Mandi -  Chhoti Kashi  and  Varanasi of Hills  :

Mandi ( H. P. ) , previously known as Mandav Nagar named after Mandvay rishi (Sage) is also popularly known as " Chhoti Kashi " and " Varanasi Of Hills " . But why? because Mandi has more than 300 old and new temples. Because of the large number of temples and its location along River Beas and Suketi khad , Mandi is also known as 'Chhoti (Small) Kashi' and ' Varanasi of hills '.

Mandi was a princely state and now Mandi is a fast developing town that still has much of its original culture , character and charm. Today, it is one of the district headquarters of Himachal Pradesh . In Mandi , there are about 81 old stone temples and their enormous range of fine carving. there are lot of remains of old palaces and notable examples of 'colonial' architecture. The temples of Bhoothnath, Trilokinath, Panchvaktra and Shyamakali are among the more famous ones. 
                                    The week long international Shivratri fair in Mandi is the major attraction of the area every year. In the year 2012 the fair was celebrated from 21st to 27th February. In the fair the activities like cultural programmes in the evenings, exhibitions, sports etc. attracts the tourists as well as locals.

Most of the temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva and the Goddess Kali. There are many classical temples which the Archaeological Survey of India has declared 'protected monuments' due to their historical significance. Some of These are :

Panchvaktra Mahadev Temple: 

Situated at the confluence of the Rivers Suketi and Beas, the serene beauty of the Panchvaktra temple attracts a large number of visitors from across the country. The temple stands on a huge platform and is very well furnished. Panchvaktra temple is a supreme shrine dedicated to Lord Shiv. The temple is built in the typical Shikhara architecture style which looks astounding. Temple got its name from the five faced statue image of Lord Shiva, out of which only three can be seen when viewed from the front.

It is one of the protected monuments which comes under the Archaeological Survey of India and has been declared a national site. Inside the Panchvaktra temple, there is a huge statue of Lord Shiv. The statue has five faces which depict about the different character of Lord Shiv- Aghora, Ishana, Tat Purusha, Vaamdeva and Rudra. Angora is the destructive nature, Ishana is omnipresent and omnipotent, Tat Purusha is his ego, Vaamdeva is the female facet and Rudra is his creative and destructive aspect. Panchvaktra is defined as the union of all these.

The foundation date of the Panhvaktra temple is still unknown. As per the historical facts, the temple was restored under the reign of Sidh Sen's kingship (1684-1727) as it was damaged due to flood. Main porch or Mandap of the temple is supported by 4 minutely carved pillars.

Trilokinath Temple Mandi  :
This temple is made in 1520 A.D. by Queen Sultana Devi , wife of King of Mandi Ajber Sen .Triloknath Temple houses the three-faced image of Lord Shiva and is located in area of Purani Mandi across the Old Victoria Bridge on Mandi Pathankot National Highway.Trilokinath temple is one of the oldest temples in the town with typical architecture and sculptural artistry Idols of Narda and Sharda and many Hindu gods are also worshipped alongwith the main deity Trilokinath.

Bhoothnath temple , Mandi :

The Bhootnath ancient temple, located in the main street heart of the town was built by Raja Ajber Sen in 1527 AD. This temple is devoted to the Great Lord Shiva and was built at the time when Our Himachal Pradesh State Capital was shifted from Bhiuli to present place. There is tradition of Raj Madhav Rao, the deity who ruled the Mandi state, visiting the temple and offer prayers before starting the procession of Maha Shivratri Fair along-with all the visiting hill deities.

Magru Mahadev Chhatri :

Magru Mahadev temple is in Chhattri village of Thunag tehsil in Mandi Distric and is one of the excellent wooden temples in Mandi Himachal Pradesh  region. Magaru Mahadev Temple at Chhatri village, is known for its famous marvellous woodcarvings.The architecture of this temple is a combination of pagoda and mandap style. The sanctum sanctorum is not perfect square but it is oblong in shape. Walls of sanctum are constructed in Kath-Kuni masonry. This portion rises in three tiered pagoda.

