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Temples/
Pilgrimages/ Places of worship in Himachal Pradesh
Bhootnath
Temple
Practically synonymous with Mandi and located in its very heart,
this temple is as old as the town itself, dating back to the
1520's. It has a Nandi or god Shiva's bull facing the ornamental
double arch to the sanctuary. The modern shrines nearby are
brightly painted. In the month of March, the festival of Shivratri
is a major event and Bhootnath Temple is its focus.
Syamakall Temple
Also known as the Tarna Devi Temple, this temple is situated on
the Tarna Hill, which rises above the town. Raja Syama Sen built
the temple in the 17th century after a particularly trying time
when the goddess gave him success.
Raghunath Temple
Raghunath Temple: In the 17th century, Raja Jagat Singh of Kulu is
said to have committed a great wrong, to atone for which, he sent
a courtier to Ayodhya for a statue of Lord Raghunath - Lord Rama.
He built this temple to house the image, and the shrine went on to
be a popular site of worship.
Bijli Mahadev Temple
Located at an altitude of 2460 m, this fascinating temple rests on
a spur, that offers some splendid views. The remarkable feature of
the shrine, is a high pole or staff that periodically draws
lightning, which shatters the `Shivlinga' and scorches the
building. Butter is, then, used as an adhesive by the priest to
put the `linga' together again.
Parashurama Tal and Renuka Temple
Parashurama Tal and Renuka Temple: Located at the base of the
Renuka Lake is the Parashurama Tal, a massive pool embodying, it
is believed, Parashurama, who desired to spend eternity at his
mother's feet. Mother and son are reunited every year at the great
Renuka Fair, held on banks of the lake, in the month of
November.The original temple of Renukaji, is said to have been
built overnight by a contingent of Gurkhas in the early 19th
century. Renuka LakeLegend has it that when the evil Sahasarjuna
killed the sage Jamadagini and tried to abduct his wife Renuka,
She flung herself into the water. The gods restored her to life
and this like is regarded to be her embodiment. There is a row of
temples along its banks, and a track encircles the waters.
Triloknath Shiva Temple
It is built in the Nagari style with a tiled roof. The temple at
the centre of a group of sculpted stones shrines, overlooks the
river and offers good views. Inside the temple, Lord Shiva has
been depicted as the lord of the three worlds, at the Panchvakhra
he has five faces, expressing his five aspects.
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