BHIMAKALI TEMPLE.

BHIMAKALI TEMPLE

Ø    The famous Bhimakali Temple in Shimla is a very popular tourist attraction. Also known as Bheemakali Temple of Simla, this architectural wonder is one of the representatives of 51 Shakti Peeths.

Ø    The unique thing about this temple is that the style of architecture used to build it is a unique amalgamation of both Hinduism and Buddhism. It is built of wood and is no less than an architectural masterpiece.

Ø    Located near the temple are the palaces of the royal families of Shimla.

Ø    The temple has an interesting story behind it. It is said that long ago, there were many demons in the Himalayas who were proving to be a major distraction when the priests and saints used to meditate. They all prayed to the Gods above to send a powerful force to wipe the demons off.

Ø    Hearing their pleas, the Gods decided to concentrate their powers on one point. A huge explosion took place and one could see a small girl child on that spot. This girl child grew up to be the force who destroyed all demons and was supposed to take repeated births to destroy any evil force on the face of the earth. The temple is dedicated to this great female power who was called Bhimakali.

Ø    In the year 1905, a powerful earthquake struck this place and the temple tilted to one side. However, it reclined back to its original shape after another tremor jolted the place! People say that there is a secret tunnel inside the temple that was used to reach a nearby village by the priests.

Ø    In the year 1927, another temple was built right next to the existing temple, which houses a 200-year-old idol of Goddess Bhimakali.

Ø    The Bheemakali Temple , reputed to be at least 800 years old, is dedicated to Goddess Durga or Bheemakali.

Ø    The temple is Tibetan in its architectural style, with Buddhist and Hindu influences and bronze statues of both religions in the shrines.

Ø    It has slanted slate roofs, golden towers, pagodas and a carved silver door.

Ø    Dussehra is celebrated in a grand way at both the Bheemakali Temple and in the village of Sarahan, with animal sacrifice playing a big role in the festivities.

Ø    Bheemakali Temple regarded as one of the fifty one sacred Shaktipeeths. A marvelous example of hill architecture, the temple complex at Sarahanis set against the incredibly beautiful backdrop of high ranges and forested slopes.

Ø    From Sarahan there is a view of the Srikhand Peak , revered as the home of goddess Lakshami.

Ø    The ancient temple of Usha at Nichar , a nearby place , bears testimony to this. It was here that Lord Krishna fought a winning battle against Banasura even though the latter had the help of Lord Shiva.

Ø    There are quite a few temples dedicated to Hindu deities to be found in Shimla, the small town famous for being a magnificent tourist destination. Bhimakali Temple in Shimla in India is one of the must see tourist attractions without visiting which Sightseeing in Shimla would be an incomplete affair.

Ø    According to Hindu mythology, these shaktipeeths are devoted to Shakti-the Mother goddess, which came up when Sati, the wife of Shiva (third of the Hindu Trinity of Creator-Preserver-Destroyer) set herself afire.

Ø    Bhimakali Temple in Shimla in India is a famous piece of Himachali architecture. However, many suggest that Tibetan is its architectural style, with Buddhist and Hindu influences. In the temple, you will watch slanted slate roofs, golden towers, pagodas and a carved silver door.

Ø    Not only the temple, but also the backdrop of it gets you mesmerized by virtue of its natural beauty. From here, you can have mountaineering opportunities to the near villages such as Ranwin and Bashal Peak.