Chamunda Devi Temple is located at a hilltop which is set against the backdrop of the Dhauladar mountains in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, about 10 kilometers from Palmpur, on the banks of river Baner, and 15 kilometers from Dharamshala. The Temple is one among the 51 Shakthi Peethas which is dedicated to the Goddess Chamunda, one of the avatars of the Goddess Durga.
The temple is constructed in traditional Himachali architecture and is connected to the tranquillity of nature. The temple has carvings from the scenes of Mahabharata and Ramayana. It is believed that the Chamunda Devi Temple came into being during the 1500s when the goddess Chamunda seemed in the local priest’s dream and commended the idol to be shifted to a specific spot that hosts the present-day temple. Let’s see about all the other components of the temple which attract visitors from all over the world.
Legend and History of Chamunda Devi Temple:
Chamunda Devi Temple is one of the historically significant temples in India.
Chamunda Devi is a frightening version of Durga Maa and it is believed that Goddess Durga created another goddess with massive powers to destroy the demons, Chanda and Munda. After the destruction, the goddess was named Chamunda Devi.
Around 4 centuries ago, some priests and a king were trying to construct a temple dedicated to Chamunda Devi. When a priest pleaded to the goddess to help out with the process, she appeared in the priest’s dream and insisted that the temple must have an idol with her name. She depicted the spot that would contain the idol buried under the ground. After the priest told this dream to the king, the king sent a group of men to bring the idol. However, no one them could move the idol.
The priest prayed again to Chamunda Devi. She then warned the priest that these men moved toward the holy site in a physically unclean state. The next day, the priest and the men carried out the Goddess’s instructions and easily lifted the idol, which was kept in the present-day Chamunda Devi Temple.
Until 1991, the temple was in wrecks, having been burnt by lightning and intense fires, as well as a lack of maintenance and upkeep. However, in 1992, a man called Mr. P D Saini undertook the sole accountability for its renovation and worked determinedly for 20 years, with the help of a group of devotees to bring the temple back to its past glory. The man still works for the temple at present, despite maintenance duties having been taken over by the government.
The Architecture of Chamunda Devi Temple:
The temple was built in the Tantric style that most of the ShakthiPeetha temples are made in. The temple includes pictures from mythology and the tale that surrounds the goddess. The idol of the goddess is bordered by the statues of Lord Bahirav and Lord Hanuman.
Located on the bank of the Ban Ganga River, the temple enjoys a seat in the lap of nature, enclosed by the mountain ranges and scenic forest scenery making the view that much more attractive. The temple also contains a lake with sweet water that allows the visitors to take a dip and refresh themselves in it. The water in the lake is considered holy and healing. The idol is so holy that even the eyes of the visitors are not permitted to look upon it and it is covered by a red cloth that hides the goddess but also to Lord Shiva.
Even though the temple’s architecture is not that special, there is one thing that differentiates it from the other temples in that area, and that is the scenic beauty of the location and the peace and calmness that the devotees feel when they step into the premises. Visitors to the temple also admire the locals and the priests, getting that the people there are aware of the beauty of the location and are very helpful to visitors.
Chamunda Devi Temple Timings:
The gates of Chamunda Devi Temple open at 6 AM every day and close at 12 PM at the noon. After a one-hour break, it reopens at 1 PM and closes at 9 PM. The Aarti timings are 8 Am and 6 PM. The temple’s pleasant atmosphere and divine aura make it a perfect place for meditation.
Festivals at Chamunda Devi Temple:
During the religious festivals, the temple comes alive which attracts visitors in large numbers. Navarathri, the nine-day festival which is dedicated to Goddess Durga, is majorly celebrated with great intensity and devotion at Chamunda Devi Temple. The atmosphere of the temple is filled with the soothing chants of hymns, the rhythmic beats of drums, and the colours of festive outfits, creating a feeling of joy and spirituality.
Best Time to Visit Chamunda Devi Temple:
The best time to visit Chamunda Devi temple is from May to September. The temperatures are very low after September and before May to visit the temple. The best time of the day would be in the evening when the climate is pleasant and filled with soothing air. During summer the temperature reaches around 25 degrees Celsius, which is pleasant and comfortable for most of the people from various places.
How to Reach Chamunda Devi Temple:
The most comfortable way to reach the Chamunda Devi temple is a combination of flight and road transport if you are travelling from a large distance There are many other ways to reach the temple which are given below.
By Flight: Travellers can book a flight from Delhi to different destinations such as Dharamshala, Jammu, Kullu, Pathankot, and Amritsar. The remaining distance from the airport to the temple can be covered by taxi.
By Train: There are collection of overnight and day trains from Delhi. Some of the train stops carried out from Delhi are Pathankot, Phagwara, Jalandhar, Dalhousie, and Anandhpur Sahib. Some of the day trains available from Delhi to Palampur are through Amritsar, Una, Ropar, Gurdaspur and Phagwara.
By Bus: There are some collections of overnight and day buses from Delhi to Palampur. The buses to Palampur from Delhi would stop at Jalandhar, Chandigarh, Amritsar, and Katra and the night buses stop at Katra, Rampur, Chandigarh, Jammu, Shimla, Amritsar, and Manali.
The distance between some nearest towns to Palampur is as follows:
- Dharamshala to Palampur: 20 kilometers
- Kangra to Palampur: 24 kilometers
- Mcleodgunj to Palmpur: 33 kilometers
- Pathankot to Palampur: 110 kilometers
- Una to Palampur: 124 kilometers
Best Places to Visit near Chamunda Devi Temple:
Chamunda Devi Temple is located in between the most popular tourist spots which makes this location much more attractive. The following are the tourist places near and around the Chamunda Devi Temple that you must visit. These include Kangra Valley, Dal Lake, Kangra Fort, Kareri Lake, Indrahar Pass Trek, Kangra Art Museum, Dhauladhar Range, Bajinath Temple, Brajeshwari Temple and Palampur Tea Plantations.
Conclusion:
The Chamunda Devi Temple stands as a sign of spirituality, architectural splendour, and devotion in the heart of Himachal Pradesh. Its holy significance, great heritage, and breathtaking attraction continue to captivate the hearts and minds of visitors. As devotees gather to seek blessings and comfort, the temple remains a symbol of worship, faith, and spiritual development in the lap of the Himalayas.
Recommended Reads:
