Shimla with its secular culture boasts of numerous religious places including a number of Temples, Churches, Mosque and Gurudwaras.
Bhimakali Temple
The Bhimakali Temple, reputed to be at least 800 years old, is dedicated to Goddess Durga or Bhimakali and is considered one of the significant Shakti Peeths of Shaivite Hindus. The temple is Tibetan in its architectural style, with Buddhist and Hindu influences and bronze statues of both religions in the shrines. It has slanted slate roofs, golden towers, pagodas and a carved silver door. Dussehra is celebrated in a grand way at both the Bheemakali Temple and in the village of Sarahan, with animal sacrifice playing a big role in the festivities. Bheemakali Temple regarded as one of the fifty one sacred Shaktipeeths. A marvelous example of hill architecture, the temple complex at Sarahanis set against the incredibly beautiful backdrop of high ranges and forested slopes. Built in a mixture of the Hindu and Buddhists styles, it was the temple of Bushair rulers of Rampur (Shimla). The palaces of the royal family are adjacent to the temple. From Sarahan there is a view of the Srikhand Peak , revered as the home of goddess Lakshami. The ancient temple of Usha at Nichar , a nearby place; bears testimony to this. It was here that Lord Krishna fought a winning battle against Banasura even though the latter had the help of Lord Shiva. From Sarahan one can have a close view of Shrikhand peak , known as the parental abode of Lakshmi.
Hatkoti Temple
104 kms from Shimla, is the beautiful valley where the river Pabbar flows and nearby is a temple dedicated to Durga and Shiva. This is where the gods are said to have fought a pitched battle. Situated at an altitude of 1,100 metres, Hatkoti is en route to Rohru and is surrounded by lovely picnic spots. Packed with ancient legends and local lore, the temples of Hatkoti are spread over an area of 5 sq km. Set by the banks of the Pabbar, the core belongs to the classical shikhara style Mahishasurmardini (locally called Hateshwari), temple. This temple is dated to the 7th-8th century and in 1885 was given a pagodal roof.The central image is exquisitely moulded in brass. The adjoining Shiva temple is of the latika type and has some remarkable wood carvings. During their exile-an episode from the epic Mahabharata the Pandavas are regarded to have lived here for a while. The temple is said to have been blessed by the saint Sankara.
Jakhu Temple
This temple of lord Hanumanji is situated at the height of about 8500 ft. in the east of historical ridge ground in Shimla city. This temple is very easily approachable and is one of the most sought after site to be visited not only by the devotees and pilgrims, but also by the tourists of all age groups visiting Shimla. According to mythology, during the battle between lord Rama and Ravana at Lanka, Lakshmana the younger brother of lord Rama was injured from an arrow from Meghnad and turned senseless. In order to save his life, when lord Hanuman was moving towards Himalaya to get sanjeewani herb, all of a sudden he saw Yaaku sage on Jakhu mountain in penance. This place was named Jakhu, after the same sage.
Kali Bari Temple
This temple is dedicated to goddess Durga and Shyaml. The temple dates back to the early 19th century and was noticed by the British army officers while constructing a building. The original temple belonged to goddess shyamla-which was converted into Kali Bari by some Bengali devotees. The temple is thronged by thousands of devotees during the Navratras and Pooja holidays. The temple is close to The Mall.
Kwar Jakh Temple
This temple is situated in Kwar area of Dodra-Kwar sub-division of the district.This temple is a fine example of Pagoda school of architecture. The carvings at the main door of the temple astound the visitors.
Sankat Mochan
Dedicated to god Hanuman, this temple lies on the national highway-22, close to Shimla. After Jakhu, this is the second famous Hanuman temple in Shimla. The idols placed here were consecrated by the Shankracharya." Shri Sankat Mochan" temple is situated at a distance of about 5 K.m from Shimla and is located at Taradevi on the Kalka- Shimla National Highway.
Christ Church
Shimla is dotted with a number of churches. The most attractive ones are the Christ Church and St. Michaels Cathedral. The Christ Church has a massive structure. The chancel window of the Christ Church is an allegoric representation of the te deum.
