Himachal Pradesh, the Indian state located in Northern part of the country at the foot of the Great Himalayas, has an area of 55,673 sq km. The elevation of various regions in the state is between 450 meters to 6500 meters above sea level.

The state of Himachal Pradesh is commonly called as 'Dev Bhoomi' (or the abode of Gods). The main occupation of the people here is agriculture and approximately 93% of population is engaged in this occupation. The majority of lands are held by three dominating caste of the society: the Rajputs, Brahmins and the Mahajans (High caste). They rule the economic and political status of society. They are also given top preferences in any rituals undertaken in society.

Himachal Pradesh- The Abode of Gods and Place of Mythological Importance

Himachal Pradesh is aptly called “Dev Bhoomi” as it has large association with Hindu mythology. The state is the land of numerous pilgrimage centers and several Hindu temples are located in Himachal Pradesh. As per statistics there are more than two thousand temples in the state. The temples are fine examples of splendid workmanship and architecture. Numerous devotees and tourists throng the state especially during festive season to have a glimpse of the ruling deities. Many of the temples are part of Hindu Mythology and are considered as the abode of Gods. The temples in the state which are more than 2000 in number attract numerous tourists and devotees from all walks of life.

Himachal Pradesh is considered as a paradise on Earth and is home for many temples and pilgrimage centers. This holy land is associated with various mythological aspects.
It is a soul refreshing feeling for every devotee visiting the hill state. The state is full of temples in every pocket and villages. The rich mythological significance and presence of excellent architecture makes this land truly the abode of Gods. The state receives excellent revenues from devotional tourism as numerous devotees visit the state every year especially during festive seasons.

The temples are the centers of attraction for visitors and tourists. Many of them are also associated with great ancient legends.

The temples located in the valley are dedicated to local deities. Each village in Himachal Pradesh has a local deity and a temple is built for the deity. Most of the population worships more than one deity also.

The temples in Himachal Pradesh are also famous for its architectural beauty. The magnificent architecture of the temple attracts a lot of foreign tourists and research workers. One of the most famous temples is Jwalamukhi temple which forms part of almost all tour packages. Hindus visit this place as they feel the ruling deity is very powerful and worshipping her would fulfill their eternal desires. As per Hindu mythology, the tongue of Parvati (Sati) fell here. The Una district is the abode of Mata Chintpurni temple which is dedicated to Mata Chintpurni and Chhinnamastika Devi. The name of the deity is derived from the translation of the name which stands for Goddess without head. The deity in the temple is Goddess Durga without a head. One of the other famous temples in Himachal is in Bilaspur District, the Shri Naina Devi Ji temple.

Kullu valley is the abode of Bijli Mahadev temple which is located at an altitude of 2,438 meter. The temple stands amidst the beautiful picturesque location. The Hidimba Temple is the only temple dedicated to Devi Hidimba. As per Hindu Mythology, Hidimba was the wife of second Pandav king Bhim. The other temple which has mythological prominence is Renukaji Temple built near Renuka Lake in memory of Renuka Devi. This is one of the largely visited temples in the state. If you are planning for a devotional tourism package, you may include all the famous temples in the valley. It would be a delight to be part of mythological period by visiting these temples amidst natural beauty.

Himachal Pradesh – Popular Temples

• Naina Devi Temple: As per mythological story, Parvati’s eye fell in this place of Naina Devi Yatra temple. The temple is situated at a distance of 65 km from Bilaspur District headquarters. The Hindu tradition gives utmost importance to this temple as it is one of the 51 Shakti Peeths. During the auspicious day of Shravan Ashtami, a large fair is organized by worshippers of the Goddess.
• Jwalamukhi Temple: The Jwalamukhi temple is located at a distance of 10 km from Nadaun. Jawalamukhi means volcanoes or eruption of flames. It is believed that the tongue of Sati, the incarnation of Parvati, fell here. The temple was built on the site to worship Goddess Jwalamukhi. In the nearby vicinity, you can also find other prominent temples like Gorakh Debbi, Chaturbhuj temple etc.
• Baijnath Temple: The Baijnath Temple is located between Mandi- Palampur roads. The internal architecture of temple is carved in the Nagari pattern. The ruling deity of the temple is Lord Shiva. The Shiva Lingam present here is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga in India.
• Chamunda Mata Temple: The temple is located at a distance of 20 Km from Kangra valley. The presence of a Ghat and some tiny temples around the bridge that joins the ghat makes this place mystique. The Dhauladhar hills are located in the nearby vicinity, and it houses the famous Bhagwati Chamunda temple. The mythological belief states that it was here the Goddess who conquered the evil demons: Chand and Mund.
• Bajeshwar Temple: This ancient temple is located in the valley town of Kangra. This temple was targeted several times by foreign invaders and also it was a victim of an earthquake which destroyed the magnificent architecture. However, the immaculate glory and architectural symphony was restored. When you visit Kangra valley you can also follow a trek to the Jayanti Devi Temple.
• Masroor Rock Temple: The Masroor Rock Temple is located between Nagrota Surian link roads. The temple is part of 15 rock-cut temples which speaks volumes about Aryan architecture and their societies. The Aryans were worshippers of force and nature. However, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Kathgarh Temple: The temple of Kathgarh is located in Kangra district at a distance of 7 km from Indore. The most prominent sight of the temple is the 6 ft and 5 ft round unique ‘Shivalinga’ which adds to the beauty of temple.
• Lakshmi Narayan Temple: The Lakshmi Narayan Temple is located in Chamba district. As per ancient history the temple was built during the rule of King Sahil Verman. In the temple compound, you can also worship temples that are dedicated to Radha Krishna, Chandra Sekhar Mahadeva, Gauri Shankar, Trayambaseswar and Laxmi Damodar.
• Chaurasi Temples of Bharmpur: These temples form part of Chamba district. The temple premises also houses several other small temples of deities Lakshana Devi, Ganesha, Manimahesh and Narashingha. This is an ancient temple built in 9th century. To visit this temple one can hire taxi or take a bus to Bhrampur which is located at a distance of 65 km.
• Hadimba Temple: The Hadimba temple is located at the Hill station of Manali. The ruling deity of the temple is Goddess Durga. The ancient tradition of carrying the deity to Kullu to visit Lord Raghunath ji is still followed during Dussera festival.
• Some of the other prominent temples which are found in the Hill state are Bijli Mahadev Temple, Rewalsar, Prashar Temple, Bhima Kali Temple, and Hatkoti Temple.