Himachal Pradesh, often called “Dev Bhoomi” (Land of the Gods), is home to some of India’s most revered temples and pilgrimage sites. From the ancient Jwala Ji and Naina Devi temples to the spiritually rich monasteries of Spiti and Lahaul, the state is a sacred hub for devotees, historians, and travelers alike.
This is one of the most important topics frequently asked in HPPSC Prelims, Allied Services, HP Police, HPSSSB, and other Himachal Pradesh government job exams. Below, you'll find carefully curated MCQs with answers covering the state's renowned temples, spiritual landmarks, and sacred geography.
Some of the most important and frequently asked temples in HP exams include:
Jwala Ji Temple (Kangra): One of the 51 Shakti Peethas known for its eternal flame
Naina Devi Temple (Bilaspur): A highly revered Shakti shrine visited by lakhs of pilgrims
Baijnath Temple (Kangra): Ancient Shiva temple known for its Nagara-style architecture
Chintpurni Temple (Una): Popular pilgrimage site dedicated to Goddess Chinnamastika
Hatkoti Temple (Shimla): A powerful Devi temple and significant archaeological site
Bijli Mahadev (Kullu): Famous for its lightning-struck Shiva lingam
Tabo Monastery (Spiti): One of the oldest functioning Buddhist monasteries in India
Key Monastery (Lahaul & Spiti): Spiritual and cultural hub of Tibetan Buddhism in the region
Chamunda Devi Temple (Kangra): A Shakti temple surrounded by scenic views and myths
Famous Temples & Religious Places Practice MCQ Question and Answer
31
Which of the following are examples of monolithic or single-rock temples?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option A
Masrur Temple is monolithic rock-cut; others are constructed from masonry or wood.
32
Which temple events involve offering of traditional items like 'Minjar' (maize flower)?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option A
The Minjar Fair held at Lakshmi Narayan Temple includes offering of 'Minjar' (maize threads) as a symbol of harvest.
33
Which temples are associated with Hanuman worship?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option A
Jakhu Temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman; others are not Hanuman temples.
34
Which temples are directly connected to the worship of Goddess Lakshmi?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option A
Lakshmi Narayan Temple includes shrines for both Vishnu and Lakshmi; others are not dedicated to Lakshmi.
35
Which temple in Himachal Pradesh is associated with an eternally burning flame considered the manifestation of the goddess?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
The Jwalamukhi Temple near Kangra is famous for a natural eternal flame that emanates from a hollow rock, regarded as a manifestation of Goddess Devi.
36
Which temple is uniquely known for lacking a roof despite several attempts to construct one?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
Shikari Devi Temple, located at a high altitude in Mandi, is believed to resist roofing efforts due to divine will, as per local legend.
37
Which temple in Himachal Pradesh features a 60 ft tall staff that draws lightning, breaking the Shiva linga in the sanctum?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
Bijli Mahadev Temple in Kullu is named after 'Bijli' (lightning) due to its 60-foot tall rod that draws lightning to the linga.
38
The Lakshminarayan Temple in Chamba was primarily constructed in which century?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
The Lakshminarayan Temple complex dates back to the 8th century and showcases exquisite shikhara-style architecture.
39
Which Himachali pilgrimage site is revered by Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists alike?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
Rewalsar, near Mandi, is a spiritually syncretic site with a Hindu temple, Sikh Gurdwara, and Buddhist monastery.
40
The Chaurasi Temple complex in Bharmaur commemorates the visit of how many yogis?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
Chaurasi' means 84. The site is named after the 84 yogis said to have blessed King Sahil Varma.
41
The temple complex at Sarahan is dedicated to which goddess and was influenced by both Hindu and Buddhist styles?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
Bhimakali Temple in Sarahan is a striking example of hybrid Indo-Tibetan architecture and is dedicated to the goddess Bhimakali.
42
Who built the Raghunathji Temple in Kullu?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
The Raghunathji Temple was built in 1651 by Raja Jagat Singh of Kullu to bring peace to the kingdom.
43
Which temple complex has shrines dedicated to Lakshmi, Ganesh, Manimahesh, and Narsingh?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option A
The Chaurasi Temple complex in Bharmaur has multiple shrines including those to Lakshmi, Ganesh, Manimahesh, and Narsingh.
44
The Hatkoti Temple, dedicated to Durga and Shiva, is situated along which river?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
Hatkoti Temple lies along the banks of the Pabbar River, 104 km from Shimla.
45
Which temple in Himachal Pradesh is believed to be the childhood place of Maa Vaishno Devi?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
The Bala Sundri Temple at Trilokpur is considered by devotees as the childhood place of Maa Vaishno Devi.
46
The Dhoongri Temple in Manali is dedicated to which mythological figure?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
The Dhoongri Temple is dedicated to Hadimba Devi, the wife of Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers.
47
Which temple is famous for its unique brass image of Shakti and early carved wooden architecture?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
The Chattari Temple near Bharmaur is known for early wooden carvings and an 8th-century brass image of Shakti.
48
The Tarna Devi Temple provides a panoramic view of which town?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option A
Tarna Devi Temple is located on a hill above the town of Mandi, offering a beautiful view of the valley.
49
Which temple is associated with the Kullu Dussehra festival and acts as the central shrine for the deities?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
Raghunathji Temple in Kullu is central to the famous Kullu Dussehra, where deities from the region pay homage.
50
Which temple complex in Chamba includes shrines dedicated to Hari Rai, Champavati, and Ram Chandra among others?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
The Lakshminarayan temple complex in Chamba includes several temples dedicated to Hari Rai, Champavati, Ram Chandra, and others.
51
Which temple in Mandi district lies en route from Mandi to Kullu and is dedicated to a goddess revered for protection on journeys?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
Hanogi Mata Temple is located between Mandi and Kullu and is often visited by travelers for blessings and protection.
52
The Parashar Temple, dedicated to the sage Parashar, is located near which town?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option A
The Parashar Temple is located in a meadow near Prashar Lake above the town of Pandoh in the Mandi district.
53
Which temple is known for holding colorful fairs during both Navratras, celebrated twice a year?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option A
Jwalamukhi Temple near Kangra holds large fairs during both Navratri festivals each year, attracting many pilgrims.
54
Which temple in Himachal Pradesh was rebuilt in 1920 after being destroyed in a 1905 earthquake?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
The Bajreshwari Temple near Kangra was completely destroyed in the 1905 earthquake and was rebuilt in 1920.
55
Which temple in Himachal Pradesh is believed to have an eternally burning flame emerging from a hollow rock?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
Jwalamukhi Temple near Kangra is famous for its eternally burning flame that emanates from a hollow rock in the sanctum.
56
Which temple complex has no roof due to local legends about failed attempts to construct one?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
Shikari Devi Temple has no roof as per legends, stating that all attempts to build one have failed due to divine intervention.
57
The Bhimakali Temple at Sarahan displays a blend of which two architectural styles?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
The Bhimakali Temple at Sarahan uniquely blends Hindu and Buddhist architectural styles.
58
Which temple is associated with a lightning phenomenon that splits the stone linga in its sanctum?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
Bijli Mahadev Temple is associated with lightning strikes that are believed to shatter the stone linga, which is then restored by priests.
59
Which location is revered by Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists, and has a lake with a floating island?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
Rewalsar is revered by Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists, and features a lake with a floating island, along with religious sites of all three faiths.
60
Guru Gobind Singh settled at which place in Himachal Pradesh?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
Guru Gobind Singh settled in Paonta Sahib in 1695 at the invitation of the ruler of Sirmaur.