Shri Rukmini Temple and Kund
Also known as Rukmani Kund, Rukmani Devi Temple, Shree Rukmani Kund, Rukmini Hriday Treta, Rukmini Devi Temple Salasi
Shri Rukmini Temple and Kund in Bilaspur's Sivalik Hills is a sacred reservoir honoring a legendary queen's sacrifice, hosting the annual Baishakhi Mela.
Photos of Shri Rukmini Temple and Kund
Shri Rukmini Temple and Kund at a Glance
| Location | Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh |
|---|---|
| Established | Legendary / pre-modern; no firm date. A small temple has been constructed at the kund (undated). |
| Architecture | Vernacular Sivalik hill shrine — small stone/concrete mandir with an adjoining sacred tank (kund) |
| Timings | Approximately 6:00 AM to 8:30 PM daily, with a midday "Bhog" break around 12:00 PM (per local accounts; unverified) |
| Address | Shri Rukmini Temple, Salasi village (near Auhar), Jhanduta Tehsil, Bilaspur District, Himachal Pradesh 174034 |
History of Shri Rukmini Temple and Kund
According to legend recorded on Wikipedia and local oral tradition, a young woman named Rukmani of the Rundh Rajput family of Barsandh village was buried alive at the site where a well was being dug, after the ruler was told this sacrifice would bring water; the kund formed as a result. The site is grouped with other Sivalik foothill "rani-sacrifice" legends (Rupi Rani, Rani Nayana of Chamba, Bichi of Sirmaur, Kandi Rani of Kishtwar). A small temple has been constructed at the kund where grass hanging from the walls is venerated as Rukmani's hair, and devotees tie ribbons and bangles. An annual Baishakhi Mela is held at the site, which was selected under India's HGKK (Har Gaon Ki Kahani) programme in 2012-2013. As of recent reports the place remains underdeveloped with poor road access despite repeated announcements to develop it as a tourist resort. The "Shakti Peeth / Rukmini-Hriday Treta" claim sometimes attached to this site is NOT supported by the Wikipedia article — the Hriday (heart) Shakti Peeth is Hinglaj Mata in Balochistan, not this kund.
Festivals Celebrated at Shri Rukmini Temple and Kund
- Baishakhi Mela (Vaisakhi)
How to Reach Shri Rukmini Temple and Kund
Nearest airport: Bhuntar Airport ~95-100 km (Kullu district). Nearest railheads: Kiratpur Sahib (Punjab) ~50-55 km and Anandpur Sahib; Una (HP) is also used. By road: ~28 km from Bilaspur town via Jhanduta/Ghumarwin; well connected by road but the last stretch to the kund is reported as poor.
Temples Near Shri Rukmini Temple and Kund
- Lakh Data Temple, BhajwaniHimachal Pradesh · about 1 km in a straight line
- Bajrangbali Mandir, Baihna JatanHimachal Pradesh · about 2 km in a straight line
- Sheetla Mata Temple, JanglaHimachal Pradesh · about 2 km in a straight line
- Shiv Puri Dham, SundhruHimachal Pradesh · about 2 km in a straight line
- Shiv Temple, KhirsiHimachal Pradesh · about 2 km in a straight line
- Shri Gugga Jahar Peer TempleHimachal Pradesh · about 2 km in a straight line
More Temples in Himachal Pradesh
- Sidh Baba Balak Nath Temple, JanglaHimachal Pradesh
- Bhole Nath Shiv Shankar Mandir, MusahanHimachal Pradesh
- Gugga Jahar Peer Mandir, MusahanHimachal Pradesh
- Nersha Mata TempleHimachal Pradesh
- Shri Badoli Devi Ji TempleHimachal Pradesh
- Jawah Pond & Shiva Temple, JoahaHimachal Pradesh
Frequently Asked Questions about Shri Rukmini Temple and Kund
Where is Shri Rukmini Temple and Kund located?
- Shri Rukmini Temple and Kund is located at Shri Rukmini Temple, Salasi village (near Auhar), Jhanduta Tehsil, Bilaspur District, Himachal Pradesh 174034, in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, India.
What are the timings of Shri Rukmini Temple and Kund?
- Shri Rukmini Temple and Kund is generally open Approximately 6:00 AM to 8:30 PM daily, with a midday "Bhog" break around 12:00 PM (per local accounts; unverified). Timings can vary on festival days and special occasions — verify with the temple before your visit.
When was Shri Rukmini Temple and Kund built?
- Shri Rukmini Temple and Kund was established Legendary / pre-modern; no firm date. A small temple has been constructed at the kund (undated).. Portions of the structure have been added and renovated by successive dynasties over the centuries.
What is the architectural style of Shri Rukmini Temple and Kund?
- Shri Rukmini Temple and Kund is built in the Vernacular Sivalik hill shrine — small stone/concrete mandir with an adjoining sacred tank (kund) style.
Which festivals are celebrated at Shri Rukmini Temple and Kund?
- The principal festivals celebrated at Shri Rukmini Temple and Kund include Baishakhi Mela (Vaisakhi). These draw large crowds of pilgrims from across Himachal Pradesh and beyond.
How can I reach Shri Rukmini Temple and Kund?
- Nearest airport: Bhuntar Airport ~95-100 km (Kullu district). Nearest railheads: Kiratpur Sahib (Punjab) ~50-55 km and Anandpur Sahib; Una (HP) is also used. By road: ~28 km from Bilaspur town via Jhanduta/Ghumarwin; well connected by road but the last stretch to the kund is reported as poor.
Why is Shri Rukmini Temple and Kund significant?
- Shri Rukmini Temple and Kund in Bilaspur's Sivalik Hills is a sacred reservoir honoring a legendary queen's sacrifice, hosting the annual Baishakhi Mela.