Hanogi Mata Temple is an iconic temple situated in the lap of Kalpataru mountain in the lap of the Himalayas in India. It is an important pilgrimage place where the scenic beauty of nature can be experienced together. Situated in the Kullu District of the state, Himachal Pradesh, this temple is devoted to the Goddess Hanogi, a Kullu valley goddess known for ameliorating and safeguarding her devotees. It is situated on a hill and has wonderful views of the green valleys and mountains that lie all around the temple. A visit to Hanogi Mata Temple is like a voyage to the centre of Himalayan religious life, which is quite balanced here between the worship and the natural backgrounds. Everyone enjoys the holy atmosphere, the fascinating chants, and the beautiful landscapes closely related to pilgrimages.
History And Architecture Of Hanogi Mata Temple
The background of its formation dates back to when a road engineer was hired to advise on upgrading the steep roads. This was done in a bid to minimize the occurrence of frequent road accident mis-happenings. The road engineer, with the Indian tradition in consideration, proposed that a temple be put up instead in the area, as it was apparent to Indians who passed by the area, driving through the road, that they had to either stop to offer to the goddess or slow down tremendously. The belief received more strength that the goddess fulfils all the desires of her devotees who pray here and protects them from all the odds of life that are seen along the life path.
The temple serves as an example of Himachali craftsmanship and design. It has been provided with aesthetic central bodies of painting, sculpture and quotation. The eye-catching galleries and sightseeing may make one astonished for a lifetime. Located on the foot of a high-rise mountain, the architecture of this temple is based on the Hindu style of temple architecture and is enriched with features exclusive to the state alone. This includes the astonishing colour palette and the material usage. A winding river runs beneath the temple; the beautiful curves of arches and columns would further enhance the beauty of the temple. To reach this place, one has to take about 400-500 stairs which are well constructed after every few steps, thus it takes an hour to reach the top part of the temple where the shrine is installed. This sums up the elegance that one can encounter between mountains. The foot bridge on the river, which is going side by side with the temple, also acts as an additional asset for the column of people visiting the temple. Additional transport still in the plan includes a ropeway for the ones that plan to visit other temples on the other side of the mountains.
Must Read: Temples In Himachal Pradesh
Nearby Places To Visit
There are many places to visit near Hanogi Mara temple. Here is a well-curated list of captivating places to make our trip memorable.
1. Pandoh Dam
Image Credit: Biswarup Ganguly for Wikimedia Commons
A hydroelectric project is a part of the Beas Project completed in 1977 and is located on the Beas River in the Mandi District of Himachal Pradesh. This earthfill and rockfill dam takes water from the Beas River and transfers it to the Sutlej River through tunnels. This diversion augments the irrigation and power generation facilities, which benefits the agricultural and electricity requirements of the Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan states. The Pandoh Lake reservoir formed by the dam also helps in flood moderation and regulation of water. Also, due to the aesthetic beauty of the dam, it provides a vantage point for tourists who are passing through the region between Kullu and Manali, further enhancing the strategic and tourist significance of the dam.
Location: Himachal Pradesh, 175121
Distance from Hanogi Mata Temple: 7.8 km
2. Jogindernagar
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It is a beautiful town located in Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh, named after Raja Joginder Sen of Mandi. Located in the district of Kangra in the state of Himachal Pradesh, the town has a rich history and beautiful scenery as it is situated in the foothills of the Dhauladhar Range. Regarding development, Joginder Nagar is famous for its hydroelectric power projects, particularly the Shanan Power House, which came up after tying up with the British engineers. This was one of the first hydroelectric projects in the country and is still functional, with the help of this town, which showcases its industrial evolution. In addition to its industrial importance, Jogindernagar is a starting point for several trekking tours. There are known places to visit, including Machyal Lake, Bir Billing, famous as a paragliding site, and Barot Valley.
Location: Himachal Pradesh, 175015
Distance from Hanogi Mata Temple: 82 km
Suggested Read: Trekking in Himachal Pradesh
3. Mandi Town
Image Credit: Mystic nishant99 for Wikimedia Commons
Located in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh, it is an ancient town at the confluence of the river Beas and acts as the district’s headquarters. Known as the “Varanasi of the Hills” Mandi is famous for its temples; more than eighty stone temples located in the town, are beautifully carved and sculpted. It is also culturally rich and boasts architectural structures like Panchvaktra, Bhutnath, and Triloknath. Mandi is also the entry point to the famous Kullu Valley, and it is also a major trade centre. With beautiful scenery of hills and valleys surrounding it, it’s suitable for tourist attraction. The Shivratri Fair, which is celebrated every year, represents the religious importance of Mandi and draws people from all corners of the country.
