Sarahan and Bhimakali Temple, Himachal Pradesh

On 28th September, 2017, after having breakfast at our Hotel Lord's Garden at Shogi and after settling with the Traveller sent from right away Chandigarh, we set off for Sarahan, the place of Bhimakali. Since the road that we have chosen is quite steep and long as well as winding , Traveller is the best option so far the vehicle is concerned. Around 9AM we started for Sarahan, and when we reached there it was dark in the evening. The journey is very soothing with 14-15 degree temperature and it was river Sutlej (Satadru) which will be always be there beside you through out the journey. We had our lunch at a place outside Simla and beside an apple orchard. Here, for the time in our journey, we have the experience and joy of watching an apple orchard right in front of our eyes. After taking our delicious lunch with Rice, Chapati along with Rajma , we again have come on the road towards Sarahan. It took 4-5 hours more to us to reach to Sarahan since the main road that connects Sarahan with the outer world was damaged and was being repaired and we had to take a diversion inside a village road from Jeori with knowing whether we are going to make it or not. However, it proved to be adventurous to us going through the mud road of that village and through the orange and apple orchards. We were very happy because it was something more to us and of course we are on our holiday; least knowing that after a few moments our car is going to struck badly on that muddy road. Our Punjabi driver tried a lot but in vain to get his car out of that mud. After a few moments of such war with mud and the car, we spotted a few more cars on that road to Sarahan and one of them happened to be our driver's friend. He helped the car pulled out of the mud and we finally made it to Sarahan, the place of Bhimakali.

Satluj (Satadru) river

Sarahan was the capital of rulers of former Bushahr State. Bushahr dynasty earlier used to control the state from Kamroo. The capital of state later was shifted to Sonitpur. Later Raja Ram Singh made Rampur as the capital. It is believed that the country of Kinnaur was the Kailash mentioned in Puranas, the abode of Shiva. With its capital at Sonitpur this former princely state was extended up to entire area of Kinnaur where for sometimes Lord Shiva disguised himself as Kirata. Today, the then Sonitpur is known as Sarahan. Banasura, the ardent devotee of Lord Siva, eldest among the one hundred sons of great ablative demon King Bali and the great grandson of Vishnu votary Prahlad, during the Puranic age was the ruler of this princely state (Wikipedia).

The Srikhand, HPTDC Guest House, Sarahan

Shri Bhima Kali Temple is a temple at Sarahan in Himachal Pradesh in India, dedicated to the mother goddess Bhimakali, presiding deity of the rulers of former Bushahr (Hindi: बुशहर) State. The temple is situated about 180 km from Shimla and is one of 51 Shakti Peethass. The town Sarahan is known as the gate way of Kinnaur. Down below at a distance of 7 km from Sarahan is the River Satluj. Sarahan is identified with the then Sonitpur mentioned in Puranas (Wikipedia).

Bhimakali Temple, Sarahan (South Side)

Inside Bhimakali Temple, Sarahan

Shiv Temple, inside Bhimakali Temple

The devotees gathered the temple from early morning. When we were staying at Sarahan, the ex-chief minister of Himachal Pradesh, Mr. Virbhadra Singh was on his visit to the temple to pray to the mother for the upcoming election. We have heard that it is the birth village of Mr. Virbhadra Singh and he frequently visits the place and the temple. A small market surrounds the area of Bhimakali Temple adjoining the HPTDC Guest House and Sarahan Police Station. I, being estranged from my other group members, had a single delicious breakfast of Aloo Paratha with curd and it was really fantastic. We could not yet spot any apple in the apple orchard because the climate at Sarahan is favourable for apple upto August and by then, the apples are already plucked.
The Bhimakali Temple authority provides limited accommodation to guests with a minimal amount. But, we booked The Srikhand, HPTDC Guest House, online and in well advance (nearly six months ago).
For more,  please visit my YouTube channel  https://youtu.be/-CmZUeolfP0

Experience say: 

i. Get enough fuel on your car since there are only a handful of petrol pumps;

ii. Check the tyre of your vehicle since the roads are not in good condition at some places;

iii. Book hotel on prior basis as there are only few one and to enjoy best beauty, book the HPTDC Guest House only since it's in the best location with best services;

iv. Take sufficient cash from Jeori during departing Sarahan;

v. Take pull over/cover handy if you are heading towards Sangla since the roads are dusty and muddy;

vi. Always book drivers from Himachal Pradesh;

vii. Do not pluck apple from any orchards since trespassers are prosecuted and even beaten by the local garden owners;

viii.Do not panic and in trouble always get help of the local police.