About Bhimakali Temple
The Bhimakali Temple stands at Sarahan, a hill village at about 2,000 metres in Shimla district, high above the Sutlej valley and facing the Shrikhand range. It is dedicated to the goddess Bhimakali, a form of Durga who was the kuldevi of the rulers of the former Bushahr state, whose old palace stands beside the temple. The shrine is one of the most important goddess temples of Himachal Pradesh and a gateway to the Kinnaur region.
Local tradition gives the temple several legends. One says that the ear of Sati fell here when her body was divided by Vishnu's discus, which is why some people count Sarahan among the Shakti Peethas, though it does not appear in most standard lists and traditions differ. Another story links the region with the demon king Banasura, who is said to have ruled here before he was defeated by Krishna. The present complex is believed to incorporate very old foundations, and it was rebuilt and enlarged under the Bushahr kings, including Raja Padam Singh in the 1920s. It is said that during the 1905 Kangra earthquake one tower tilted and then settled back.
The temple is a fine example of the kath-kuni style, with alternating courses of deodar wood and stone, slate roofs and richly carved wooden balconies. Visitors pass through a series of courtyards and gateways, some covered in gold and silver work, past shrines of Narasimha and Raghunath, to the twin towers that hold the goddess. The upper storey of the main tower houses the deity, and the views of the snow peaks from the courtyards are memorable.
Bhimakali Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from early morning to evening, with a break in the afternoon. Check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning aarti | Early morning (approx.) |
| Evening aarti | Around sunset (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Bhimakali Temple
By air
Shimla Airport (Jubbarhatti) is about 180 km away; Chandigarh Airport is about 290 km away.
By train
Shimla station on the Kalka–Shimla line is about 170 km away; Kalka is about 250 km away.
By road
From Shimla, follow the highway along the Sutlej through Rampur to Jeori, then climb about 17 km to Sarahan. HRTC buses and taxis run from Shimla and Rampur.
Festivals at Bhimakali Temple
- Sharad NavratriSep/Oct
- Chaitra NavratriMar/Apr
- DussehraOct
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Visitors are generally required to cover their heads inside the temple, and caps are usually provided. Leather items such as belts and wallets are generally not allowed inside.
- Entry
- Free.
- Follow the temple rules on head covering, leather and photography; staff check at the gate.
- Mobile phones and cameras may need to be deposited before entering the inner courtyards.
- Carry warm clothes even in summer, as evenings get cold.
- Check road conditions during the monsoon, when landslides can block the highway.
- Stay overnight in Sarahan to see the temple in the quiet early morning.
Places to visit near Bhimakali Temple
- Sarahan PheasantryBreeding centre for Himalayan pheasants, about 1 km away
- JeoriVillage on the Sutlej highway below Sarahan, about 17 km away
- Rampur BushahrOld Bushahr capital with the Padam Palace, about 45 km away
- Sangla Valley, KinnaurScenic Baspa valley, about 95 km away
Frequently asked questions
Is Bhimakali Temple a Shakti Peetha?
Local tradition says Sati's ear fell here, so some count it as a Shakti Peetha, but it is not in most standard lists and traditions differ.
How far is Sarahan from Shimla?
Sarahan is about 170–180 km from Shimla by road, a drive of roughly six to seven hours.
Is there a dress code at Bhimakali Temple?
Visitors are generally asked to cover their heads, and leather items are not allowed inside.
Who is the goddess Bhimakali?
She is a form of Durga and was the family goddess of the rulers of the former Bushahr state.
What is the aarti time at Bhimakali Temple?
Morning aarti: Early morning (approx.); Evening aarti: Around sunset (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
What are the Bhimakali Temple timings?
Usually open from early morning to evening, with a break in the afternoon. Check locally before visiting.
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