Have you visited Bhimakali Temple in Sarahan, yet? If not, then you must give a visit to this grand temple that is revered with several stories. The temple is dedicated to the mother goddess Bhimakali, who is the presiding deity of the rulers of the former Bushahr State.
The temple is situated on the lap of nature that makes the temple a heavenly place. Besides immense faith, it is the admiration for the Himalayan architecture of the temple that draws tourists in.
The architecture of the temple is believed to be about 800 years old. It is said that the architecture that is used in Bhimakali Temple cannot be seen anywhere in the hill state. It is a unique mixture of Hindu and Buddhist style architectures. It is also one of the great examples of tower topology construction
Bhimakali Temple History
According to a legend, this temple was built where the ear of the Sati fell. It then became a place of worship as a Pitha - Sthan. Presently in the form of a virgin, the icon of this eternal goddess is consecrated at the top storey of the new building. Below that storey, the goddess as Parvati, the daughter of Himalaya, is enshrined as a divine consort of Shiva.
The temple complex has another three temples dedicated to Lord Shri Raghunathji, Narsinghji, and Patal Bhairva Ji - the guardian deity.
Major Attractions In And Around Bhimakali Temple
Bhimakali Temple is among the top significant temples in Himachal Pradesh. Here's the list of things to do and places to visit near Bhimakali Temple.
1. Sarahan Bird Park
Home to the famous state bird Jujurana and other local birds, the bird park is located close to the Bhimkali Temple. Because of the breeding season, the place remains closed during summer.
2. Bhabha Valley
A beautiful valley running along the Bhaba River, Bhabha Valley is located 50 kilometers away from the village. Filled with alpine meadows and a reservoir lake, it has an amazing landscape. Bhabha Valley is also popular as the starting point for the Pin Parvati Valley trek.
3. Shrikhand Peak
Shrikhand Peak is a must-visit destination when you are in Sarahan. A temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is situated near the peak, which is said to be the meditation point of Lord Shiva himself.
4. Hawa Ghar
Built below the canopy of tall trees, Hawa Ghar is a quaint little sitting area, which offers panoramic views of the Himalayas and deep valleys.
5. Bushahr Palace
Sarahan used to be the summertime capital of the Bushahr King, and the Bushahr Palace of the king and the queen is adjacent to the Bhimakali Temple. The palace remains closed for visitors but the garden is easily accessible. The royal family visits the palace only during the Durga puja.
Things to Do in Bhimakali Temple
1. Pooja/Aarti
When you are at Bhimakali Temple, you should not miss the magnificent aarti. When the aarti begins, it creates a divine vibe around the atmosphere. So, whenever you are planning to visit Bhimakali Temple, it is important that you attend the Aartis. There are a total of four aartis that are performed here.
2. Darshan and Offerings
People gather in large numbers to get the darshan of the deity. They also make offerings that include sweets, milk, and coins.
Best Time to Visit Bhimakali Temple
The one-of-a-kind Bhimakali Temple is a year-round-visited temple. But since you also need to enjoy the weather of Himachal Pradesh, choosing the months of October and November will be a perfect choice.
How To Reach Bhimakali Temple
Bhimakali Temple is located in the Sarahan region of Himachal Pradesh, which is not very well-connected to the other major cities of India. Here’s how you can reach Bhimakali Temple in Sarahan.
- Nearest metropolitan city - Delhi
- Nearest airbase - Bhuntar Airport
- Nearest railhead - Panoh Railway Station
- Distance from Delhi - 511 Kms
By Air
The nearest airbase to Bhimakali Temple is Bhuntar Airport. It is a domestic airbase, which does not have many flight options. You can travel the remaining distance via taxis, which are easily available just outside the airport.
- Distance from Bhuntar Airport - 185 Kms
By Train
There is no dedicated railhead in Sarahan, however, the nearest one is Kalka Railway Station. You can take different local modes of transportation after deboarding the train.
- Distance from Kalka Railway Station - 232 Kms
By Road
Taking an overnight bus from Delhi and Chandigarh to Shimla is the best option to reach Bhimakali Temple in Sarahan. After deboarding the bus, you can cover the remaining distance via different modes of transport.
- Distance from Shimla - 160 Kms
Frequently Asked Questions About Bhimakali Temple
Q1. When was Bhimakali Temple built?
Ans - Bhimakali Temple is believed to be 800 years old, however, the original temple was tilted slightly in 1905 and then miraculously straightened back with a subsequent tremor. A new temple was build in 1927.
