Perched on a serene hilltop in the royal town of Nahan, Kalisthan Temple is a revered Shakti Peetha dedicated to Goddess Kali, worshipped here in her Pindi (stone) form. With a legacy dating back to the 18th century, this temple is not only a spiritual center but also a symbol of the deep-rooted devotion of the Sirmaur royal family.
🌄 Location & Accessibility
- Location: Police Colony, Nahan, Sirmaur district, Himachal Pradesh – 173001
- Altitude: ~932 meters above sea level
- Nearest Town: Nahan (central location)
- How to Reach:
- By Road: Well-connected via NH-7 from Chandigarh (85 km) and Shimla (90 km)
- By Rail: Nearest station – Kalka (100 km) or Barog (60 km)
- By Air: Chandigarh International Airport (~90 km)
🛕 Historical Significance
The temple was built in 1730 CE by Raja Vijay Prakash, ruler of the Sirmaur princely state, at the request of his queen—the daughter of Kumaon’s King Kalyan Chand. A devout follower of Goddess Kali, the queen brought the deity’s Pindi from Kumaon, and the temple was constructed to enshrine it.
It is believed that Goddess Kali accompanied the queen in spirit to Nahan, and since then, the temple has been a powerful center of divine feminine energy.
🕉️ Deity & Worship
- The goddess is worshipped in her Pindi form, symbolizing her eternal and formless power
- The temple is considered a Siddha Peetha, where wishes are believed to be fulfilled instantly
- Worship is conducted by priests of the Nath sect, who have served as royal priests (Rajgurus) since the princely era
🏛️ Temple Complex Highlights
- A beautifully carved stone and wood structure with traditional Himachali architecture
- Shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Bhairav, Shani Dev, Hanuman Ji, Vishwakarma Baba, and Radha-Krishna
- Jahar Goga Maharaj Temple also resides within the complex
- Nearly 11 samadhis of Rajgurus from the Nath tradition are preserved on-site
- The temple is open daily from 4:00 AM to 7:00 PM
🎉 Festivals & Rituals
- Navratri (Chaitra & Ashwin):
- The most significant celebration, with royal rituals still observed
- A double-edged sword (Khanda) is placed in a wooden box with barley seeds on the first day
- On Navami, the Rajguru retrieves the sword, symbolizing divine power and protection
- Dussehra: Celebrated with traditional offerings and community gatherings
- Daily Aartis & Bhandaara: Devotees participate in langars and spiritual discourses
🏞️ Nearby Attractions
- Rani Tal: A historic lake and garden built by the royal family
- Renuka Ji Lake & Temple: A sacred site dedicated to Goddess Renuka
- Suketi Fossil Park: India’s first fossil park with prehistoric exhibits
- Trilokpur Temple: Another Shakti Peetha just 23 km away
🙏 Spiritual Experience
Kalisthan Temple is more than a place of worship—it’s a living legacy of devotion, royalty, and divine feminine power. The chants, the scent of incense, and the panoramic views of the Shivalik hills create an atmosphere that is both grounding and elevating.
