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Himachal Pradesh

5 Must Visit Temples In Kangra

By: Travel and Food Network
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Nestled in the lap of the mighty Dhauladhar range, Kangra, a picturesque district in Himachal Pradesh, India, is not only known for its stunning landscapes but also for its rich religious heritage. The region is dotted with ancient temples, monasteries, and sacred sites that echo the spiritual fervor of its people. Join us on a journey through some of the most revered religious spots in Kangra and get a glimpse into the cultural and spiritual tapestry that defines this enchanting region.

Brijeshwari Temple

The Brijeshwari Temple is situated in the town of Nagarkot, within the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, India.


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It is located 11 kilometers away from the nearest railway station in Kangra, with the Kangra Fort in close proximity. According to legend, the temple holds significance as it is believed to be a Shakti Peeth, marking the spot where the left breast of Goddess Sati fell after her self-sacrifice in honor of Lord Shiva during her father's Yagya. As the myth goes, Lord Shiva, in grief and rage, carried the body of Goddess Sati on his shoulder and engaged in the Tandav dance, posing a threat to the world. To prevent calamity, Lord Vishnu intervened, using his Chakra to divide Sati's body into 51 parts. The left breast fell at the present location of the Brijeshwari Temple, establishing it as a sacred Shakti Peeth. Historically, the original temple was constructed by the Pandavas during the time of the Mahabharatha. Legend has it that the Pandavas received a divine message in a dream where Goddess Durga instructed them to build a temple in Nagarkot for their safety. In response to the dream, the Pandavas promptly erected a magnificent temple in the Nagarkot village that night. In 1905, a powerful earthquake struck the region, resulting in the destruction of the temple. Undeterred, the government took charge of its reconstruction, ensuring that the sacred site was restored to its former glory.

Jwalamukhi Temple

Not far from Kangra lies this renowned pilgrimage site. Within the sanctum, an ever-burning flame emanates from a hollow rock, believed to be the embodiment of the goddess Devi. Vibrant fairs grace the surroundings during the Navratra celebrations in March-April and September-October each year. Located 30 km from Kangra, the Jwalamukhi temple is best known for the Jwala Ji shrine, situated in the lower Himalayas in Jawalamukhi town of the Kangra district in Himachal Pradesh, India. It stands approximately 55 kilometers away from the larger town of Dharamsala. Jwala Ji, a Hindu Goddess, is alternatively referred to as Jwala Devi and Jwalamukhi Ji. The physical representation of Jwala Ji always comprises flames fueled by natural gas, with "Jwala" translating to flame in Sanskrit. Historically, shrines dedicated to Jwala Ji originated from natural gas fissures. The typical count of flames is either seven, symbolizing the seven divine sisters, or nine, representing the nine Durgas.

Chamunda Devi Temple

Merely 10 km from Palampur lies the ancient Chamunda Devi temple on the banks of the Baner River. This temple, counted among the 51 shakti peethas, is dedicated to Chamundeshwari Devi, one of the seven matrikas. The temple's location on a hilltop adds to its undeniable beauty, drawing numerous travelers. Dating back to the 16th century, the temple has a rich spiritual history intertwined with fascinating legends. One such legend recounts the shifting of the temple around 400 years ago. A king and a priest sought Chamunda Devi's consent in a prayer to relocate the image to a more accessible location. According to the legend, the goddess appeared in the priest's dream, revealing the exact location where the idol would be found. The king's men recovered the ancient idol and placed it at the current temple site. This sacred temple is considered one of the holiest in the region, attracting both locals and visitors alike.

Baijnath Temple

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Erected in the 12th century, the Baijnath Temple stands out as a highly impressive and vital religious edifice in the Kangra Valley. Constructed by two brothers upon an existing shrine, the Baijnath Temple worships Lord Shiva in his healing form known as Vaidyanath. According to temple lore, it narrates the tale of Ravana's penance, during which he severs his heads as an offering to the Lord. Shiva, moved by Ravana's devotion, not only reinstates his ten heads but also imparts blessings upon him. An intriguing belief tied to the Baijnath Temple suggests that the lingam housed within was a direct gift from Shiva to Ravana. However, the Gods cunningly deceived Ravana, leading him to place the lingam here instead of transporting it to Lanka. The temple itself stands as a formidable monument adorned with numerous captivating depictions of Gods. The sculptures, characterized by incredible beauty and intricate details, contribute to the temple's allure. Among the most captivating festivals celebrated here is Dussehra, where, in contrast to the practice in the rest of North India, effigies of Ravana are not incinerated or beheaded. This unique observance serves as a mark of respect to Ravana. With its ancient roots, elaborate artwork, and compelling legends, the Baijnath Temple retains its status as a site of reverence and cultural significance in the Kangra Valley.

Masroor Temple

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The Masroor Temples, often referred to as the Ellora of Himachal, are rock-cut temples with historical roots dating back to the 7th and 8th centuries. Believed to have been initially constructed by the Pandavas during their mountainous travels, these magnificent structures are attributed to the Katoch Dynasty, although historical information is limited.


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Carved intricately into the rock and reaching towards the heavens, the temples showcase detailed carvings portraying Shiva, Kartikeya, Indra, Surya, and various goddess forms. The primary shrine, initially thought to be a Shiva Temple, now houses idols of Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana discovered during excavation. Steps, hewn into a nearby mountain, lead to a storage area where broken idols were unearthed. This hillock offers a breathtaking view of the temples set against the backdrop of the Dhauladhar Ranges. The Masroor Temples stand as magnificent testaments to ancient craftsmanship and religious significance.

Kangra, with its diverse religious spots, offers a spiritual odyssey that transcends boundaries.

Traditions, coupled with breathtaking natural beauty, creates a unique tapestry of spirituality in this region inviting you to explore the divine essence that permeates its sacred sites. In each temple, spiritual seeker finds a sanctuary to connect with the divine and experience the profound beauty of Kangra's religious heritage.

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