Perched atop a tranquil hill in Badol village, just 3 km from Gehrwin on the Gehrwin–Dhanathar road, the Badol Devi Temple is a sacred sanctuary dedicated to Goddess Durga, revered locally as Badol Devi. This temple is not only a spiritual beacon but also the heart of a powerful legend that continues to inspire awe and devotion.
🌄 Location & Accessibility
- Location: Badol village, Bilaspur district, Himachal Pradesh
- Altitude: ~700 meters above sea level
- Nearest Town: Gehrwin (3 km), Bilaspur (40 km)
- How to Reach:
- By Road: Accessible via NH-103 and local roads from Bilaspur and Hamirpur
- By Rail: Nearest station – Kiratpur Sahib (~85 km)
- By Air: Shimla Airport (~120 km) or Chandigarh International Airport (~140 km)
🛕 The Legend of Bhura and the Divine Cow
The temple’s origin is rooted in a mystical tale. An elderly villager named Bhura noticed that his cow would shed milk daily at a specific spot in the forest. Perplexed and suspicious, he tried to stop her. One day, in frustration, he struck the cow with an axe—only to witness milk, not blood, flow from her wounds. The cow fled, and Bhura lost his eyesight. But upon returning home, his vision was miraculously restored.
When villagers excavated the spot, they discovered a ‘pindi’ (sacred stone) of Goddess Durga. The King of Bilaspur, who had two wives, ordered temples to be built by both queens. The younger queen, driven by faith, built hers with devotion, while the elder queen acted out of envy. One night, the pindi mysteriously installed itself in the younger queen’s temple and refused to be moved—thus establishing the site as the true abode of Badol Devi.
🕉️ Deity & Worship
- The goddess is worshipped in her Shakti form, symbolizing protection, justice, and divine energy
- Devotees offer red flags, coconuts, and sweets
- The temple is known for granting wishes, especially to those seeking justice or healing
🏛️ Temple Highlights
- A hilltop shrine with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys
- Traditional Himachali architecture with stone steps and a peaceful courtyard
- A sacred pond and shops selling offerings line the approach
- Occasional langars (community meals) are organized by local devotees
🎉 Festivals & Celebrations
- Navratri (Chaitra & Ashwin): The most significant time to visit, with vibrant rituals and folk music
- Local Fairs: Held during harvest and seasonal transitions, featuring traditional Himachali performances
- Daily Aartis: Morning and evening prayers accompanied by conch and bell sounds
🏞️ Nearby Attractions
- Gehrwin Town: A quiet market town with local eateries and cultural spots
- Bachhretu Fort: A historic fort with panoramic views, just 10 km away
- Shahtalai & Deotsidh: Sacred sites of Baba Balak Nath Ji nearby
- Gobind Sagar Lake: Ideal for boating and birdwatching
🙏 Spiritual Experience
The Badol Devi Temple is more than a place of worship—it’s a living legend, where faith, folklore, and divine presence converge. The story of Bhura and the miraculous pindi continues to inspire generations, making this temple a must-visit for anyone seeking spiritual depth and cultural heritage in Himachal.
