This is what makes Kullu famous as the Valley of Gods

Kullu sits in one of the most idyllic settings in the Himalayas, nestled by the sides of River Beas, at an altitude of 1200 m. A huge hit with nature lovers as well as adventure fanatics, this valley has a remarkable religious side as well. Legends, folklore, myths and a lot more has earned it the moniker of the Valley of Gods.
It is home to numerous ancient temples, some famous, others perched deep in the hills and thus known only to the locals. In fact, every village in Kullu has its own deity, adhering to their different set of rituals for some centuries now. A number of villages have the main idols carved out of solid gold, with the idols serving as village heads as well, intertwined in the daily life of the people here. Those in the know will also be privy to the fact that the deities are housed in revered structures, usually the highest building in the village.
Those seeking to delve deeper into the religious side of Kullu have a lot up their sleeve, with temples that are as famous as the Bijli Mahadev, Adi Brahma Temple (near Bhuntar Airport), Trijugi Narayan Temple (Dayar, near Bhuntar), Bajaura Temple (around 5 km from Bhuntar), Raghunath Temple (Sultanpur), Shamshar Mahadev Temple, Skerin Temple (near Jalori Jot), and of course the famous temples of Hadimba Devi and Manu Rishi in Manali.

Read more: The strange story of Manali's Hadimba Devi Temple
Each of these temples has a legend attached to it; legends as fascinating as the one about the Bijli Mahadev Temple. It is believed that bolts of lightning shatter the shiva lingam that is nestled in the temple every year; it has to be put back in shape by the priest, only to be shattered again by a bolt. Locals believe that the lingam attracts these lightning bolts to ward off evil from the natives, taking all the wrath on itself.

Read more: The story of Kullu's Bijli Mahadev Temple

If this has you fascinated, Kullu—the Valley of Gods, has some hundred such stories waiting for some keen, patient listener. A must-visit if you dabble in the art of storytelling, or being privy to some of the most ancient ones.