Everybody visits Himachal Pradesh to explore the hills and the natural beauty. This destination is enriched with lakes and religious attractions. People from across the world plan tours and quick weekend getaways here.
But apart from these landscapes and rejuvenation excuses, reside Himachal Pradesh spiritual places. Several mystical places in this northern state ignite a deeper connection among the visitors.
Every destination holds a history, be it the hot springs of Manikaran or the wilderness church of St. John.
In this blog, Zingbus will take you on an in-depth exploration of Himachal Pradesh. Let’s disclose your spiritual connection to Himachal and make memories together.
Places to Visit in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh
Mandi is a prominent city in Himachal Pradesh and is popular for sightseeing. If you are visiting here, cover these places and learn about the glory of nature.
1. Bhutnath Temple
Begin your spiritual journey from Bhutnath Temple. It is dedicated to Shiva and its history goes back to 1527 AD. The temple is almost as old as Mandi Town and was built by Raja Ajber Sen.
According to history, Raja Ajber saw in his dreams that the cow was giving milk at a particular spot. After hours of digging, he found a Shivalinga, and the mandir was formed. Later on.
The Mandi ruler Raj Madhav went along with other deities to seek blessings at the beginning of Shivaratri. Today, it is a spiritual destination in the city and several tourists visit to pay their respects.
2. Rewalsar Lake
This lake is located in the Mandi mountains and is approximately 1,360 above sea level. Its natural view of fishes and reed islands continuously flowing attracts many beauty admirers.
There are Sikh, Hindu, and Buddhist shrines located right along the lake, making it a spiritually inclined destination. As history holds witness, Lomas Rishi performed his punishment here and as a reward, Shiv Ji gave him seven floating islands.
3. Shikari Devi Temple
Shikari Temple is a sacred destination at an elevation of 2,850 m. The place is covered with pine forests and snowy mountains. This is the location where the Pandav brothers went to exile and meditated.
It impressed Maa Durga and she provided the path for them to win the war. Every year, thousands of followers visit the temple during Navratri. They participate in the 9-day festival. Visitors also come to meditate here as there is no noise and pure bliss.
4. Sunken Garden
If folklore is to be believed, Sunken Garden is approximately 500 years old. Raja Sidh Sen planned his son-in-law’s murder and buried the body here. It was a lake back then.
But when Raja Joginder Sen took over the reins, he got it converted into a beautiful garden. There is a clock tower here and people from across the country visit for a peaceful experience. You can come and contemplate here without any disturbance.
5. Panchvaktra Temple
This temple is more than 600 years old and is located at the meeting of the Beas and Suketi rivers. It is one of the holiest Shiva temples in the country and holds immense spiritual significance. When you visit the Panchvaktra Temple, you will find a grand Shiv Ji statue which looks simply breathtaking.
The entrance is known as the mandap and holds firm with four pillars. These pillars have intricate carvings. People can see it from a long distance and feel peaceful as they seek blessings from inside.
6. Triloknath Temple
This ancient Hindu temple was constructed in 1520 on orders of Sultan Devi. She was the queen of Raja Ajber Sen and held great respect in Mandi.
As you look inside, you will find statues of Shiva and Parvati Maa made from stones. A statue of Nandi Bull is also present, enhancing the grace and spirituality of the temple.
A Journey of Inner Discovery: Exploring the Spiritual Sites of Himachal
Sometimes, instead of exploring the fun and adventurous attractions in the hill stations, one seeks internal peace. There are several such places in India but one that is drenched in spirituality is Himachal Pradesh.
Did you know it has approximately 591 temples? The state is also known as Dev Bhoomi and can ignite anyone’s enigmatic personality. Its gurudwaras, mandirs, churches, and monasteries pay homage to every religion.
Let’s take a look at the best Himachal Pradesh spiritual places.
1. Jakhu Temple, Shimla
Jakhu Temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. It is the most prominent religious sight in Shimla and has a 108 ft. tall statue of the deity. According to the Ramayana, this is where Hanuman Ji rested while he was travelling from Lanka to Gandhamadhana Parvata.
It is located at an altitude of 8,000 ft and promises a pleasant experience. Several monkeys are seen wandering outside the temple premises.
2. Hadimba Temple, Kullu
Hidimba Temple is dedicated to Mata Hadimba, the wife of Bhima Ji. They are prominent figures of Mahabharata and give travellers a chance to learn more about the epic battle saga.
It is enveloped in cedar trees and is worshipped by people from across India. The temple was built in 1553 out of a rock. Hidimba Mandir is one of the ideal Himachal Pradesh spiritual places if you are seeking peace and blessings.
3. Namgyal Monastery
Namgyal Monastery is located in Mcleodganj and is the biggest Tibetan Temple located out of Tibet. This place is famous for being the Dalai Lama’s abode. It attracts people looking for a moment of introspection.
If you are tired from the everyday struggles of life, this spiritual place in the city will bring you much-needed peace. The monastery is also home to Namgyal Tantric College where 200 monks live and preserve Tibetan culture.
