Jagannathi Temple, Kullu: A Complete Guide (2025)

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Jagannathi Temple

LAST UPDATED ON: 21/09/2025

Table of contents

Introduction to Jagannathi Temple & It’s Historic Story

“Jagannathi Temple” is very beautiful temple and a historic temple , a place so peaceful and calm that it feels like a heaven on earth, situated on a hilltop in Bekhli, Himachal Pradesh.

Locally, people call it the “Jagannathi Devi Temple” or “Bekhli Mata Temple“. It is not just a temple made of stone and wood; it is a home for the powerful Goddess Bhuvaneshwari, who is believed to be the sister of Bhagwan Vishnu. For over 1500 years, this temple has been standing tall, watching over the valley and offering blessings to everyone who makes the journey to visit it. It is located at an altitude of 1800 meters (about 5,900 feet), enabling you to view the Kullu Valley and the Beas River flowing below.  

Now, you might hear the name “Jagannath” and think of the very famous temple in Puri, Odisha. While the names sound similar, this temple in Himachal has its own unique story and a different deity. The temple in Puri is for Bhagwan Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra. But here in Kullu, the deity is the Goddess Bhekhli (also known as Goddess Bhuvaneshwari or Bhuvaneshwari Devi or Mata Bhekhli or Mata Bhuvaneshwari). This distinction is important because it highlights the unique local beliefs and traditions.

The temple has a story that has been passed down from grandparents to grandchildren for centuries in the village of Bhekhli.

The story begins with a young shepherd boy who used to take his sheep to graze near the village. He loved to play his flute, and the tunes he played were so sweet that they seemed to make the whole valley dance. One day, as he was playing his flute, he saw two young girls appear out of nowhere and start dancing to his music. He was mesmerized by their graceful movements. Curious, he quietly & slowly moved closer and catched one of the girls.  

The moment he catched her, a bright light shone, and the girl revealed her true form. She was none other than Mata Bhuvaneshwari herself! She told the boy that she was so charmed by his music and the beauty of the village that she wanted to stay there forever. And so, the villagers built a beautiful temple for her right there, and she has been protecting and blessing the village of Bhekhli ever since.  

It is said that she never, ever left her land. Long ago, the Sun God tried to take her away from Kullu, but was unable to do so. Even the Royal Family of Kullu once tried to take her Goddess to the grand Kullu Dussehra festival, but as soon as they crossed the border of her land, a storm of iron hailstones began to fall from the sky! They quickly realized it was a sign of the Goddess’s anger and returned her to the temple. This is why, even today, she is considered the guardian of her land, a goddess who stands her ground and protects her home.

The temple itself is a beautiful example of the local Himachali style of architecture, known as the ‘Pahari’ style. It is made with wood and stone, and its walls are covered with amazing, detailed carvings that show the different forms of Mata Durga.

Where is the Jagannathi Temple?

Jagannathi Temple
Credit: Jagannathi Temple

How to Reach Jagannathi Temple?

  • By Air: The closest airport is Bhuntar Airport (KUU), located just about 20 to 22 kilometers from the temple. From the airport, you can easily hire a taxi to take you directly to the temple, or you can take a local bus to Kullu town and then take another ride to the temple (in Bhekhli village).
  • By Train: The nearest railway station is a narrow-gauge line at Joginder Nagar, which is about 125 to 134 kilometers away. From there, it takes about 3 to 4 hours by bus or taxi to reach Kullu. (A more convenient option for many travelers is to take a train to Chandigarh, which is a major railway station with excellent connectivity to all parts of India. From Chandigarh, you can find many buses and taxis going to Kullu Town and from there The temple is about a 7 to 11 kilometer (or you can tell your taxi driver to drop you at the temple).  
  • By Road: This is the most common way to travel to Kullu Town. The town is very well-connected by road to major cities like Delhi (about 500 km), Chandigarh (about 270 km), and Shimla (about 210 km). You can find HPRTC buses as well as private luxury Volvo buses that travel overnight, making the journey comfortable. The temple is about a 7 to 11 kilometer drive from the main Kullu Bus Stand. You can hire a local taxi for the trip to the temple. 
  • Note: Many believe that making this climb on foot or even by bicycle is a way to show your devotion and sincerity to the goddess. The journey is beautiful, but the road gets quite steep for the last few kilometers as you climb the hill. 

Best Time to Visit Jagannathi Temple

The weather in near Jagannathi Temple is lovely for most of the year, but some seasons are better than others for a visit:-

  • The best time to go to Jagannathi Temple is during the spring and summer months, from March to June (Peak Season), (Average Temperature 10∘C to 25∘C) when the weather is pleasantly warm and the valley is full of flowers.
  • It is best to avoid going there during monsoon months, from July to September (Low Season), (Average Temperature 15∘C to 20∘C) as heavy rains can sometimes cause landslides, making travel unsafe. 
  • During winter months, from October to February (Off-Season), are very cold (Average Temperature −5∘C to 15∘C), and the area often gets covered in a beautiful blanket of snow (If you love the snow it is good to time to plan your trip).

Timings of Jagannathi Temple

Jagannathi Temple
Credit: Jagannathi Temple
  • There is some variation in the exact opening and closing times reported for the temple. Most sources suggest that the temple is open for visitors from sunrise to sunset, which is roughly from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM every day. Some local listings mention timings as late as 9:00 PM or even 24 hours. To be safe, it is always a good idea to ask a local person or your taxi driver in Kullu about the exact timings on the day you plan to visit, as they can sometimes change, especially during special festivals.  

Entry Fee to Jagannathi Temple

  • There is no entry fee to enter the Jagannathi Devi Temple. You can visit, offer your prayers, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings without having to buy a ticket.  

Important Tips related to Jagannathi Temple

Here are a few simple yet important tips to keep in mind to make your visit to the Jagannathi Temple.

  • Wear Comfortable Shoes: The path to the temple involves some climbing, especially the last stretch which can be quite steep. It is recommended comfortable walking shoes to make the trip much easier.  
  • Dress Properly: This is a holy place, so it is important to dress respectfully. Clothes that cover your shoulders and knees are a good choice to show respect for the local culture and traditions.  
  • Carry Water and Snacks: It is always a good idea to carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated, especially after the climb. A few light snacks can also be helpful to keep your energy levels up.
    • Note: Do not litter the place and  help in maintaining a clean environment. 
  • Respect the Temple: The temple is a very peaceful and quiet place. Try to maintain silence, speak softly, and soak in the atmosphere. It is a place for prayer and meditation, so being respectful is very important.  
  • Bring Your Camera: The views from the temple are absolutely stunning! You will want to capture the beauty of the Temple, Kullu Valley, the Beas River, and the surrounding mountains. Don’t forget to pack your camera or make sure your phone is fully charged.  

ALSO READ: A Complete Guide (2025): Sri Raghunath Temple, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh

After a visit to the temple, you will surely be looking for a place to eat a delicious meal or a comfortable place to rest. Since Bhekhli is a small, quiet village, most of the best options for food and accommodation are located in the nearby Kullu town

Food Places near Jagannathi Temple (Restaurant/Cafe)

Places to Stay near Jagannathi Temple (Hotels/Homestays)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are answers to some common questions that visitors have about the Jagannathi Temple.

What is the real story of Jagannathi Temple in Kullu?

What is the best time of year to visit Jagannathi Temple?

Is the climb to the Jagannathi Temple difficult for kids and elders?

What are the things to remember before visiting the Jagannathi Temple?

How old is the Jagannathi Temple?

Can I take photos inside the Jagannathi Temple?

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