From Naina Devi to Jwala Ji, the story of these temples of Himachal is very special.

At this time across the country, the holy festival of Shardiya Navratri, which is celebrated with faith, devotion and gaiety, is being celebrated all around and echoes of chants of Maa Durga are being heard from every house to the temples. These nine days of worship of Shakti have special significance in Sanatan culture, and when it comes to the court of Mother Bhagwati, the name of Devbhoomi Himachal Pradesh first comes to mind. Himachal Pradesh, situated amidst the hills of North India, is the main center of many ancient and miraculous Shaktipeeths, where lakhs of devotees from India and abroad come throughout the year to have darshan of the Mother Goddess. If you are also planning to visit the Mother Goddess on this auspicious occasion of Shardiya Navratri, then the unique mythology, history and spiritual significance of the famous temples of Himachal Pradesh like Naina Devi, Jwala Ji, Chintpurni and Vajreshwari will make your journey more divine. Let us know one by one the secrets and stories hidden behind these holy places which make them special in the world.

Shri Naina Devi Temple, located on the highest peak of Shivalik Hills in Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh, is considered to be one of the most important and Jagrat Peethas among the 51 Shaktipeeths of the country. According to mythology, when Lord Shiva was performing Tandav over the mortal remains of Sati, to save the universe, Lord Vishnu divided Sati’s body parts with his Sudarshan Chakra, under which the eyes of Mother Sati fell on this holy place. Due to this belief, this place was named Naina Devi and even today devotees visit the court of Mata here for the health of their eyes and fulfillment of their wishes. During these nine days of Navratri, there is such a flood of devotees that the entire hilly area echoes with the shouts of the Mother Goddess, and the temple complex is decorated with grand flowers and lights.

Jwalamukhi Temple, situated amidst the lush green valleys of Kangra Valley, is such a wonderful and miraculous Shaktipeeth of Himachal Pradesh which is famous all over the world for its unique natural creation. The biggest feature of this temple is that no idol is worshiped here, rather nine natural and mysterious flames emanating from the womb of the earth are worshipped, which are considered to be the symbols of nine forms of Mother Goddess. According to mythology, the tongue of Mata Sati fell here, and even today these lights remain lit continuously due to the gases coming out from geological sources. During the reign of Mughals, Emperor Akbar had even poured canal water to extinguish this natural bonfire, but he was completely unsuccessful in extinguishing this divine miracle, after which he himself atoned for his mistake by offering a golden umbrella. The beauty of this holy place is worth seeing during Navratri.

Apart from Naina Devi and Jwala Ji, the courts of Maa Chintpurni (Chintpurni Temple) and Maa Brajeshwari Devi (Kangra Devi Temple) in Himachal Pradesh are also the main centers of faith of the devotees. It is believed about the Chintpurni temple located in Una district that a part of the feet of Mata Sati had fallen here, and whichever devotee comes here with a true heart with his worries or sorrows, the Mata fills all his bags and all his worries go away. The Bajreshwari Devi Temple located in the heart of Kangra city is known for its grand history and repeated renovations even after historical invasions. The journey to all these Shaktipeeths is not only important from the religious point of view, but it also exposes one to the natural beauty and culture of the Devbhoomi, which fills the mind of every devotee with spirituality.