List of Religious Places in Himachal Pradesh

 History and Mythology

According to a legend, Goddess Sati burnt herself alive in Yagna, which distressed Lord Shiva. 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 released a sudarshan chakra which struck Sati’s body and broke it to pieces. This urged Lord Vishnu to unleash his Chakra that cut the Sati’s body into 51 piece. 

Mata Shri Naina Devi Temple

Shri Naina Devi Temple is the place where eyes of Sati fell down. Shri Naina Devi Temple is also known as Mahishapeeth because of defeat of demon Mahishasur by the Goddess. According to the legends, Mahishasur was a powerful demon who was blessed by the boon of immortality by Lord Brahma, but the condition was that he could be defeated only by an unmarried woman. Due to this boon, Mahishasur started spreading terror on Earth and Gods. To cope with the demon, all Gods combined their powers and created a Devi to defeat him. The Devi was gifted different types of weapons by all Gods. When Mahishasur got mesmerized by the immense beauty of Devi and proposed her to marry him. Devi told him that she will marry him if he would overpower her. During the battle, Devi defeated the demon and took out both his eyes. This urged Gods to happily applaud “Jai Naina” and hence the name.

Mata Jwala Devi Temple

There are 51 Shaktipeethas in India and Jwala Devi Temple in Kangra district is one among them. The temple is in the village of Jwalamukhi in the Kangra district and the site of the temple is the place where the tongue of Sati is supposed to have fallen. According to legend, a shepherd saw a raging fire on top of a hill and he went and told the king about this. The king went to the spot and saw the Goddess Jwala Devi there. He then decided to build a temple at the spot. It is believed that if you visit the Jwala Devi Temple your wishes will be fulfilled. An offering of coconut is mandatory here.