepherd while herding his cattle in the forest saw a continuously blazing fire from a mountain. He then went and told the king about the incident; the King believed the shepherd visited the place and had a Darshan of Goddess here. He then built a temple in this place, later; Raja Bhumi Chand constructed a proper temple here. It is believed that Jwala Devi fulfills the wishes of all those who visit here. Offering coconut here is mandatory.

Chintpurni Temple, Una

Another important Shaktipeethas in Himachal Pradesh, Chintpurni Temple is situated in the Una district. According to mythology, it is the same place where the forehead of Sati fell. In Chintpurni Temple, Goddess Chinnamastika is worshipped. She is also known as the Headless Goddess, as it is believed that the Goddess beheaded herself and offered her blood to here two companions (Jaya and Vijaya Yoginis) Therefore, the Goddess is the symbol of self-sacrifice, who can do anything to serve her beloved. Till today, devotees visit this temple in hope of getting their wishes fulfilled.