Himachal Pradesh

India is well known for the Religious Places. A number of pilgrimage centers and temples of the Hindus are situated in Himachal Pradesh. Naina Devi is one of the most famous Hindu Temple in Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the Shakti Peeths of India. The temple of Naina Devi is situated in the district of Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh. There is a famous mythic legend that is associated with Naina Devi in Himachal Pradesh.

Naina Devi Temple Bilaspur

According to legends, Sati or Parvati was the daughter of Prajapati Daksha and later, became the consort of Lord Shiva. Once her father insulted Lord Shiva and unable to accept this, she killed herself. When Lord Shiva heard of his wife’s death his rage knew no bounds and holding Sati’s body he began stalking the three worlds. The other gods trembled before his wrath and appealed to Lord Vishnu for help. Lord Vishnu let fly a volley of arrows which struck Sati’s body and severed it to pieces. At the places where the pieces fell, the fifty-one sacred ’shaktipeeths’ came into being. It is believed that Sati’s eyes fell at the place where this temple is situated. Therefore, this temple is called Naina Devi.

It is believed, according to the myths, that Sati’s eye fell at the very place where the Naina Devi in Himachal Pradesh is built. The word Naina is associated with the eye of the Sati. Among the Temples in Himachal Pradesh, this sacred temple is the most visited one. The Govind Sagar Lake and Bharka Dam is situated near this temple.

The word Naina is synonymous with Sati’s eyes. Since then, devotees started visiting this temple. Once the devotee reaches the hill top, prasad can be bought from any of the various shops or it can also one’s own offerings from home. After crossing the main gate, there is a big Peepal tree on the left side. On the right side of the temple there are idols of Lord Hanuman Ji and Ganesh Ji. After reaching the main entrance of the temple, there are two statues of lions.

Inside the temple, devotees have darshan of three deities. On the extreme left is Mata Kali Devi, the centre representing two Netras or eyes is Maa Naina Devi and to right side is idol of Lord Ganesh.

Bilaspur is esteemed for the man-made Govind Sagar Lake on the Sutlej River that works as the reservoir for the Bhakra Nangal Dam Project. The road bridge on the Lake at Kandraur is the highest of its form in Asia. Bilaspur city is the district headquarters of the district. The present Bilaspur district was previously known as Kahlur, an erstwhile princely state of British India. The pietism of Geologically Bilaspur is located in the temperate zone. The main attractions of Bilaspur are Vyas Cave, Bhakra Nangal Dam, Tiun Fort, Markandeya temple and Naina Devi temple. Bahadurpur Fort, situated on top of the Bahadurpur hill, is the highest point in Bilaspur. Temples lace the place.

Lakshmi Narayan Mandir

Markandeya Temple

Believed to the meditating place of Saint Markandeya, Markandeya Temple is unanimously known to trusters.

Naina Devi Temple

Naina Devi Temple is supposed to be that sacred spot, where Goddess`s Sati`s eyes had fallen after shattering to pieces.

Baba Basandi Temple

Baba Basandi Temple was built in regards to the revered man, Baba Basandi and his courageous feats throughout his mortal life.

Badol Devi Temple

Abounding in legends, Badol Devi Temple enshrines Goddess Durga in another manifestation as the presiding deity.

Sheetla Mata Mandir

Built amidst surrounding water body, Goddess Sheetla Devi Temple is the outcome of a believer`s lone sweat.

Jalapa Mai Sangirathi Temple

Constructed by two kings of different genres, Jalapa Mai Sangirathi Temple enshrines a black idol of the commanding goddess.

Nahar Singh Dhaulra

Dedicated to the sacred Sikh Guru, Nahar Singh Dhaulra is also known by various names.

Lakshmi Narayan Mandir

Lakshmi Narayan Mandir houses several leading gods/goddesses in Hindu custom, featuring hill architectural work.

Maa Hari Devi`s Temple

Built out of sheer devotion of a queen, Maa Hari Devi`s Temple has a singular feature behind its being so admired.

