Shimla is a hill station which is the capital of Himachal Pradesh in India. In the pre-independence stage, it was the summer capital of the British Empire. It is located in the Himachal region and receives snowfall during winter. The city derives its name from Goddess ‘Shyamala Devi’, an incarnation of Kali. Apart from the being an idyllic hill station, the city is also home to renowned temples. Travelers who are religious minded can visit these temples along with their normal sightseeing trips.
Kali Bari Temple: It is one of the renowned temples in Shimla. It is one of the oldest temples and is dedicated to Shyamala Devi, an incarnation of Goddess Kali. It was built in the early 19th century and was renovated in the year 1845. The main festivals here are Navratri and Durga Puja. The temple is close to the Mall road.
Jakhoo Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is around 2.5 kilometers from the main city center. It is located in the midst of the Jakhoo Hill, which is one of the highest points in Shimla. The temple offers wonderful view of the surrounding cityscape and mountains.
Sankat Mochan Temple: It is also dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Hanuman is considered as the protector of all kinds of dangers. The temple, based amidst lush vegetation, is an ideal place to meditate. The snow capped Himalayan ranges can be seen at a distance.
Tara Devi Temple: It is located around 11 kilometers from Shimla. Located on a hill, it is dedicated to Lord Tara and is visited by lots of pilgrims. It was built by Raja Bhupendra Sen on ten acres of land. It is considered to be quite old and is known for its wonderful sculptures.
Apart from these, there are also some more temples in Shimla that are worth visiting. They are:
- Mata Hatkoti Temple
- Banthia Devta Temple
- Kamna Devi Temple
- Laxminarayan Temple
- Mangleshwar Maharaj Temple
- Bhimakali Temple
All these temples attract lots of pilgrims from different parts of India. They can also be easily reached from different parts of Shimla. If you are looking to stay, you can choose from a wide range of hotels and lodges in Shimla. The best time to visit Shimla is from April to July during the summer season. Visitors can escape the scorching heat and spend some cool days in this lovely hill station.