The Temples in Himachal Pradesh are both, the holy places as well as the tourist places. There are more than 2000 Temples in Himachal Pradesh scattered across the length and breadth of the state. The visit to these temples is an enlightening experience spiritually and culturally. Besides being important and highly sacred places of worship, the Temples in Himachal Pradesh makes for an interesting study from the point of view of architecture, art, local beliefs, festiva ls, myths and legends.

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Lakshmi Narayan Temple
The Lakshminarayan group of temples in the town of Chamba are of great archaeological importance. Six stone temples dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu with tall shikaras, finely carved, date from the 8th century AD. The Lakshminarayan Temple is the oldest in this group. Other temples around Chamba town include, those dedicated to Hari Rai, Champavati, Bansigopal, Ram Chandra, Brijeshwari, Chamunda, Narsingh, and Yogi Charpat Nath.


Chamunda Devi Temple
The Chamunda Devi Temple is located 10 km west of Palampur in the Kangra area of Himachal Pradesh.
Standing on the banks of the Ban Ganga river, the temple has an extremely sacred idol of Chamunda Devi, so much so that the idol is wrapped by a red cloth. The location of the temple is also significant since it is believed to be the same spot where Maa Kali assassinated the generals of demon kings Shumbh and Nisumbh. The name of the two general were Chanda and Munda. It is their name that gave Goddess Kali the name of Chamunda.


Baijnath Temple
The ancient temple at Baijnath is particularly beautiful. Built of stone in the 9th century AD, in the shikhara style, it is a fine blend of sculpture and architecture. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Baijnath is close to Palampur and Kangra.


Jwalamukhi Temple
Not too far from Kangra is this popular place of pilgrimage. An eternally burning flame that issues from a hollow rock in the sanctum, is considered the manifestation of the goddess Devi. During March-April and September-October every year, colorful fairs are held during the Navratra celebration. Jwalamukhi temple is 30 km. from Kangra Please Visit.


Jhakhu Temple
This Temple is situated on the Jhakhu hills which dominates the Shimla town. The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanumana, a trusted ally of Lord Rama. The legend associated with the temple states that when during the war with the Lankan King Ravana, (to rescue Rama's wife, Sita) Lakshmana (Rama's younger brother) got injured, Hanumna was sent to fetch a medicinal herb from the Himalayas. On his way back, Hanumana rested on the Jhakhu hill.
The temple today stands as a reminder of this legend. The temple preserves what is widely supposed to be the footsteps of Lord Hanuman.


Chintapurni Temple
A revered Shakti Peetha, that is what Chintapurni Temple is. It is the place where the feet of Sati fell after her body was cut off into pieces by the Sudarshan Chakra of Lord Vishnu to calm the anger of Lord Shiva. The temple is situated on a ridge on the Dharamshala - Hoshiarpur road.
The image of the deity inside the temple is headless. The head, it is said, was cut off to satisfy the blood thirst of her companions. It is because of this that deity here is called Chinmastika Devi.
The temple celebrates many fairs and festival, amongst which the most important one is the one celebrated in the month of August during the 10 days of Shukla Paksh.


Naina Devi Temple
This is one of the 51 Shakti Peetha. It is the place where the eyes of Devi Sati fell. The word Naina is derived from this. The temple is located atop the Naina hillock in Nanital. After entering the main gate of the temple, devotees first bow their head before the statue of Lord Ganesha and Lord Hanumana. Further, there are two statues of lions at the main entrance of the temple. Within the temple itself, there are three deities - Mata Kali Devi, two eyes of Naina Devi and Lord Ganesha. Devotees of Naina Devi undertake a walk of around half an hour up to this temple to have a darshan of their revered deity.


Bhimakali Temple
Situated in Sarahan in Himachal Pradesh, the Bhimakali Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peeths. The architecture of the temple is its prime highlight. The temple is wooden and presents a wonderful combination of the Hindu and Buddhist Temple style.
By the side of the old temple, a new one was constructed in the year 1927, and today it houses a two centuries old image of goddess Bhimakali at its first floor. This image is not open throughout the year for worship, however, the one at the second floor is definitely worshipped daily. The other temples in the complex are dedicated to Lord Narsingha and Lord Raghunath.


Hadimba Devi Temple
This temple is dedicated to Hadimba, wife of one of the Pandava brother, Bhim. Hadimba was the sister of a demon Hadimb before she got married to Bhim. However, later on she purified herself by meditating and began to be worshipped by the people.
The temple has a four tired pagoda shaped roof and a carved doorway. A grand festival is celebrated here every year in the month of May.


Bijli Mahadev Temple
Bijli Mahadev is one of the most renowned temples in the Kullu region and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is quiet known for the high staff that occasionally draws lightening to it. The lightening destroys the Shivalinga here. However, the priests rejoin it with the help of butter. Devotees need to take a climb up to the temple. Two statues of the bull, nandi (Lord Shiva's vehicle) adorns the door of the temple. The door frames themselves have exquisite carvings.


Hatkoti Temples
Hatkoti Temple, located at a distance of 105 km east of Shimla, is dedicated to Goddess Durga. The main temple has a bronze image of eight armed Goddess Durga riding a lion with her spear piercing the heart of the demon Mahishasur. There is another temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in the complex. The architecture of both the temple is quiet similar and appear to be a work of the Gupta period. During the month of April and November every year a fair is held. At this point of time, the temple, which is usually very quiet, becomes a centre of attraction.


Brajeshwari Devi Temple
The Brajeshwari Devi Temple was once known for its great wealth. So much so that it attracted the attention of invaders time and again. Mahmud of Ghazni was the first of these raider who carried away the treasures in the year 1009 AD. The temple was destroyed and a mosque came up in its place.