History, Importance, Timings, Festivals, Architecture, Activities, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Shringa Rishi Temple, Banjar, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, India
Kullu, an important centre of religion and tourism in the state of Himachal Pradesh, has mentions in the earliest texts of the Indian tradition, the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, Vishnu Purana and other literary works significant to the believers of the Sanatan Dharma. The Shringa Rishi Temple is an important religious centre for the locals at the valley, which is considered very sacred by the locals who believe that this deity protects them from all evils that surround them. The great Shringi Rishi is thus one among the chief deities of the valley.
Historical associations of Shringa Rishi Temple, Banjar, Kullu
Rishi Shringa, a great Sage associated with the valley, is the presiding deity of the temple as well as the valley named Banjar, as locals believe. The descendants of Goddess Shanta and Rishyasringa are actually the Brahmins of Rajasthan who are known as Shringi or Sukhwal Brahmins. There is also a sect of Sengar Rajputs who are called the only Rishivanshi Rajputs who associate their lineage to Rishi Shringi and Mata Shanta.
Historically, the area plays an important role in the birth of Lord Rama, who was one of the human avatar of Lord Vishnu. According to the popular legends associated with the Ramayana Kul, Rishi Shringi acted as a Purohit (sage) at the ‘Putreshtiyajna’ (the ritual of having a son) of Raja Dashratha. The yajna resulted in the birth of Lord Rama. Throughout the ages, particularly during Satyug, it is believed that many Rishis (sage) and Nag Devtas came to the Banjar Valley to meditate because of its peace and serenity.
The establishment of the present temple
This valley is believed to have been the Rishi`s `tapa bhoomi` or meditation place. According to folklore, there was a `pindi` (sacred stone) located in the forest of Skeeran. The pindi urged every bystander to install itself in a temple. The village folk finally constructed a temple in the Skeeran forest. But then they found it really hard to travel there for worship. Therefore, they built another temple of Rishi Shringa in Bagi village.
The freshly erected Shringa Rishi temple is 12 km from the original erstwhile one. The deity is placed in its chariot all the time. The new temple is built in the pagoda and Pahari style of architecture. Wooden work in the temple is fashionable and worth a visit. The idol in the sanctum is composed of brass and grits. The site is frequented by tourist and devotees alike due to the scenic sights and the divinity the region offers.
Popular legend behind the Shringa Rishi Temple, Banjar, Kullu
Legend has it that Shringi Rishi cursed Rish Parikshit for his sinful accomplish against Rishi Lomash. The boons and challenges articulated by him turned out to be real. Shringi Rishi's forehead is also located at Banjar in the Kullu Valley, where he is the ruling deity. Here the sage is popularely known as Skirni Deo, the king of Kaliyuga.
Architecture of Shringa Rishi Temple, Banjar, Kullu
With a typical Himachali architecture along with being good old Himachal, beauty is guaranteed. This is where you come when you want to retrospect in tranquillity and experience spirituality and surrender yourself to God, who takes the wheel from your hands.
Symbolism of Shringa Rishi Temple, Banjar, Kullu
Amidst the mountains and the cool wintry breeze, the beauty of the location attracts tourists and devotees. You must visit this temple if you want a taste of the much talked about ancient India because this is where old sages of the country are worshiped, where kings were holy and this is where spiritual powers were a reality.
Special rituals followed at Shringa Rishi Temple, Banjar, Kullu
Once in a year mostly in the month of May, a group of Priests and locals visit the Shringi Rishi Temple to perform Pujas (prayers) and rituals of all kinds as other parts of the year does not allow to do that as it covered with snow.
How to Reach Shringa Rishi Temple, Banjar, Kullu, Major Tourist Center of Himachal Pradesh, India
Banjar being one of the important town of Kullu district and located at around 50 km from Kullu thus you can easily reach here via Kullu. Kullu being one of the major tourist center along with important district and city of Himachal Pradesh, it is very well connected with all major cities of India via road, rail and air network. Millions of tourist across the world visits here throughout the year which makes Kullu more convenient in terms of travel, accommodation and other services. The nearest airport to Kullu is Bhuntar airport which is located just at a distance of around 10 km from the city. Jogindernagar railway station is the nearest major rail junction which is at around 110 km from city. Kullu is located at 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.