The most interesting part of this temple is the elaborate and gracefully stylised woodcarving in the mandap. Every inch of the exposed wooden part in the mandap is minutely and richly carved, and not a single figure, zoomorphic or anthropomorphic is static or frozen, but brimming with activity. Even the serpents, with their zigzag formation appear to be in swift peristaltic motion. So are the elephants and horses high-spirited. The wood carver has very successfully executed numerous episodes and themes drawn from the Indian Epics, the Ramayana, and Mahabharata. The treatment of the battle themes is particularly interesting. It is very forceful and captivating. The ceiling over the mandap has very ingeniously been made dome-shaped. It is very richly carved with the dancing human figures, regimented along the rim of the dome, succeeded the bands of creepers, floral devices, etc.

Bhima Kaali Mata Temple, Mandi :

Bhima Kali mata temple is located on the bank of Beas river on Mandi Pathankot National highway and very near to Beas Sadan. Kali Mata is the aspect of Durga Mata and is so widely worshiped in north eastern parts of India.

Shikari Mata Temple – Mandi :

Shikari Devi temple is near to Seraj Valley, Janjelhi valley, Bagsaid Valley in the Himalayas in Distt mandi Of Himachal Pradesh with beautiful view of pine, deodar woods and apple orchards. The Shikari Devi Temple is positioned at a height of 2850 meters above sea level in the state of Himachal Pradesh. It is extremely difficult to trek up to the Shikari Devi Temple from Janjheli, Bagsaid, Kandha or Karsog valley. 

The roofless shrine of Shikari Devi is an ancient structure believed to be from the time of the pandavas who came in this region during their exile. Shikari at a height of 10,768 ft above sea level is considered to be the highest peak in the entire Mandi district and offers amazing views of the valley on a clear day. 

It is also believed that during the winters when the entire surrounding is highly covered under thick snow, the main shrine surprisingly gathers no snow at all. The Goddess at the temple is actually Kali who is worshiped in the form of Shikari Devi (literally means Hunter Goddess). It is believed that the goddess was mainly worshiped by hunters and she would protect them from any attacks or any other dangers befalling on them. As per the temple priest, the goddess loves hunting and asks for sacrifice which was quite visible as locals were coming with goats/sheep as offering to the deity, but recent Himachal High court judgement banned the animal sacrifice.

Mamleshwar Mahadev, Karsog :

 It's an old temple with interesting architecture. Shiva, Parvati, and all Rudras are here, in one temple.This is the most famous Shiva temple in Karsog valley and town. Though the town is densely populated the ancient temple is situated in the less populated suburban area. Stone and wood built temple is situated on a high platform and has arched rood made of squire slates. Most interesting things to see here are a musical instrument believed to have played by Pandavas of Mahabharata and an ancient grain of 200grams! Near by Kamakshi temple is also worth visiting in Karsog for its unique architecture and exquisite wood carvings in outer walls.

Shyamakali Temple :

A manifestation of goddess Parvathi, Shyama Kali Temple, at Mandi is a well known sacred place. Located on the tarana Hills, this temple is also known as Tarna Devi temple. Walls of the shrine are decorated with paintings of goddess and the inner temple is ornamented with complicated designs in gold.
This temple is built by Raja Shyam Sen who was a great devotee of Kali in 17th century. Dense forest that bounds the temple gives a scenic beauty to this religious shrine. Being placed on the top of the hill the entire town is visible from the top of this temple. 

                             In Mandi District one will get thausands of old temples & new temples. People of Mandi proudly boast that while Benaras (Kashi) has 80 temples, Mandi has 81 temples in small Town itself. Mandi is known for its 81 old stone temples and is often called the 'Varanasi of Himachal". Mandi is also known as the 'Kashi of the Hills' or "Choti Kashi". The town has remains of old palaces and notable examples of 'colonial' architecture for temples. The temples of Bhutnath, Trilokinath, Panchvaktra and Shyamakali are among the more famous ones. The week long international Shivratri fair in Mandi is the major attraction of the area every year.