Nersha Mata Temple
Also known as Nerasa Devi Temple, Narsingh Devi Temple, Nareshwari Devi Temple, Naras Mata Temple, Baroha Devi Temple, Nersha Devi Temple
Nersha Mata Temple in Bilaspur, a hilltop Devi shrine tied to the former princely state, draws large crowds during Navratri and the annual Sair fair.
Photos of Nersha Mata Temple
- Presiding Deity
- Devi
- Established
- c. 350-400 years old; associated with Raja Kalyan Chand of Bilaspur (r. 1600-1636)
- Architecture
- Traditional Pahari hilltop shrine (Nagara-style Devi mandir, stone construction) on a hilltop between Gehrwin and Samoh
- Address
- Nersha Mata Temple, Baroha (Naras), Bilaspur District, Himachal Pradesh 174031
- Timings
- Not publicly documented (unverified)
History of Nersha Mata Temple
Raja Kalyan Chand of Bilaspur (r. 1600-1636) made Sunhani his capital and constructed the temple, making it roughly 350-400 years old. Another tradition holds that a sacred pindi (stone) was discovered beneath a Summann tree where a mysterious light appeared, and the Goddess instructed a local priest in a dream to build a temple. The Markandeya Purana mentions King Surath performing penance to Naresa Devi and receiving her darshan. A second legend holds that when Raja Kalyan Chand demanded to see the goddess face-to-face, she appeared with her back turned in anger; her fury is said to have triggered a war between Kehloor and Saket that ended with the Kehloor king's death — after which the Chandel Rajput community ceased to visit. The presiding deity is a form of Durga/Narasimha-connected Devi.
Festivals Celebrated at Nersha Mata Temple
- Navratri (Chaitra and Ashwin)
- Annual Sair fair / Jatra
How to Reach Nersha Mata Temple
Nearest airport: Bhuntar Airport ~131 km. Nearest railheads: Kiratpur Sahib and Shimla. By road: about 3 km from Bilaspur town via the Baroha/Naras route; well connected by road, with stone-paved steps leading up the hill.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nersha Mata Temple
Where is Nersha Mata Temple located?
- Nersha Mata Temple is located at Nersha Mata Temple, Baroha (Naras), Bilaspur District, Himachal Pradesh 174031, in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Who is the presiding deity at Nersha Mata Temple?
- The presiding deity at Nersha Mata Temple is Devi (also known as Shakti, Durga), worshipped in the Shakta tradition.
What are the timings of Nersha Mata Temple?
- Nersha Mata Temple is generally open Not publicly documented (unverified). Timings can vary on festival days and special occasions — verify with the temple before your visit.
When was Nersha Mata Temple built?
- Nersha Mata Temple was established c. 350-400 years old; associated with Raja Kalyan Chand of Bilaspur (r. 1600-1636). Portions of the structure have been added and renovated by successive dynasties over the centuries.
What is the architectural style of Nersha Mata Temple?
- Nersha Mata Temple is built in the Traditional Pahari hilltop shrine (Nagara-style Devi mandir, stone construction) on a hilltop between Gehrwin and Samoh style, characteristic of Devi shrines of this region.
Which festivals are celebrated at Nersha Mata Temple?
- The principal festivals celebrated at Nersha Mata Temple include Navratri (Chaitra and Ashwin), Annual Sair fair / Jatra. These draw large crowds of pilgrims from across Himachal Pradesh and beyond.
How can I reach Nersha Mata Temple?
- Nearest airport: Bhuntar Airport ~131 km. Nearest railheads: Kiratpur Sahib and Shimla. By road: about 3 km from Bilaspur town via the Baroha/Naras route; well connected by road, with stone-paved steps leading up the hill.
Why is Nersha Mata Temple significant?
- Nersha Mata Temple in Bilaspur, a hilltop Devi shrine tied to the former princely state, draws large crowds during Navratri and the annual Sair fair.
Is there an entry fee at Nersha Mata Temple?
- Entry to the main shrine of Nersha Mata Temple is generally free for darshan. Special sevas, abhishekams and priority queues may carry a nominal fee — check with the temple office on arrival.
What is the dress code at Nersha Mata Temple?
- Nersha Mata Temple follows the traditional dress code observed at Himachal Pradesh temples — modest attire covering shoulders and knees. Many shrines in the region also expect men to remove upper garments before entering the sanctum.