Shri Chamunda Devi Mandir
| Shri Chamunda Devi Temple | |
|---|---|
 Complete front view of the temple | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Hinduism |
| District | Kangra |
| Deity | Shri Chamunda Devi |
| Festival | Navratri |
| Location | |
| Location | Padar, Dharamshala |
| State | Himachal Pradesh |
| Country | India |
  Shown within Himachal Pradesh  Shri Chamunda Devi Mandir (India) | |
| Geographic coordinates | 32°8′54″N 76°25′9″E / 32.14833°N 76.41917°E |
Shri Chamunda Devi Temple also known as Chamunda Nandikeshwar Dham is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shri Chamunda Devi, a form of Goddess Durga, located at 19 km away from Palampur town in Dharamshala Tehsil of Kangra district of the Northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. This is one of the most prominent temples in Himachal Pradesh and one of the most popular all over India. It is believed that whatever vow is prayed here manifests in reality.[1]
The much older Aadi Himani Chamunda which is also the original shrine, is situated at the hilltop, making it difficult for pilgrims to reach. Thus, this temple was constructed around 400 years ago for the ease of the believers.
Shakti Peeth Status
[edit]While the Chamunda Devi Temple holds immense religious significance in Himachal Pradesh, it is not listed among the 51 or 52 traditional Shakti Peethas mentioned in Hindu scriptures such as the Kalika Purana and the Devi Bhagavata Purana. These classical Shakti Peeths are associated with the legend of Goddess Sati, where parts of her body are believed to have fallen to earth.
Despite this, Chamunda Devi is deeply revered in the region and is commonly included among the five major Shakti temples of Himachal Pradesh, along with Chintpurni, Jwalamukhi, Brajeshwari (Kangra), and Naina Devi. This grouping is based on local traditions and pilgrimage circuits, rather than canonical texts.[2]
Legend
[edit]This ancient temple is said to have been constructed in the 16th century and has considerable spiritual legend attached to it. According to one folklore, a 16th Century king and a priest prayed to the goddess Chamunda, asking for her consent to shift the idol to a more accessible location. The legend suggests that the goddess appeared in the priest's dream and suggested him the exact location from where the idol would be found. The king was informed of the same and his men recovered the ancient idol and installed it at the place where the temple is built now.[3]
Popularity
[edit]It is one of the most famous temples in India.[citation needed] The Chamunda Devi Temple has always been a tourist attraction for people who visit Palampur. The temple attracts travellers from all parts of India, not only because there are a lot of spiritual legends attached to it, but also because the temple is ancient and because of its Himachali architecture. The ancient idol of Shri Chamunda Devi is a common subject of interest among travellers, photographers and devotees alike. Apart from the plenty of tourists who visit the Chamunda Devi Temple as a major tourist attraction of Palampur, the local residents of the hill town consider it one of the holiest places of worship in the area, especially because of its many legends and history that are attached to it.[original research?] These residents and other devotees from the neighbouring hill towns visit this temple in order to offer their prayers to the goddess.
A small temple named Jakhni Mata Mandir is situated on a hilltop that overlooks the valley. It is accessible by a short mountain drive.[4]
Access
[edit]Road
[edit]The temple is located in the village of Chandreshwar, approximately 15 km from Dharamshala and 10 km from Kangra, along the Dharamshala–Palampur road (State Highway 17). It is served by both Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) and private buses, taxis, and autos connecting Dharamshala, Palampur, Kangra, and nearby towns.[5]
Rail
[edit]The nearest railway station is Kangra station, about 14 km from the temple, on the narrow-gauge Kangra Valley Railway line between Pathankot and Joginder Nagar, with regular daily service.[6] For broad-gauge travelers, Pathankot Junction (PTK) is approximately 90 km away.[7]
Air
[edit]The nearest airport is Kangra Airport (Gaggal Airport, IATA: DHM), roughly 25 km from the temple, with daily flights to New Delhi and Chandigarh. Taxis and buses are available for onward travel.[8]
See also
[edit]- Shakti Peethas
- Jwalamukhi Temple
- Bajreshwari Mata Temple
- Chintpurni Temple
References
[edit]- ^ "चैत्र नवरात्र की तैयारियों पर चामुंडा मंदिर की बैठक आज". Dainik Jagran (in Hindi). Retrieved 20 March 2021.
- ^ "Sacred Shakti Temples of Himachal Pradesh". Himachal Pradesh Tourism Official Website. Retrieved 3 July 2025.
- ^ Tentaran (15 July 2020). "Popular nine Durga temples in India | famous goddess temples in India". Latest News. Retrieved 20 March 2021.
- ^ Service, Tribune News. "Govinda, wife Sunita pay obeisance at Himachal temples; see pictures". Tribuneindia News Service. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
- ^ "Mata Chamundaji". HPTDC. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
- ^ "Chamunda Marg station map". India Rail Info. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
- ^ "Transport to Chamunda Devi Temple". IndiaTourismPackage.com. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
- ^ "How to get to Chamunda Devi". IndiaTourismPackage.com. Retrieved 4 July 2025.