- Kali
Shri Bhima Kali Temple
- Sarahan,Himachal Pradesh
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Overview
Shri Bhima Kali Temple is a popular temple located at Sarahan in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. This shrine is dedicated to goddess Bhimakali who was the presiding deity of the rulers of the former Bushahr State. This temple is about 180 km from Shimla and is regarded as one among the well-known 51 Shakti Peethas. The town Sarahan is known as the gate way of Kinnaur. The Sutlej river flows down below at a distance of 7 km from Sarahan. Sarahan was known by the name Sonitpur in ancient Puranas.
About the Temple
Sarahan was once the capital city of the former Bushahr State. Bushahr dynasty initially had their base at Kamroo but later shifted their capital to Sonitpur. Later Raja Ram Singh made Rampur as the capital. There is a wide belief that the kingdom of Kinnaur was none other than the holy Kailash, which is considered as the holy abode of Lord Shiva. Having Sonitpur as its capital, this former princely state had an area extending till Kinnaur, where Lord Shiva is believed to have disguised himself as Kirata. The present day Saharan was called Sonitpur in ancient times. Banasura who was an ardent devotee of Lord Siva and the eldest among the one hundred sons of great ablative demon King Bali, was the ruler of this princely state according to Puranas. He is also regarded the great grandson of Prahlad, who was an ardent Vishnu devotee.
Legend and stories
According to Mythology, during the Daksha yagna, the ear of Sati is believed to have fallen at this place and became a place of worship as a Pitha - Sthan. The goddess graces her devotees in the form of a virgin deity. This eternal goddess is consecrated at the top storey of this temple building. Goddess Parvati who is considered the daughter of King Himalayas is enshrined as a divine consort of Lord Siva in the storey below.
The temple complex also encompasses three other shrines dedicated to Lord Raghunathji, Narsinghji and Patal Bhairva Ji (Lankra Veer) - the guardian deity.
How To Reach Shri Bhima Kali Temple
Road
The nearest bus station is Sarahan.
Railways
The nearest railway station is the Shimla station.
Airport
The closest airport is the Shimla Airport.
Temple Address
Shri Bhima Kali Temple,
Sarahan, Himachal Pradesh - 172102.
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- For power to chase away demons
Shlokas
Jayantii Manggalaa Kaalii Bhadrakaalii Kapaalinii Durgaa Shivaa Kssamaa Dhaatrii Svaahaa Svadhaa Namostu Te
Meaning -We salute the Devi Kali, who is always victorious and always auspicious, we offer salutations to Bhadrakali Devi who wears a skull garland, we salute Shiva's consort and the embodiment of self-control and supports all beings, Devi Durga, who is Swaha as well as Swadha. We offer our salutations to you.
Om Maha Kalyai Ca Vidmahe Smasana Vasinyai Ca Dhimahi Tanno Kali Prachodayat
Meaning -Om the great Goddess Kali who stays in the ocean of life and burial grounds, we focus our energies on you, may you grant us our wishes and bless us
Kaalika Kalahey Gorey Paathuthvaam Parameshwari Mandapey Thathra Mathangi Thatha Sowmya Swayamwarey
Meaning -Let the ever charming, mother of the universe, protect us and stay in this mandap and bestow her blessing on us as mother Mathangi.
Katyayani Mahamaye Mahayoginyadheeshwari Nandgopsutam Devipatim Me Kuru Te Namah
Meaning -Oh Goddess Katyayani, the great vigour of the Lord, the owner of great magical power and the mighty one who controls all, please make the son of Nanda Maharaj my husband. I offer my salutations to you.
Timings
The temple is open from 5.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.