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There are majestic Hindu temples like the Bajreshwari Devi, Chamunda Devi, Jwala Ji, Chintpurni Devi, Naina Devi, Shiva temple, Lakshmi Narayan temple and Bijli Mahadev; sacred Gurudwaras like Paonta Sahib, Manikarn Sahib and Rewalsar Sahib; Churches like the Christ Church in Shimla, St. John's Church in the Wilderness and St. Francis Church and Buddhist Monasteries such as the Guru Ghantal Monastery, Kye Monastery, Dhankar Monastery, Tabo Monastery and Nako Monastery. With such diversity abounding, Himachal is a truly unifying hub for all religions.
Chamunda Devi Temple
Just 24 Km from Kangra and 15 Km from Dharamsala is the famous temple of goddess Chamunda Devi (Chamunda Nandikeshwar Dham). At the back of the temple is a cave-like scoop where a stone "Lingam" under a boulder represents Nandikeshwar (Shiva). The temple complex is an enchanting spot with glorious view of Dhauladhar, the Baner Khad and Dadh. A vast running water pool houses the statues of Lord Shiva and Saraswati. A trek of about 16 Km up in the Dhauladhar ranges is the ancient temple of Aadi Himani Chamunda.
Bajreshwari Devi Temple, Kangra
In the middle of the town of Kangra is the temple dedicated to Bajreshwari Devi. It is one of the 51 Shaktipeeths. Known once for its legendary wealth this temple was subject to successive depredations by invaders from the north. Destroyed completely in 1905 by an earthquake, it was rebuilt in 1920 and continues to be a busy place of pilgrimage. In the surroundings of Kangra, one can visit the historical Kangra Fort at Old Kangra (3 Km) and also trek up to the temple of Jyanti Devi located on the hill top, opposite to the Kangra fort.
Jwala Devi Temple
Jwala Devi Temple The famous temple of Shaktipeeth Jwala Devi is 35 Km from Kangra and 53 Km from Dharamsala. Dedicated to the "GODDESS OF LIGHT", the temple is one of the most popular Hindu temples in northern India. There is no idol of any kind, the flame is considered as a manifestation of the goddess. An eternally burning and shining blue flame emanates from the rock sanctum and is fed by the priests with the offerings of devotees. The golden tower (dome) of the temple was a gift from the Emperor Akbar. Two important fairs are held here during the Navratras in earlier March/April and September/October. Hotel accommodation, Sarai's, rest houses and HPTDC hotels with modern facilities are available for visitors to the shrine.
Chintpurni Devi Temple
Chintpurni Devi Temple This Shakti-temple is located on Dharamshala-Hoshiarpur road on a ridge. Thousands of devotees visit this temple. In addition to many religious festivals, the main fair is held during the 10 days of "Shukalpaksh" in August. There is a Yatri Niwas which is managed by Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation.
Shri Naina Devi Ji, Bilaspur
Shri Naina Devi ji temple is situated on a beautiful hillock, about 60 Km from Bilaspur and about 20 Km from Anandpur Sahib. It is one of the 51 Shaktipeeths. According to a belief, once Shiva's consort Sati, died to avenge an insult. The estranged Shiva picked up her corpse and gyrated in his horrific dance of destruction. Then Vishnu, the preserver, unleashed his Chakra and cut the body into 51 pieces to save the earth from Shiva's wrath. Naina Devi is where Sati's eyes are believed to have fallen. Nearby is the holy cave in the name of Shri Naina Devi. A big fair during Shravan Ashtami and in the Navratras of Chaitra & Ashwin, fairs commemorating the goddess are held here.
