Maa Kaali famous temple - Bhimakali Temple| Welcomenri

History

An interesting story of the Bhimakali Temple is that during the earthquake of 1905 it had got a bit tilted. However, with another following tremor, after the earthequake the temple straightened on its own. It has been believed that there is a secret tunnel in the temple which was earlier used by the priests to reach the village of Ranwin. In the year 1927 by the side of this old Bhimakali temple, a new one was constructed. Today it houses a two centuries old image of goddess Bhimakali at its first floor. This image on the first floor is not open throughout the year for worship. But however, the one at the second floor is definitely worshipped daily. Other temples built in the complex are dedicated to Lord Narsingha and Lord Raghunath.

Significance of the temple

The Bhimakali Temple is dedicated to the mother goddess Bhimakali, the presiding deity of the Rulers of former Bushahr Sate, it is situated at 2150 mtrs above MSL and this magnificent temple is about 180 kms from Shimla. Bushahr State as the capital at Shonitpur the former princely state was extended up to entire area of Kinnaur where for somtimes Lord Shiva disguised himself as Kirat. Today, the so called Shonitpur is known as Sarahan. While the Banasur, the ardent devotee of Lord Siva, eldest among the one hundred sons of great oblative demon King Bali and the great grandson of Vishnu votary Prahlad, during the Puranic age was the ruler of this particular princely state.
As because of Usha-Anirudh affairs, Lord Krishna fought here with him and in this battle Lord Siva stood against the former.The legend gives the evidences that head of the defeated king Banasur was buried in front of the entry gate now marked as a raised platform to the first courtyard. When one reaches a few steps up from the road to this paved courtyard pilgrims enter into a different world. After Banasur, Pradyuman who was the incarnation of cupid and the son of Lord Krishna became the Ruler of this Kingdom. Since then this Kingdom was governed uninterruptedly by the kings of this dynasty till the end of the princely states in independent India. Then the ruling family in the state got constructed a splendid temple palace complex and recognised mother goddess Bhimakali as the presiding deity of the ruling house.

Time to Visit

Best season to visit the Bhimakali Mandir is all year round because different seasons provide different scenic beauty. While in winter heavy woollens are required and in summer the temperature is very pleasant. From March to November light woollens during the day and a jacket for the early morning and evenings is suggested, as during this period the climate is temperate.

How to Reach

By Train There is no proper rail service to this place and the nearest railway station is at Shimla which is connected by a narrow gauge line from Kalka (96 kms.)

By Road Sarahan is 180 kms from Shimla and 550 Kms from Delhi. One can hire jeeps and taxies which are available at Shimla and Rampur. There are number of buses also available to reach this place. By car Sarahan is six hours from Shimla. The route is on NH -22 upto Jeori, which is 11 kms beyond from Jhakri, from where the road bifurcates to Sarahan.