Naras Devi Temple

Rebounding in numerous legends, Naras Devi Temple was built by a monarch for the betterment of his kingdom.

Gurudwara Anand Karaj Sahib

Gurudwara Anand Karaj Sahib is located near Guru Ka Lahore. It was built at the spot where the Anand Karaj (marriage rites) of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib was in fact performed. The Gurudwara was restored in 1960.

Thakurdwara of Sunhani

Thakurdwara of Sunhani is noted for its numerous religious customs, showcasing art work of varied centuries.

Gurudwara Paur Sahib

Gurudwara Paur Sahib is associated with Guru Gobind Singh and his stallion.

Gurudwara Sehra Sahib

Gurudwara Sehra Sahib is linked with Guru Gobind Singh`s matrimony.

Gurudwara Tirbaini Sahib

Gurudwara Tirbaini is located in the vicinity of Guru Ka Lahore. It is related with Guru Gobind Singh Sahib, the 10th Guru of the Sikhs. A sarovar (tank) is located in close proximity.

Guru Ka Lahore

Considered sacred by worshippers, Guru Ka Lahore is allied to Guru Gobind Singh`s nuptial in the background of war.

Bilaspur is famous for the manmade Govind Sagar Lake on the Sutlej River which acts as the reservoir for the Bhakra and Nangal Dam project. The road bridge on this lake at Kandraur is highest of its kind in Asia. Its headquarters are in the town of Bilaspur. The district has an area of 1,167 km², and a population of 340,735 (2001 census).

Bilaspur Map

The area that is now Bilaspur District was formerly known as Kahlur, a princely state of British India. The ruler acceded to the Government of India on October 12, 1948, and Bilaspur was made an Indian state under a chief commissioner. The state of Bilaspur was merged with Himachal Pradesh on July 1, 1954, and became Bilaspur District.

Administratively, the district is divided into three tehsils, Ghumarwin, Bilaspur Sadar, and Jhandutta. Jhandutta was created out of Ghumarwin in January 1998. Naina Devi is a sub-tehsil of Bilaspur Sadar, and was created in January 1980. Main attractions of  Bilaspur :-

Gobind Sagar

In 1963, the the world’s highest gravity dam, the Bhakra, was dedicated to the nation.

Gobind Sagar Lake

Its huge reservoir, the Gobind Sagar Lake, on the River Sutlej, extending for 90 km upto the town of Bilaspur covers an area of 170 square km. Its clear waters hold a variety of fish and its banks are a draw for hopeful anglers. A large range of avian life can be seen in the lake. The Gobind Sagar Lake is also emerging as a major site for boating and water sports and a wide range of facilities and training courses are available. Every winter, the Mountaineering Institute holds a festival of water sports here.

Bahadurpur

Close to the town of Bilaspur (40 km), Bahadurpur range towers over lesser hills of the area. A small forest of deodar and Himalayan oak that spreads over it considerably enhances its beauty. The crest offers panoramic view and the Ratanpur Fort, Swarghat, the Fatehpur Fort, Naina Devi, the plains near Ropar and even the Shimla hills can be seen from here. The Bahadurpur Hill is crowned by the remains of a circular fort which was built by Raja Keshab Chand in the 17th century.

Swarghat

Swarghat is 40 km from Bilaspur on Chandigarh- Bilaspur road and 22 km from Nalagarh. It is surrounded by low rolling hills that are draped by forests of pine. It is an attractive picnic spot, and forms an interesting excursion. The shrine of Naina Devi and the Bhakra Dam are approachable from here. The link road for Nalaragh and Pinjor turns off from the National Highway at Swarghat.

Kot Kehlur

The square structure of the fortress of Kot Kehlur is 3 km from Ganguwal, close to boundary with Punjab. This impressive fort, over 30 m high, has effectively withstood the ravages of time, and is said to have been built by Raja Bir Chand. Legend has it that at the site of the fort, a goat staved off an attack by a lion to protect its new-born kid. This was taken as an auspicious sign and the fort was constructed at the site of the struggle.