Bhima Devi Temple, Pinjore, Haryana

About the Temple:The Bhima Devi Temple is popularly known as Khajuraho of North India due to its erotic sculptures. The temple is located in the foothills of the Shivaliks at Pinjore town of Panchkula district in Haryana. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva. The temple has Panchayatan style architecture. The exterior walls of the temple complex are decorated with idols of Indra, Agni, Vayu, Varun & Ishan in the cardinal directions. The images of Hindu gods and goddesses such as Lord Shiva, Goddes Parvati, Lord Vishnu, Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya have been displayed in the museum which is spread over an area of eight acres. From several pieces of research and findings, the Archaeological Department has concluded that the presiding deity of the temple was Lord Shiva. The idols and sculptures have been carved from gray and green sand stone which is available locally. The temple houses sculptures of various gods & goddesses, idols of female attendants, Gandharvas, musicians, motifs of animals and erotic images of the ancient era. The most mesmerizing sculpture is that of Lord Shiva.

Temple History and Temple LegendThe Bhima Devi temple was established during the reign of Gurjar Pratihars. Most of the sculptures and temple portions were ruined during the Mughal period. The unearthed findings recovered over 100 antiquarian sculptures, a five temples complex along with the main shrine representing the Panchayatana style of architecture. Next to the temple complex is the Pinjore Garden which is also known as Mughal gardens. This garden was established by Aurangzeb’s foster brother. The garden was constructed using the ruins of the Hindu temples which were destroyed by the Muslim invaders between the 13th century and the 17th century. Bhima Devi temple history dates back to the 8th century and 11th century AD while the history of the adjacent Pinjore gardens dates back to the 17th-century.

Pinjore town where the temple complex stands has a mythological association to the Pandavas. As per some blockedures, earlier this place was known as Panchpura which is now known by Pinjore. It is said that the during the forced exile period of 13 years, Pandavas stayed at this place for about one year on their way to the Himalayas. The Pandavas worshiped Goddess Mahakali and performed a havan and puja at this place. Legend also states that Bhima Devi belongs to the Shakti tradition which was derived from the Buddhist tantric goddess. In the Devi Mahatmya it is mentioned that in the Western Himalayas of Himachal Pradesh, Bhimadevi appeared in an enormous form of Bhima rupa or Bhima’s form and protected the sages from demons.

Festivals and CelebrationsThe festival of Baisakhi, Navratri, and Diwali are celebrated with great devotion.

How To Reach

By Air: Chandigarh airport is the closest airport which is located at the distance of 22 km.

By Train: Chandigarh is the nearest railway station which is located at the distance of 13 km.

By Road: The place is well connected by road with all the major cities of Haryana. The buses and private vehicles are also available to access the temple.

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