Bhimakali Temple
The Twin-Towered Shrine of the Bushahr Kings
Overview
The Bhimakali Temple at Sarahan is a striking twin-towered shrine to the goddess Bhimakali, built in the kath-kuni style of interlocked timber and stone that defines old Himachali architecture. Sarahan was once the summer capital of the Bushahr princely state, and Bhimakali was the ruling family's presiding deity, giving the temple both religious and royal weight. It stands on a ridge in the mountains that lead towards Kinnaur, backed by high peaks. MyTripMyTravel arranges an unhurried, respectful visit, with attention to the dress and etiquette expected inside this active place of worship.
The Bhimakali Temple rises above the village of Sarahan as a pair of tall, gabled towers built in the traditional kath-kuni technique, where courses of dressed stone alternate with layers of timber to withstand the mountains' earthquakes and weather. It is dedicated to the goddess Bhimakali, a powerful form of the Mother Goddess.
Sarahan served as the summer capital of the old Bushahr state, and Bhimakali was the tutelary deity of its ruling house. The temple complex therefore blends worship with the memory of Himalayan royalty, its carved balconies, silver-worked doorways and courtyards reflecting centuries of patronage.
Perched on the threshold of Kinnaur with snow peaks behind it, Sarahan is both a pilgrimage site and a gateway to the higher Himalaya. MyTripMyTravel pairs the temple with the wider Kinnaur landscape and briefs guests on the modest dress and quiet conduct the shrine expects.
At a glance
Bhimakali Temple in brief
What to see
Highlights
Twin towers
Two tall, tiered towers in kath-kuni style dominate the complex, one traditionally used for worship.
Kath-kuni craft
Alternating layers of stone and deodar timber, richly carved, show classic Himachali mountain building.
Royal link
Bhimakali was the presiding goddess of the Bushahr dynasty that once ruled from Sarahan.
Silver-worked doorways
Ornate metal-clad doors and carved balconies reflect long royal and devotional patronage.
Mountain setting
The temple looks out toward the snow peaks that mark the way into Kinnaur.
Visitor information
Our tips
Dress modestly and cover your head where asked inside the shrine.
Remove shoes and leather items before entering the temple courtyard.
Follow the caretakers' guidance on which areas may be entered.
Come in the warmer months, as high roads can be difficult in winter.
Good to know
Bhimakali Temple, your questions
Who is Bhimakali?
Bhimakali is a form of the Hindu Mother Goddess and was the presiding deity of the former Bushahr royal house.
Why does the temple have two towers?
It is built as a twin-towered complex; the towers are its most distinctive feature, one traditionally in active worship.
What is kath-kuni architecture?
A Himalayan technique alternating layers of stone and timber, which gives old Himachali temples their strength and character.
Was Sarahan a capital?
Yes, Sarahan was the summer capital of the Bushahr princely state.
What should I wear?
Dress modestly, remove shoes and leather, and cover your head where requested inside the shrine.
Visit with us
See Bhimakali Temple, properly.
A private, chauffeured visit with a licensed expert guide, timed for the best light and the smallest crowds. We fold Bhimakali Temple into a wider Sarahan and North India itinerary, built entirely around you.
- Skip the queue where possible, at the right hour
- Licensed local guide who brings the story to life
- Private car and chauffeur, door to door
Plan your trip
Plan a visit to Bhimakali Temple
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