4. Sherabling Monastery
Those who want to explore more about Tibetan culture can visit the Sherabling Monastery. It is located in Keori and features both old and new constructions. The place is famous for Buddhist studies, periodic courses, and art and culture.
There is a university, college, and school located within the monastery. It gives you a detailed learning about the past, present, and future of Lord Buddha.
5. Manikaran Gurudwara
Manikaran is one of the most famous Gurudwaras in India. It is located 15 minutes from Kasol but requires you to cover quite a long trek. The spiritual destination holds importance for Hindus and Sikhs.
There are also temples dedicated to Krishna Ji, Vishnu Ji, and Rama Ji. This gurudwara gives you a view of the mountains and is close to the hot spring. As you reach and seek blessings, you can also have langar which is served continuously in the food hall.
6. Hatu Mata Temple
Hatu Mata Mandir is located in Narkanda at an elevation of 11,000 ft. Bike riders frequently visit this place and the weather here is unbeatable.
The historic temple is made from wood and covered by spruce and pine trees. According to the ancient tales, it is a shrine of Ravna’s wife, Mandodri.
Finding Your Zen in Mcleodganj: The Abode of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama
Mcleodganj is one of the prominent suburbs in Himachal Pradesh. It is located in Upper Dharamshala at an elevation of 1,830 m. The place is lovingly called “Little Lhasa” and showcases a colonial lifestyle.
It promises a tranquil sight of the plains with deodar and pine forests. This suburb attracts tourists because of the pure air, pristine water streams, and snow-covered mountains. So, if you want to explore something new and exciting, there is nothing better than Mcleodganj.
It is home to adventurous treks, Tibetan learnings, and ancient monasteries. Talking about monasteries, Mcleodganj is also the headquarters of the Dalai Lama. He is the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people and guides them in every walk of life.
Namgyal Monastery is the personal monastery of the Dalai Lama and is in Mcleodganj. It was founded by the 2nd Dalai Lama, Gedun Gyatso. The place allowed him to follow religious activities. It is the largest Buddhist temple in India.
The monastery showcases a scenic view and attracts thousands of visitors every year. What is special about this place is that you can not only indulge in Buddhist learning but also find your peace. Sit in a corner and meditate.
You will feel a change in your breath and a peacefulness in your aura. It will help you introspect and gain a fresh perspective in life. In today’s fast life, this practice is much needed to stay aligned with yourself.
There are approximately 200 monks living in the Namgyal Monastery. They represent the four Tibetan monastic lineages. They are provided free education, meals, and accommodation. The monks study English and Tibetan languages. They also gain education about Tantra and Sutra literature, ritual chanting, sand mandalas, and dances.
There is a tantric college where monks initiate their learning. They also practise different Buddhist rituals and traditions. Today, several branches of the college are opened in Shimla, Ithaca, Kushinagar, Bodhgaya, and Delhi.
If you visit the monastery, you can explore the way Buddhist teachings are conducted here. You will get to learn something new at the Dalai Lama’s Temple.
There is something magical about this place that people who are not religiously inclined are also drawn to. You can participate in prayer and meditation sessions. If you are curious about Buddhist teachings, you can attend the teachings held by the Dalai Lama audience.
Visit Mcleodganj and experience the peacefulness of Buddhist learning.
Yoga & Meditation Retreats: Rejuvenate Your Mind, Body & Soul in Himachal
Himachal Pradesh is rich in culture, traditions, and history. But that is not its limitation. As you explore more within the mountains, you will find much more. This mountain-capped state is also a yoga and meditation hub of India.
Its popular hilly city Rishikesh frequently holds camps for travellers. So, take a break and surround yourself with a peaceful aura. It promises a memorable and serene experience.
1. Himalayan Yoga Ashram
The ashram is where your physical and mental beings align. They seek peace in the form of yoga while soaking in the fresh air of Rishikesh. Enrol yourself on yoga therapy, pranayama, yoga nidra, and philosophy.
Along with these sessions, you will get ayurvedic meals, some free time for contemplation, and a chance of self-healing.
2. Parmarth Niketan
This ashram is located on the Ganga River bank and is the largest one in Rishikesh. It provides a clean and peaceful atmosphere and an inspiration to heal your mind, body, and spirit.
There are more than 1,000 rooms with traditional and modern amenities to keep you at ease. Every day, you can participate in meditation, yoga, prayers, and kirtan. You can also get ayurvedic treatment for any health ailments.
3. Akhanda Yoga Institute
This retreat and yoga centre in Rishikesh helps you recharge and incline with your spiritual being. You can stay for a 2-week retreat or over the weekend. Every program is customised to suit your requirements.
The sessions include meditation, asana, and pranayama learnings, yoga practices, a self-healing community, and a yogic diet. This is a safe space where your emotional, physical, and mental problems are eased down.
These are the top yoga centres but Rishikesh has several places to enrol. You can visit the Sadhana Mandir, Yoga Niketan, Swami Dayananda Ashram, Phool Chatti, or Omkarnanda Ganga Sadan. Each place will offer a way towards retrospection and fresh prospects.
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