Chamunda Devi temple is one amongst the popular temples in Himachal Pradesh. It is considered as one of the most traditionally significant temples in India, one of the few notably famous temples devoted to Goddess Chamunda.
It is located in the Kangra district in the state of Himachal Pradesh.
Goddess Chamunda is one of the forms of the Goddess Durga and one of the seven Matrikas. The Matrika goddesses are heralded because the warriors who shield excellent from the forces of evil and are stated to had been created through the Gods to combat demons like Nirrita and Andhaka.
The Goddess’ call is derived from the monsters Chanda and Munda, monsters who she is stated to have killed from the very same mountain the Chamunda Devi temple is constructed on.
The goddess is offered both animal and plant offerings, and being a goddess of tribal origin, is every so often presented meat and liquor in rituals.
Quick Facts
- Address: Padar, Dharamshala
- District: Kangra
- Affiliation: Hinduism
- Timings:
- Deity: Goddess Chamunda
- Entry Fee: Free
- Visit Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Dress Code: decent outfit recommended
- Festivals: Navratri
- Best Time to Visit: March To May
ALSO READ : ABOUT NAINA DEVI TEMPLE, HIMACHAL PRADESH
History of Chamunda Devi Temple
This temple has a lot of history attached to it as well. The temple is ancient and it originally came into being way back in the 16th century and has a lot of spiritual legends attached to it. In fact, there is a certain legend associated to the story of shifting this temple at one point as well.
According to the legend, it was around 400 years ago that a king and a priest prayed to Chamunda Devi asking her consent to shift the image to an accessible location. The legend suggests that the goddess appeared in the priest’s dream and suggested him the exact location of where the idol would be found.
The idol was too heavy for the men to lift. Worried, the Brahmin once again prayed to the deity. She appeared to him again and berated him for treating the idol like it was any other stone. She told him to wake up early in the morning, take a bath and wear fresh clothes.
After doing this, he was to go to the idol and pray devotedly. Upon doing all this, he should be able to lift the statue with ease. The Brahmin carried out the Goddess’ instructions and easily lifted the idol, allowing for the construction of the temple that stands today.
Until 1991, the temple turned in ruins, having been burnt through lightning and fierce fires, in addition to a lack of preservation and upkeep.
However, in 1992, one guy, Mr. P D Saini, undertook the job of its repairing and labored tirelessly for 20 years, with the assist of a group of devotees to bring the temple again to its former glory.
The guy still works for the temple these days regardless of the maintenance responsibilities having been taken over through the government.
Aarti Timing of Chamunda Devi Temple
Winter : 08.00 am and 6.00 pm
Summer : 08.00 am and 8.00 pm
Architecture of Chamunda Devi Temple
The temple is constructed in the Tantric style that most of the Shakti Peeth temples are made in. The temple incorporates images from mythology and legend that surround the goddess.
The idol of the goddess is flanked by statues of Lord Bhairav and Lord Hanuman, two gods who are said to be the guards of the fierce goddess.
According to a legend, Chamunda was enshrined as the chief deity Rudra Chamunda in the battle between the demon Jalandhara for which the Maitrika goddesses were created to conquer.
Appropriate to the hilly region of the temple, the architecture of the building is molded to fit the requirements of its geography.
Located on the banks of the river Baner, the temple enjoys a seat in the lap of nature, surrounded by mountain ranges, valleys, and picturesque forest scenery.
The complete idol of the mother seen in the Temple of the goddess. The four walls of the sanctum decorated with silver plates.
The idol adorned daily with clothes, ornaments, and flowers. Both times’ worship done in the Vedic manner by Shodashopachar. The aarti of both times has become a symbol of public faith.
In the year, festivals like Sharad Navratri, Chaitra Navratri, Shravan Gupt Navratri, Shivratri, Krishna Janmashtami, Diwali, Lohri, etc. celebrated with great pomp. Sanskrit Vidyalaya by Temple Trust. Music Hall, Library, and Yatri Niwas operated.
How To Reach Chamunda Devi Temple ?
By Air
Nearest Airport is Bhuntar Airport or Kullu Manali Airport, roughly 170 Kms from Chamunda. This Airport is well connected to many major cities.
The second nearest Airport is Shimla Airport, roughly 223 Kms from Chamunda.
By Rail
The nearest Railway Station from Chamunda is Nagrota Bagwan Railway Station in Kangra district, located at a distance of 5 Kms.
By Road
Chamunda is 22 Kms from Palampur, 25 Kms from Kangra, 34 Kms from Dharamsala, 101 Kms from Pathankot, 113 Kms from Mandi, 142 Kms from Chamba, 221 Kms from Manali, 223 Kms from Shimla and 242 Kms from Chandigarh .
And is well connected via Himachal Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (HPSRTC) and some private travel services.
ALSO READ : ABOUT JAWALA JI TEMPLE KANGRA
Best Places To Visit Near the Temple
Chamunda Devi temple is located near several must-see tourist spots that make the location much more appealing.
The following are the tourist spots near and around the Chamunda Devi temple which you must visit.
These include the Kareri Lake, Kangra Valley, Dal Lake, Kangra Fort, Baijnath Temple, Indrahar Pass Trek, Dhauladhar Range, Brajeshwari Temple, Kangra Art Museum and Palampur Tea Plantations.
Most of these locations are accessible by car or van but a few like the Indrahar Pass Trek can only be enjoyed on foot while enjoying the beauty of nature, the crisp cool air, and warm beverages.
A visit to Himachal Pradesh would be incomplete without a visit to this beautiful temple. If not for the amazing legends and historical and religious significance of the Goddess to whom the temple is dedicated, one must visit for the sheer beauty of nature.
The Dhauladhar Mountains and the rivers that flow beside the temple. The temple is also an amazing picnic spot for all, and due to the photogenic nature of the surroundings, is a great spot to take pictures.
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