Tucked away in the Shivalik foothills near Kala Amb, Maa Bala Sundri Temple in Trilokpur is one of Himachal Pradesh’s most revered Shakti Peethas. Dedicated to Goddess Tripura Bala Sundari, this temple is a powerful center of devotion, drawing lakhs of pilgrims from across North India—especially during Navratri.
🌄 Location & Accessibility
- Location: Trilokpur village, near Kala Amb, Sirmaur district, Himachal Pradesh
- Altitude: ~430 meters above sea level
- Nearest Towns: Nahan (23 km), Kala Amb (6 km)
- How to Reach:
- By Road: Well-connected via NH-7 from Chandigarh, Ambala, and Nahan
- By Rail: Nearest station – Barog (42 km) or Kalka (100 km)
- By Air: Chandigarh International Airport (~90 km)
🛕 Mythological Origins
The temple’s origin dates back to 1570 CE, when a local trader, Lala Ram Dass, discovered a sacred pindi (stone symbol of the goddess) inside a bag of salt. Despite selling salt all day, the bag remained full. That night, the goddess appeared in his dream and instructed him to build a temple at Trilokpur and enshrine her as Mahamaya Bala Sundari, the infant form of Vaishno Devi.
With support from the ruler of Sirmaur, artisans from Jaipur were brought in, and the temple was completed in 1573 CE. Since then, the descendants of Lala Ram Dass have served as the temple’s traditional priests.
🕉️ Deity & Worship
- Goddess Bala Sundri is worshipped in her childhood form, symbolizing innocence, strength, and divine protection
- The temple is part of a sacred triangle of Shakti temples in the region, including Lalita Devi (3 km away) and Tripur Bhairavi (13 km away)
- The temple is managed by a trust headed by the Deputy Commissioner of Sirmaur
🏛️ Architectural Highlights
- Built in white marble with Indo-Persian architectural influences
- A grand entrance gate and colorful murals adorn the temple complex
- Shrines to Lord Shiva, Dhyanu Bhagat, and Lalita Devi nearby
- A massive brass bell and sacred flame add to the spiritual ambiance
🎉 Festivals & Celebrations
Navratri Fairs (Chaitra & Ashwin)
- Held twice a year, these are among the largest religious gatherings in Himachal
- Devotees offer red flags (dhwajas), coconuts, and rotis
- Folk music, devotional singing, and community langars mark the celebration
- The first and last days (Ashtami & Chaudas) witness the highest footfall
🏞️ Nearby Attractions
- Renuka Ji Lake & Temple: A sacred site dedicated to Goddess Renuka
- Suketi Fossil Park: India’s first fossil park with prehistoric exhibits
- Nahan Fort & Rani Tal: Royal heritage sites in the nearby town of Nahan
- Paonta Sahib Gurudwara: A major Sikh pilgrimage site on the Yamuna River
🙏 Spiritual Experience
The divine aura of Maa Bala Sundri, the rhythmic chants, and the panoramic views of the Shivaliks make Trilokpur a place of deep spiritual awakening. Whether you’re a pilgrim or a seeker of peace, this temple offers a sacred pause in the journey of life.