Location: Himachal Pradesh, 175001
Distance from Hanogi Mata Temple: 27.9 km
4. Janjehli Valley
Image Credit: Kreativeart for Wikimedia Commons
Janjehli Valley is located in the lap of nature, characterized by its green landscape and calm and composed environment. Located at nearly 2,150 meters, Diamond Valley has colourful hilly tracts, fertile green forests and sylvan meadows. This is a perfect destination for those lovers of Mother Nature as well as those who are interested in adventurous activities like trekking, camping, and watching the beautiful birds. Some tourist interest points are Shikari Devi Temple, which can only be approached by trekking, and Beulah Valley, which is very calm. It also serves as an ideal starting point for treks to other places, such as Karsog and Chindi. The valley is completely natural and quiet, with very little to no disturbances, making it the best place to go for those who wish to take a break and enjoy the serenity of nature.
Location: Himachal Pradesh, 175047
Distance from Hanogi Mata Temple: 87.8 km
Suggested Read: Adventure Sports In Himachal Pradesh For Couples
Temple Darshan Timings and Best Time to Visit
Image Credit: Ekabhishek for Wikimedia Commons
Shri Hanogi Mata Temple is functional on all days of the week, and visitors can plan their visit between 7 AM and 7 PM. Early morning or late evening may be the best time to photograph the temple and its surroundings.
It is advisable to plan a visit to Hanogi Mata Temple and other pilgrimage sites in the state, especially between April and September. The climate is moderate, with temperatures varying from 14 to 20 degrees Celsius.
How To Reach Hanogi Mata Temple
Kullu is one of the largest tourism centres not only of Himachal Pradesh but also an important district and city of the northern part of India, ensures good connectivity with all the other large cities of India through road, rail and air transport. Tourists from all over the globe are flocking to visit this place year-round, making Kullu more preferable in terms of transportation, shelter, and other amenities.
Bhuntar Airport is the nearest airport to Kullu, around 10 km away. The Jogindernagar railway station is the nearest big railway junction, approximately 110 km from the city. Kullu is situated 40 km from Manali, 252 km from Chandigarh, 200 km from Shimla, 510 km from Delhi, 415 km from Vaishnodevi, 145 km from Palampur, 86 km from Mandi, and 108 km from Joginder Nagar.
Further Read: Travel Tips for Himachal Pradesh
Make sure to include Hanogi Mata Temple in your itinerary and appreciate the beauty of nature and the architectural masterpieces of the area. Do not miss your chance to explore one of the most gorgeous and calm places. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the beauty, and book your trip to Himachal Pradesh now!
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Cover Image Source: Shubhamchaudhary92 for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Hanogi Mata Temple
What are the options that one can consider after visiting Hanogi Mata Temple?
One can visit the beautiful town of Mandi having spiritual and cultural temples and moving markets. You can visit the Janjehli Valley district and the Shikari Devi Temple, which are other places of interest. Besides that, one can also have nature walks or trek in the natural scenery that accompanies the temple.
Are there any charges for getting into Hanogi Mata Temple?
Hanogi Mata Temple does not charge any entry fee. The temple is welcoming and accessible to all devotees and visitors at no cost. However, they accept donations, and this is encouraged as it assists in the management of the temple.
Is there any particular time at which the temple is not as crowded?
It is always less congested on weekdays and during other days which are not considered as religious occasions. Choose the off-peak times to visit, for example, during autumn or early spring. This will also help cut on number of people.
What types of plants and animals are likely to be found in the territory of Hanogi Mata Temple?
Adjacent to Hanogi Mata Temple there is a range of forests and other types of vegetation, and several animals and plants. There, one would get to witness a range of trees like pine, deodar, oak and some wildflowers too. Birds and monkeys are also found in the region along with rarely sighted deer.
What local souvenirs or handicrafts can I get around Hanogi Mata Temple?
There are local markets nearby, such as in Mandi, where customers can find quality souvenirs and handicrafts. The main attractions are the famous Himachali shawl, woollens, handmade jewellery, wooden items locally produced honey etc. These depict the cultural history of Himachal Pradesh.
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