Perched at a breathtaking altitude of 8,000 feet, Maa Bhangayani Temple in Haripurdhar is one of the most powerful and spiritually charged shrines in Himachal Pradesh. Revered as the goddess-sister of Shirgul Mahadev, this temple is a beacon of justice, protection, and divine feminine energy in the rugged terrain of Sirmaur.
🌄 Location & Accessibility
- Location: Haripurdhar, Sirmaur district, Himachal Pradesh
- Altitude: ~2,700 meters (8,000 feet)
- Nearest Towns: Nahan (106 km), Solan (100 km), Rajgarh (65 km)
- How to Reach:
- By Road: Accessible via Solan–Rajgarh–Haripurdhar or Nahan–Sangrah–Haripurdhar
- By Rail: Nearest stations – Barog or Kalka
- By Air: Chandigarh International Airport (~175 km)
- Roads are narrow and winding; best avoided during monsoon due to landslides
🛕 Mythological Significance
The temple is steeped in legend. Shirgul Devta, a powerful local deity, was once imprisoned by a Mughal ruler who feared his spiritual powers. With the help of Maa Bhangayani, disguised as a humble servant (bhangin), Shirgul Devta was freed. In gratitude, he asked her to reside atop Haripur Dhar, while he himself settled at Churdhar.
Locals believe that Maa Bhangayani delivers swift justice, and her name alone is enough to resolve disputes and protect the innocent.
🕉️ Deity & Worship
- The goddess is worshipped in the form of a Pindi (sacred stone), which is never directly revealed to devotees
- Known as Haripurdhar Wali Mata, she is considered the guardian of truth and destroyer of evil
- Devotees offer red flags (dhwajas), coconuts, and rotis as symbols of devotion
- The temple is managed by the Maa Bhangayani Seva Samiti, which also provides accommodation and facilities for pilgrims
🏛️ Temple Highlights
- Traditional Himachali architecture with wooden carvings and stone masonry
- Surrounded by dense forests of deodar, ban, and rhododendron
- Offers panoramic views of Churdhar Peak and the surrounding valleys
- A massive Shiv statue is under construction nearby, adding to the spiritual ambiance
- Yatri Niwas and dharamshalas available for overnight stays
🎉 Festivals & Celebrations
- Navratri (Chaitra & Ashwin): The most significant time to visit, with grand processions and rituals
- Sankranti (Ashwin): Celebrated with local fairs, folk music, and offerings
- Daily Aartis & Bhandaara: Organized by the temple trust and local devotees
🏞️ Nearby Attractions
- Churdhar Peak: The highest peak in the outer Himalayas, visible from the temple
- Nohradhar: Starting point for the Churdhar trek, 33 km away
- Renuka Ji Lake & Temple: A sacred site dedicated to Goddess Renuka
- Suketi Fossil Park: India’s first fossil park, showcasing prehistoric life
🙏 Spiritual Experience
The journey to Maa Bhangayani Temple is as transformative as the destination itself. The crisp mountain air, the echo of temple bells, and the unwavering faith of devotees create an atmosphere of divine intensity and inner peace. Whether you’re seeking blessings, justice, or simply a moment of stillness, Haripurdhar offers a sacred pause in the chaos of life.
