Maa Usha Devi Ji Temple, Nigani
Also known as Usha Devi Mandir, Usha Mata Temple, Ukha Temple
Maa Usha Devi Ji Temple in Nigani, Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, is the kuldevi shrine of the Nichar area, uniquely honored with offered sports trophies.
Photos of Maa Usha Devi Ji Temple, Nigani
Maa Usha Devi Ji Temple, Nigani at a Glance
| Location | Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh |
|---|---|
| Established | Not precisely recorded (ancient, pre-modern) |
| Architecture | Walled temple compound with four ancient wood-and-stone structures plus a newer attached Shiva shrine; entrance guarded by painted tiger figures, sanctum door carved with Takri-script inscriptions and brass deity images |
| Timings | Open daily, dawn to dusk |
| Address | Nigani, Garade, Himachal Pradesh 172103 |
History of Maa Usha Devi Ji Temple, Nigani
Local mythology identifies the temple's goddess in two overlapping ways — as Ushas, the Vedic dawn deity and consort of the sun-god Surya, and as the Puranic Usha, daughter of the demon king Banasura, whose love for Aniruddha (Krishna's grandson) triggered the Krishna-Banasura conflict. Regional legend holds that Banasura's children divided Kinnaur among themselves, with Usha claiming Nichar and her sister Chandika taking the Sairag area, casting the valley's local deities as a divine sibling network. The temple's idol is said to bear traces of gold from centuries of ritual touch, and it sits amid dense forest reached via a narrow hill road through Kangosh village.
Festivals Celebrated at Maa Usha Devi Ji Temple, Nigani
- Local devta jatra/village festivals
How to Reach Maa Usha Devi Ji Temple, Nigani
Nearest airport: Shimla, ~180 km, or Chandigarh. Nearest railhead: Shimla. By road: NH-5 through Rampur, then a branch road to Nichar/Nigani (~38 km from Sarahan, ~68 km from Rampur).
Temples Near Maa Usha Devi Ji Temple, Nigani
- Grange Nag Sherkando Ji TempleHimachal Pradesh · about 1 km in a straight line
- Kuldev Narayan Ji Temple, PanwiHimachal Pradesh · about 4 km in a straight line
- Shiv Mandir, Sangla-Chhitkul RoadHimachal Pradesh · about 8 km in a straight line
- Yulla Kanda (Lord Krishna Temple)Himachal Pradesh · about 16 km in a straight line
- Bhimakali TempleHimachal Pradesh · about 18 km in a straight line
- Narayana Temple, RoghiHimachal Pradesh · about 24 km in a straight line
More Temples in Himachal Pradesh
- Shree Maheshwar Ji Temple, MebarHimachal Pradesh
- Kalpa MonasteryHimachal Pradesh
- Maa Chandika Devi Ji Kila, KalpaHimachal Pradesh
- Shri Narayan Nagin Mata Temple, KalpaHimachal Pradesh
- Maa Chandike Durga Ji Temple, KothiHimachal Pradesh
- Pandav Kund and Bhairav Temple, KothiHimachal Pradesh
Frequently Asked Questions about Maa Usha Devi Ji Temple, Nigani
Where is Maa Usha Devi Ji Temple, Nigani located?
- Maa Usha Devi Ji Temple, Nigani is located at Nigani, Garade, Himachal Pradesh 172103, in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, India.
What are the timings of Maa Usha Devi Ji Temple, Nigani?
- Maa Usha Devi Ji Temple, Nigani is generally open Open daily, dawn to dusk. Timings can vary on festival days and special occasions — verify with the temple before your visit.
When was Maa Usha Devi Ji Temple, Nigani built?
- Maa Usha Devi Ji Temple, Nigani was established Not precisely recorded (ancient, pre-modern). Portions of the structure have been added and renovated by successive dynasties over the centuries.
What is the architectural style of Maa Usha Devi Ji Temple, Nigani?
- Maa Usha Devi Ji Temple, Nigani is built in the Walled temple compound with four ancient wood-and-stone structures plus a newer attached Shiva shrine; entrance guarded by painted tiger figures, sanctum door carved with Takri-script inscriptions and brass deity images style.
Which festivals are celebrated at Maa Usha Devi Ji Temple, Nigani?
- The principal festivals celebrated at Maa Usha Devi Ji Temple, Nigani include Local devta jatra/village festivals. These draw large crowds of pilgrims from across Himachal Pradesh and beyond.
How can I reach Maa Usha Devi Ji Temple, Nigani?
- Nearest airport: Shimla, ~180 km, or Chandigarh. Nearest railhead: Shimla. By road: NH-5 through Rampur, then a branch road to Nichar/Nigani (~38 km from Sarahan, ~68 km from Rampur).
Why is Maa Usha Devi Ji Temple, Nigani significant?
- Maa Usha Devi Ji Temple in Nigani, Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, is the kuldevi shrine of the Nichar area, uniquely honored with offered sports trophies.