Ambika Devi Temple, Nirmand, Himachal Pradesh

Ambika Devi Temple, Nirmand, Himachal Pradesh

Ambika Devi Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to goddess Durga located in Nirmand Village in Nirmand Tehsil in Kullu District in Himachal Pradesh, India. Nirmand is often called as the Kashi of the Himalayas. Nirmand is one of the largest villages in Himachal Pradesh and stands overlooking the Sutlej Valley.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2023/08/ambika-devi-temple-nirmand-legends.html

History

Nirmand is famous for its ancient wooden and stone of the 6^th and the 7^th centuries. It has been in existence since the early Vedic period, making it one of the oldest rural settlements in India. The most notable relic from Nirmand is the copper plate grant of Raja Samudra Sen of 7^th century CE.

The Temple

The present structure of the temple is in the pent roof style, built in alternating layers of wood and stone. It is built in the traditional Pahari form. The temple is approached by a series of uneven and grassy stone steps. The entrance of the temple is decorated with geometric designs. There are figures of fighting animals on the entrance. The roof of the temple is coated with copper sheets.

The sanctum enshrines an image of Ambika Devi. The idol is about 0.75 metres tall. The idol might have been brought here from the plains. The devi has eight mohras and the main mohra is called Bhadrakali. The courtyard has several ancient sculptures, Shiva Linga, and pair of tigers. The temple is renowned for its intricately carved wooden doors and pillars that are probably the finest examples of woodcarving in the state.

Festivals

Navratra, Nirshu Mela, Kaw Chhat Mela and Budhi Diwali are the festivals celebrated here.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 750 metres from Nirmand Bus Stop, 18 Kms from Rampur Bushahr, 18 Kms from Rampur Bushahr Bus Stand, 49 Kms from Kumarsain, 52 Kms from Sarahan, 125 Kms from Shimla, 127 Kms from Shimla Railway Station, 139 Kms from Shimla Airport and 166 Kms from Kullu. Devotees need to travel from Rampur Bushahr towards Kumarsain in NH 5. After travelling for about 4 Kms, devotees need to cross the Bazir Bawli bridge over the Sutlej river and travel for another 14 Kms to reach this temple. Nirmand is well connected by a major district road with the nearby town Rampur. Regular government and private buses ply to Rampur, Shimla and Kullu.

Location