The Shringi Rishi Temple is a sacred Hindu temple located in the Banjar area of the Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh, India. Dedicated to the divine sage Shringi Rishi, the temple is known for its unique wooden architecture and tranquil atmosphere. It is an important pilgrimage site for devotees seeking the blessings of the revered sage.
The temple is located at a distance of 60 kilometers from Kullu, 65 kilometers from Mandi, and 6.5 kilometers from Banjar, in the Baggi village of the Banjar valley. The temple is considered very sacred by the locals and they believe that the deity Shringi Rishi protects them. He is regarded as one of the eighteen chief deities of the Kullu valley.
The temple is dedicated to sage Rishyasringa, who was a legendary saint of Kashyapa's lineage. Shringi Rishi was a great saint of the Ramayana era and his father was saint Vibhandak Rishi. According to the Ramayana, Shringi Rishi performed the Putrakameshti Yagna for King Dashrath of Ayodhya, which resulted in the birth of Lord Rama and his three brothers. Shringi Rishi is also known as the ruling deity of the Banjar valley. Here, the Rishi is popularly known as Skirni Deo.
The temple has a typical Himachali architectural style, and like most temples in the region, it is guaranteed to be a place of beauty. The temple features exquisite wooden carvings, showcasing the region's rich cultural heritage. Devotees visit the temple to pay homage to the divine sage and participate in religious ceremonies.
There is a particular season for major rituals at the temple. The place remains inaccessible for most of the year due to heavy snowfall. Typically, pilgrims can visit the temple only in the month of May. During this time, thousands of pilgrims visit the temple every year to pay homage to Lord Shringa. There is a short walk of 10 minutes from the main road to reach the temple.