Temples of Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh has some beautiful temples, ancient temples that are sacred to Hindus. Some of these temples are located in Shimla and should not be missed at all. I hope to cover and create an article on all key temples of Himachal Pradesh as they are really beautiful but in remote parts of HP. Read my Shimla Travel Guide.

1. Tara Devi temple – This temple is located near Shogi village, is 17kms from Shimla station and 35kms from Shimla town. Instead of direct cab, you can take Shimla toy train to Shogi and then a bus or cab to cover the remainder 4kms to the temple. Located at an height of 1851m above sea level on tara devi hilltop or Tarav parvat, this temple has amazing auras and calming effect. This temple has recorded history of 250 years old, established by the kind of Sen dynasty from West Bengal. Ashtami during Shardiya navratra is an important celebration in this temple. If you are here during lunch hours, dont miss the Dham prasad served on sunday.

2. Jhakhoo Temple – This is an ancient temple of India loated at 2455m above sea level on Jhakhoo hill, which is Shimla’s highest peak. According to Ramayan kavya, this is a pittop place where Hanuman ji rested when he was looking for Sanjeevani buti. The 108ft tall Hanuman idol is the highlight of this temple. During snowfall, the ariel view of the Hanuman idol surrounded by snowclad Deodhar trees is mesmerising. Dusshera is a key festival celebrated in this temple.

3. Kali Bari Temple – Is dedicated to the fearsome goddess Kali, also called as Shymala, after whom the town gets its name Shimla. Kali Bari temple built in 1823 was relocated to its current location by British is part of silent agitation towards spread of christianity under British rule. This temple was established by a Bengali brahmin, Ram Charan Brahmachari, with purpose of spreading the aura of Maa Kali in Shimla. Remember, during British Shimla became 2nd Headquarter for British during India’s colonial era, which meant Chirstian churches had more say in this region. Hence, you will see that the town mainly has Churches while the Hindu temples are in the outskirts. This temple also became a symbol of fiesty Indian in the town where British did not allow many Indians to go around freely. Yes, Mall road, which was the key area back then, was only accessible for Britishers as they didnt want Indians to be seen around. Read more on my Shimla Travel Guide.

This temple has some really old beautiful paintings of Maa in her nav (9) avataars. I was quiet mesmerised by those paintings and just sat there seeing them for a while.

4. Sankat Mochan Temple – Is located on its way to Jhakhoo temple, was established by Neem Karoli Baba. One of the biggest draw is that Neem Karoli baba meditated here and hence, many of his followers love to visit here to meditate or just to pay respect. They have Bhandara every sunday which should not be missed. There is a bhajan hall, where most of the times bhajans are on.