Pilgrimage Tourism in Himachal Pradesh covers the temples of Hindu community that is evolved before the Mahabharata Era, the Jain temples, the mosques and the mausoleums that were built during the time of Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Dynasty, the churches that were developed during the era of colonial rule.
Himachal Pradesh is known as the "Abode of God". It is indeed a divine land for all the devotees. This state is known as the land of temples. This state is visited by people from across the globe.
Himachal Pradesh can be described as the land of pilgrimages, mystical customs, and rituals. The land of vivid custom is blessed with mystic powers which attract tourist from across the world. Himachal Pradesh from the early era is known as the land of Lord Shiva. It is referred to as the earthly abode of Lord Shiva or Mahadeva, Goddess Parvati and Goddess Durga. Himachal Pradesh is an ideal destination for a delightful spiritual journey which will take one through the most scenic trails of the Himalayan Mountain Range in India. Here are some of the important pilgrimage destinations in Himachal:
Sankat Mochan Temple, Shimla
Sankat Mochan temple is situated on Kalka-Shimla highway. The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and was commissioned by Baba Neem Karoli.
Tara Devi Temple, Shimla
Tara Devi is a 250 years old temple in Shimla. It is believed that Tara Devi was the family deity of Sena Dynasty, who came from the eastern state of Bengal.
Jakhoo Temple, Shimla
Jakhoo Temple is situated at a height of 8500ft and its tall Lord Hanuman statue makes an important landmark of the town.
Hidimba Temple, Manali
Hidimba Temple is the most popular temple in Manali. It is dedicated to Hidimba Devi (the wife of Bhima).
Christ Church, Kasauli
Christ Church is the oldest church of Himachal Pradesh. The church was built in 1853 and its facades are pretty stunning.
Other important churches are St Michael`s Cathedral, St. Mary`s Church, Church of St. John, Baptist Church, St. Patrick`s Church, and St. John`s Church, while there are many temples like Bhimakali Temple, Hatkoti Temple, Renuka (Mandi), Trilokpur, Baba Balak Nath Temple (Deothsidh), Baba Basandi (Bilaspur), Badol Devi (Bilaspur), Naras Devi (Bilaspur), Shitla Mandir Jangla (Gehrwin), Shivalaya Bachhretu (Hamirpur), Raghunathji Temple (Kullu District), and Bheemakali Temple (Shimla).
