Temples of Kullu District

Temples of Kullu District

Temples of Kullu District draw the attention of the devotees from far and wide. There are several temples in Kullu District that are renowned for their wonderful architectural styles.

Temples of Kullu District are known for their distinct wonderful architecture. Devotees from all parts of the country come to Kullu District and visit its various temples. Thus, it can be said that this place is of great attraction for the religious people as well as for climbers. Some of the popular temples of Kullu District are given below -

Raghunath Temple: The chief deity of Kullu is Raghunath Ji. Raghunath Temple was constructed in 1660 AD with a mixed look of Pahari and Pyramidal style. Everyday puja is held for five times. Round the year, near about 45 festivals are held. Several legends are associated with this temple.

Vaishno Devi Temple: On the way to Manali 3 km from Kullu, Vaishno Devi Temple is a very popular pilgrimage centre of the country. In 1964 AD, a saint established this temple. There is another temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Beas River flows in front of the temple giving it a spectacular view.

Bijli Mahadev Temple: Situated at an altitude of 2435 metres around 11 kms from Kullu, this temple is ideally located offering a commanding view. Bijli Mahadev Temple is in 'khash' style.

Adi Brahma Temple: The temple of Adi Brahma Temple is in Pagoda style. Built in 14th century, it has four roofs. There are three other small temples within the temple premises. The door of the temple has nice carving of Puranic scenes. As temple is situated at a certain height, it provides an excellent view of the nature.

Bishweshwer Temple (Bajuara): Built is 9th century, it was rebuilt in 1673 AD by Raja Shyam Sen of Mandi; this temple is of great architectural value. The style of this temple is pyramidal and is built on Shankaracharya 'Panch Dev Puja Padhati' that means worship of five gods together at a place. Along with Shivlinga inside the temple, there are four other gods installed inside the temple - Lord Vishnu, Lord Ganesha and Goddess Durga in the west, south and northern sides respectively whereas Surya is on the top of the temple. The main door opens in the east. The art and sculpture of the temple is beautiful and that is why it has been declared as a protected monument. The walls of this temple are so thick that this temple survived the earthquake of 1905.

Rama Temple (Manikaran-Manali): Rama temple built by Raja Jagat Singh in the place of two Shiva temples is in pyramidal style. The idol of Lord Rama was brought from Ayodhya. The idol was kept here till 1661 AD; thereafter it was shifted to Kullu. The temple was repaired by Raja Dilip Singh in 1889 AD. Since 1981, a trust is looking after the temple. The other temples at Manikaran are Bhagwati temple, Krishna temple and Vishnu temple also known as Raghunath temple.

Dhungri or Hadimba Temple: This temple constructed in pagoda style displays the finest example of wood carving on it. The temple was built by Raja Bahadur Singh in 1553 AD. It is one of the ancient temples of Kullu District.

Manu Maharaj Temple: Manu Temple of Manu Maharaj is located in Manali village, which is about one and half kms from the main town. On the 6th day of Phalguna, the famous Phagli fair is held here in honour of Manu Maharaj, every year. It marks the beginning of the spree of fairs in the valley.

Vashishta Rishi Temple (Manali): There is a 4000 year old temple of Vashishta on the right side of the springs, built by Janamejaya. Inside it, there is a black stone statue of the Rishi Vashishta. Village Vashishta is famous for hot water springs. There is Rama temple on the left side of the spring. Dussehra festival is held here every year for seven days.

Sandhya Devi Temple: Originally this temple was built in vallabhi style architecture and rebuilt by Raja Urdhanpal in 1428 AD according to one inscription. For the third time, it was rebuilt in 19th century. And, now the temple is in pahari style having sloppy roof and square at the bottom. The idol of Lord Ganesha is installed in the temple and is considered a master piece of sculpture.

Dashal Temple: About 30 km from Kullu, on the left bank there is village named Sarsai. Dashal village is near about 1 km from Sarsai village. The temple here is very famous for its architecture. Built in 14th century it is in pyramid style. The temple is built on a raised platform.

Tripura Sundari Temple (Naggar): Tripura Sundari Temple, Naggar is in Pagoda style with three roofs. Raja Yashodhapal built the temple. Sharhi Jatra, a popular fair is held here every year in honor of the goddess in the month of May. The temple consists of stone idols of Lord Ganesh, Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma, Laxmi Narayan and Shiva-Parvati.

Guari Shankar Temple (Naggar): The temple is in a pyramidal style on a raised platform, with square at the base and a dome above. The stones used are richly engraved. The temple is a protected monument.

Murlidhar Temple (Thawa-Naggar): Thawa is situated at a small distance from Naggar. Murlidhar Temple is in pyramid style, inside it a beautiful idols of Radha-Krishna have been installed. It enjoyed royal patronage for a long time.

Vishnu Temples (Naggar): There are two Vishnu Temples at Naggar. One is on the way to the village on the right side of the road. This temple has small pyramid type shape and is of great archeological importance. The other temple is near the castle on the eastern side, a few steps down from the main road towards the village.

Ambika Temple (Banjar): It is believed that the temple was built by Parasurama in the memory of his mother Renuka.

Hidimba Devi Temple, Manali: Nestled within a pictorial cedar forest, the majestic Hidimba Devi Temple dates back to the medieval period.

Jumla Temple, Prini: Devoted to the most authoritative god in Kullu, Jumla Temple is situated in the charming village of Prini.

Sharvali Devi Temple, Manali: Conceived to have been built by the Pandavas, Shravali Devi Temple is situated near another prominent temple.

Jagatsukh Shiva Temple, Manali: Jagatsukh Temple is considered as a perfect example of a Shikhara-styled architecture.

Gurudwara Sri Narayan Hari, Dhar Deo Dhank Cave, Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa are other attractions of Kullu having religious significance. A visit to these temples provides memorable and peaceful moments to the people.

Recently Updated Articles in States of India


•	History of Chhattisgarh History of Chhattisgarh dates back to the era of epics and traces through the reign of powerful dynasties in India like Marathas. The area developed a rich cultural heritage during British era.

•	Chandbali in Odisha Chandbali was initially a port during the rule of British Empire in India to make ease the import and export from Malaysia, Myanmar and Indonesia. Now it is degraded into a fishing village. Today it boasts of a beautiful national park known as Bhitarkanika National Park, which is a tourists’ delight.

•	Noida - Uttar Pradesh Noida is the short form of New Okhla Industrial Development Area. It came into administrative existence on 17 April 1976.

•	Bundelkhand in Madhya Pradesh Bundelkhand, which was home to the Chandela Rajput clan, is a region in central India.

•	Coral Reefs in Andaman and Nicobar Islands Coral reefs of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands showcase over 500 vibrant coral species. These intricate underwater ecosystems, teeming with diverse marine life, offer a mesmerizing glimpse into the beauty of the Indian Ocean`s biodiversity.

E-magazine

Subscribe to E-Magazine on Travel