Himachal
Pradesh
has
many interesting and architecturally very diverse ones. In the Kangra
and Chamba valleys there are several 8th to 10th- century temples in the
Indo-Aryan sikhara style. Pagoda style temple with multitiered roof are
found in the Kullu Valley. There are many temples of purely local design,
often withinteresting woodcarvings, particularly in the Chamba region.
In the south of the state there are
numerous temples with elements of Moghul and Sikh design, while in several
locations there are cave temples.Finally the Tibetans who came to the
state following the Chinese invasion of their country gompas (monasteries)
and temples.
Kullu
Siva temple of Gauri Shankar
The grey sandstone Siva temple of
Gauri Shankar is at the foot of the small bazaar below the castle and
dates from the 11th or 12th century.
Raghunathji Temple
In the north of the town, the Raghunath
Temple is dedicated to the principal god in the valley. Although its
the most important temple in the area, its not terribly interesting.
Jagannathi Devi
Three km from Kullu, in the village
of Bhekhli, is the Jagannathi Devi Temple. Its a stiff climb, but from
the temple there are great views over Kullu. Take the path off the main
road to Akhara Bazaar after crossing the bridge. The temple area is
now also used as a jumping off point for occasional, irreverent hang-glider.
Raghunath Temple Jagannathi Devi Temple
Vaishno Devi
It is a small cave having
an image of goddess Vaishno.
Bijli Mahadev
At least once a year the image
of Siva in the temple is supposed to be shattered by lightning ,then
miraculously repaired by the temple pujari.
Bajaura
Temple is of Basheshar Mahadev ,has
fine stone carvings and sculptures. Shyamananda Meditation Centre.
Chatar Bhuj hill Temple
Almost opposite the front of the
castle is the curious little Chatar Bhuj hill Temple dedicated to Vishnu.
Tripura Sundri Devi Temple
Higher up the hill is the pagoda-like
Tripura Sundri Devi Temple and higher still, on the ridge above Naggar,
the Muralidhar Krishna Temple.
Manali
Hadimba Temple
The Temple of Goddess Hadimba plays
a major part in Kullu's annual festival. It is a pleasant stroll up
to the temple which was built in 1553. It is also known as Doongeri
Temple.
Shimla
Christ Church and St Michael's Cathedral
The second oldest church
in northern India the Christ Church, overlooking. The Ridge was built
between 1846 and 2857. The clocks were added three years later. One
of Shimla's major Landmarks, the church is also renowned for its stunned
glass windows You can discreetly have a look inside the church, or attend
English-language services every Sunday during the tourist season the
other main church in Shimla is St Michael's Cathedral just below the
Central Telegraph Office.
Chamba
Laxmi Narayan Temple
With six main Shikhara style
temples and several smaller shrines, this is renowned for its finely
executed classical forms.
Hari Rai Temple
This is dedicated to Lord Vishnu
and dates back to11th century.
Chatrai
An attractive temple of Shakti Devi
is located here .
Chamunda Devi Temple
About 1km from Chaugan, the ancient
temple of Chamunda Devi overlooks the choppy Ravi River. It is ideal
for meditation and picnics. The temple is fortified from the river current.
Other Temples
The profusion of temples in Chamba
and their craftsmanship is remarkable . Some important shrines are Champavati,
Vajreshwari, Sui Mata and Chamunda Devi.
Mandi
Mandi's Shivratri Festival, held
in February/March, is one of the most interesting festivals in Himachal
Pradesh. Much of the activity takes place at the 16th century Bhutnath
Temple, which is in the middle of the town surrounded by the incongruous
concrete Indira Market Square. Mandi has more than 80 temples.
Dalhousie
Sadar Bazar
Sadar Bazar is the main area where
most of the local people dwell. This place has tiered streets, tin-roofed
multistory homes which are very unique. At the ground floor of these
homes are shops. The Hindu Temple, Gurudwara, Arya Samaj Mandir, and
the Mosque are all located together side-by-side at the end of the bazar.
A portion of the film "1942 - A Love Story" were filmed here.
Dharamsala
Baijnath
By the roadside on the Mandi-Palampur
Road, within a vast enclosure, is the Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva
in his form as Vaidyanath or the God of Physicians. The walls of the
temple, set in the Nagari style of architecture, have several niches
which enshrine images of Goddess Chamunda,Surya the Sun god, Kartikeya,
son of Lord Shiva, etc. A life-size stone icon of Nandi, the carrier
bull of Lord Shiva, stands at the entrance of the temple. Also, there
are other shrines in the complex. During Shivaratri, a huge fair is
held at the precincts of this temple.
Sujanpur Tira
This place is famous for temples.
Sujanpur Tira also has fort which is worth visiting. It is 80 kms from
Dharamsala and in particular the celebration of Holi is very important
and attracts many visitors to this area.
Brajeshwari Devi Temple
The deity sits under a silver dome
with silver umbrellas.It was rebuilt in 1920 after several centuries
of pillage and the earthquake of 1905.
