Bhimakali Temple, Sarahan

Bhimakali Temple is a prime pilgrimage site for Hindus located at Sarahan in Himachal Pradesh. Devoted to Goddess Bhimakali, this temple is believed to have been built around 800 years ago. It is known for its unique architecture, which is a blend of Hindu and Buddhist architectural styles.

This age-old temple now remains closed to public viewing except for early in the morning or evenings during the ritualistic aarti. A new temple was built within the temple premises in 1943. The temple enshrined a statue of Goddess Bhimakali depicted as a virgin and as a woman. There are two more temples in the complex including a temple dedicated to Raghunath and the Narsingh Shrine of Bhairon.

The Bhimakali Temple is believed to be one of most important Shakti Peeths or sacred sites in India. According to religious beliefs, this is the place where the left ear of the Hindu goddess of marital felicity and longevity, Sati, the consort of the Hindu deity Shiva, fell.

According to another legend, Goddess Bhimakali first appeared in the wooden staff of the great Hindu sage Brahamagiri. The popular Hindu festival of Dussehra is celebrated here with pomp and ceremony here every year.