Bhima Devi Temple - A Historical Temple In Pinjore

Bhima Devi temple: Popularly known as Khajurao of North India and located in the Pinjore district of Panchkula, is famous for its passionate sculptures. Built out of the ruins of an ancient temple between 8th and 11th century AD, this historic temple has been declared as a protected monument under the ‘Punjab Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act-1964.

The outer walls of the temple were decorated very artistically & gracefully with the sculptures and idols of of Apsaras, Gandharvas, gods and goddesses, animals, and images of the contemporary times.The beautifully decorated patterns include social performances and floral designs. The deities are related to the Shiva cult leading to the presumption that the temple was dedicated to the Lord Shiva and the belief takes us to the fact that was Bhima Devi the other name given to Shiva & Parvati?This question should surely be enough to srouse anxiousness in a visitors mind. Apart from sculptures depicting Shiva and Parvaati,there are beautiful Carvings of Agni, Varuna, Surya, Vishnu, Ganesha, Kartikeya one can witness on this site. Interior of the temple is simple and striking in contrast to the profuse statues and decoration on the exterior.

It was during the explorations of Alexander Cunningham in 1878-79, that Panchpura now popularly known as Pinjore was found in 27-line inscription of 10th century.Interestingly the name Pinjore appears to be based on the myth that the Pandavas had stayed here during the course of their exile. Later on, this place also came to be known as Bhima Nagar-- after a much revered local temple that came to be created at this ancient site. Such evidences speak a lot about that the ancient site of Panchapura and Bhima Nagar as a place of considerable importance between 9th to 12th Century AD. Much to the belief it is also said that the contemporary Muslim invaders tried to repeatedly demolish the ancient site of Bhima devi temple during the Aurangzeb Reign. Hotels in pinjore are just a few yards away from this magnificient place offering very Comfy and homely stay.

Another interesting fact about Bhima devi temple tells us that though the name of the temple is Bhima Devi temple yet there is no idol of the goddess ever been found on the site.The central shrine of the temple is dedicated to Shiva and the four sides to Ganesha, Kartikeya, Parvati and Bhairav.

Adding beauty to the temple is an open –air museum adjoining to it which has 85% of the ancient sculptures aesthetically installed at different places and is integrated with yadvindra gardens with attractive modern illumination arrangements.

For the tourists and visitors the Hotels in Kalka can offer a very comfortable stay alongwith a holy visit to the temple and will surly add beauty to your picture album with all the historic images and sculptures Bhima devi temple is known for.

Hotel Classic is a 4 star Hotel near kalka railway station. It is of the best hotel in Pinjore with superb accommodation and services at affordable prices.