Bhimakali Temple

An important religious site Bhimakali temple, Mandi is situated on the banks of river Beas. Bhima kali is the main goddess of this beautiful temple who is also known as the incarnation of goddess Durga.  Bhimakali temple also houses a large museum.

The temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas of Mother Kali and is a sacred place for Hindus all over the country. This renowned temple is dedicated to the presiding deity of the rulers of earlier Bushahr State. Bhimakali temple stands in dedication to the battle between good and evil.

Traveler Tips

Bhimakali Temple, Mandi is open for visitation every day of the week. Travelers can visit the temple from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm. Since this is a religious site the travelers should dress accordingly to pay respect to the temple. There is no such entry fee for visiting the temple for tourists. One could easily explore the temple within 1 to 2 hours.

Availability

The tourist can enjoy the lush tea plantations as far as they can see, and it adds to the beauty of the place. There are tons of activities which tourists can enjoy with their friends and family like trekking, camping, etc.

History

This religious site has an interesting and rich history. It is believed that this is the only place where the Great War between Lord Krishna and the demon Banasura took place. It is also believed that the head of Banasura was buried in the façade of the entry gate of the temple.
According to another popular legend, it is believed that the ear of Sati, consort of Lord Shiva fell at this place during the Daksha-Yajna incident and therefore it began to be worshipped as a Pitha Sthan. Bhimakali Temple, Mandi offers the tourist a glimpse into the rich history of the place with its elegant and beautiful structures and legends.

Architecture

The architecture of Bhimakali temple, Mandi is among the main attraction of this religious site. It is a rich amalgamation of different religious sects mainly Hinduism and Buddhism in its building structure. The wooden carving of this marvelous structure depicts the story of goddess Bhima Kali. The temple was built by the Yadava clan who ruled the land during that time.

Festival

Since the goddess, Bhima Kali is the main deity of the temple Kali Puja is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm. Another important festival celebrated in Mandi is Udyapan Jag which is celebrated once every 100 years. The international Mandi Shivratri fair is held in March for seven days which was started in the year 1526. Tourists from all around the globe come to visit this place during this festival.

Popular Culture

Mandi is known as the cultural capital of Himachal Pradesh. The people of this region are called Mandyalis. The main cuisine of this region is Sepu Wadi which is often organized in marriages, function, and parties.

Best Time to Visit

April and July are the best time to visit Bhimakali temple, Mandi as the temperature of Mandi hovers between 10 - 30 degrees centigrade. Tourists should avoid visiting this architectural marvel during both the rainy and winter season as the weather is not favorable. The town has pleasant summers and cold winter and is often referred to as Varanasi of temples.

How to Reach?

Located in the main Mandi town this temple is within 1 km from the bus stand. One can also take an auto from different parts of the town to reach the temple easily. The place also well connected by rail as the nearest railway station being Joginder Nagar and Shimla. The nearest airport is Kullu Airport which is in the city of Bhantar and is about 75km away from the temple.

Interesting Facts and Trivia

The most interesting fact about Bhimakali temple, Mandi is that the temple was established by the price of Bushel many years ago. The inside of the temple can only be visited by the royalty of this area. The ceremonies in the temple are performed only by the family of the former C.M. of Himachal Pradesh Mr. Virbhadra Singh. Another fascinating trivia about the temple is that the goddess Bhimakali is a very powerful goddess who is supposed to be a form of the goddess kali.

Nearby Attractions

Mandi has tons of nearby attractions for the tourists which make for an enjoyable trip to Himachal Pradesh.

• Rewalsar Lake – It is famous for its floating reed island and also a sacred place. This amazing lake sits astride a mountain spur approximately 1,400m above sea level. Although a short climb tourists can get seek peek with the legendary story of the Tantric lovers - Padmasambhava and Princess Mandarava of Mandi.

• Prashar Lake – This lake is the perfect place for experiencing pure nature and spiritual bliss. Tourists can witness a pagoda-style three-tiered temple by the lake dedicated to the sage Prasha. The lake has a floating island in it, and its actual depth is unclear it is a must-visit place for tourists

• Pandoh Dam – The dam is an embankment dam on the Beas River in Mandi district. Completed in 1977 its primary purpose is to generate hydroelectric power. Due to its virgin beauty that comprises of emerald green waters nestled amidst the pine forests the dam attracts a lot of tourists from all around the globe.