Amid the picturesque locale of lush green mountains and flowing waters of Ban Ganga is the Chamunda Devi Temple, dedicated to the fearsome form of the divine mother. Chamunda Devi Mandir is believed to be the abode of Shiva and Shakti. It is, hence, also known as 'Chamunda Nandikeshwar Dham'. This ancient temple dates back to the 16th century. The temple with its serene surroundings is often visited by ascetics to meditate and pray.

Location Himachal Pradesh, Kangra, Shimla

Legend

Devotees believe that this shrine is where Sati devi's trunk of the bosy fell, making it one of the Shakthipeethas. It is believed that in ancient time, the shrine was situated above a hill near the present site of the temple. The spot is believed to be where Kali killed the two demons Chanda and Munda. Sometime in the 16th century, a King and a Brahmin priest implored Chamunda Devi to shift her location to where it would be easier for her devotees to access. The Goddess appeared in the priest's dream and agreed. She asked him to dig a certain area to find her idol which can be worshipped. The King's men found the idol, but they could not lift it.  Again, the Goddess appeared and informed the priest that the men could not lift the idol because they did not do it with reverence. The priest took bath, wore clean clothes, prayed and finally lifted the stone with ease. He placed the idol in the location which is the present Chamunda temple.

This temple is part of famous Nava Shakthipeeth Yatra.

Architecture

The temple, simple in its architecture is located on the banks of the Ban Ganga river. The main shrine has the idol of Goddess covered in red cloth. She is flanked by the images of Lord Bhairava and Lord Hanuman on either sides. From the main shrine, a marble staircase goes down to the cave of Lord Shiv, where the Lingam is enshrined. The temple is also adorned with beautifully painted images of Gods and Goddesses. The temple pond with sculptures of Gods, is also situated in the complex.

Culture

Kangra with its scenic beauty is a famous tourist destination. Tea is a major crop cultivated here and Kangra tea is famous all over the world for its rich aroma.

Darsan Info

Temple timings -  6.00 AM to 7.00 PM

The Temple is a part of the Nav Devi darshan yatra covering the nine abodes of Shakthi across Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh and Jammu & Kashmir

Darsan Dresscode

Devotees are advised to wear clean and conservative attire.

Famous Festival

October - Navrathri

Temple Rituals

The priests perform daily rituals and puja to the deity. Aarti is performed in the morning and evening. People perform cremation and rituals for the departed on the banks of the river near the temple.

Special Rituals

The idol is believed to be so sacred and powerful that it is  always covered by a red cloth. It is considered sacred to take a dip in the temple pond.

Additional Info

 

Pepper & Salt restaurant

Gopal hotel & restaurant

 Supermarket : Available