Bhima Devi Temple Pinjore

Haryana, Panchkula, Chandigarh

The Bhima Devi Temple Complex, also known as the Khajuraho of North India for its sculptures, comprises of the ruins of the temple dating from between 8th and 11th century AD, arranged in an open-air museum, together with the adjacent 17th-century Pinjore gardens. It is located in Pinjore town in Panchkula district of the state of Haryana. The Bhima Devi temple was sculptured during the reign of Gurjar Pratihars. Muslim invasions from 13th century onwards resulted in repeated destruction of the temple complex. The gardens were built by, Fidai Khan Koka, the foster brother of Aurangzeb. Fidai Khan Koka who was then Nawab of Sirhind, razed the temple and built the Pinjore gardens in the Islamic style.

Legend

The temple is believed to have dedicated to Lord Shiva and Bhimadevi. Legend states that Bhimadevi belongs to the Shakti tradition that was derived from the Buddhist tantric goddess and that she gave protection to the sages. It is said that the Pandavas remained here for about one year on their way to the Himalayasduring their exile. It is believed that the Pandavas worshipped goddess Mahakali here and performed yagna to please her.

Architecture

Excavations point that the temple was architecturally similar to the Panchayatan group of temples, where the main shrine is surrounded by four subsidiary shrines. Erotic images and exquisite carvings have adorned the the outer walls of the temple complex. The idols of Hindu gods and goddesses such as Shiva, Parvati, Vishnu, Ganesha and Kartikeya have been unearthed and most of them are now displayed in the in an open-air museum on pedestals. Gray and green sandstone have been used to carve the stone sculptures. The adjacent Pinjore garden has been laid in seven terraces with the main gate of the garden opening into the highest first terrace which has a palace built in Rajasthani-Mughal style.
pic courtesy :http://haryanatourism.gov.in/

Darsan Info

The gardens are illuminated at night. A restored heritage train has been introduced to visit all the monuments and the gardens in the complex.

Darsan Dresscode

Any attire can be worn

Famous Festival

April - Baisakhi
July - Mango festival

Culture

Pinjore is a town in Panchkula district in Haryana. Pinjore is best known for Pinjore Gardens also known as Yadavindra Gardens, Asia's best 17th Century Mughal garden