Banni Mata Temple, Mahakali Banni Mata Temple,Darshan Information

Banni Mata Temple, Mahakali Banni Mata Temple

27 Mar

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Popularly known as Mahakali Banni Mata temple or Shakti Devi Temple, this ancient temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali. Located at Tundah village of Chamba district in Himachal Pradesh, the temple is just opposite to Manimahesh Peak at a height of 8,500 ft, at the foot of the beautiful Pir Panjal Range in the Chamba Valley. Surrounded by dense forests, the temple holds a rich inclusion of natural beauty. Due to the presence of numerous Ban trees or Oak trees, the temple is named as Banni. For ages till now, shepherds crossing Kali Chho (Kali refers to Goddess and Chho refers to the waterfall close to the pass) visit the temple to seek blessings of Goddess for a safe crossing. According to the popular beliefs, those who make the journey to the temple with total devotion and fervor are blessed by the Goddess and grants all their wishes. It is believed that childless couple are blessed with children after visiting the temple.Therefore, pilgrims from all over the Bharmour region and other parts of Himachal visit the temple to pay obeisance to the goddess.

Location Banni, Chamba dist., Himachal Pradesh

Legend

According to the legends, after fullfilling their earthly duties, all the Pandava brothers along with Draupadi left for Himalayas in search of heaven. After travelling a lot, they reached the Pir Panjal range. After climbing a little higher, they headed towards Charola. During their travel, they faced many obstacles. The snowy mountains were difficult to climb and there were risky slopes and crevices. Later, all succumbed to the weather. Draupadi was the first one to die. The mortal remains of the Draupadi are believed to have been inhabited by the Goddess Kali as Draupadi appeared to be the incarnation of the Goddess. The Goddess resided at the base of the Pir Panjal in Lyundi and later Goddess made Banni village as her abode. From that day on, there has been a temple devoted to the Banni Mata (Goddess Kali) at this village.

Architecture

The temple consists of a sanctum sanctorum with a copper-plated roof and golden finials at the top. The Hindu temple architecture is an open symmetry driven structure, with many variations, on a square grid of padas, depicting perfect geometric shapes such as circles and squares. The temple flooring are made with marble stone crafting.

Culture

Shimla culture reflects the tradition and life pattern of the pahari people. Speaking of Shimla culture you cannot avoid their lifestyle, art and craft, fairs and festivals, food, dance, music,language or clothes.