Chamunda Devi Temple In Chamba Himachal Pradesh

                                               Chamunda Devi Temple

Chamunda also known as Chamundi, Chamundeshwari and Charchika, is a fearsome aspect of Devi, the Hindu Divine Mother and one of the seven Matrikas (mother goddesses). She is also one of the chief Yoginis, a group of 64 or 81 Tantric goddesses, who are attendants of the warrior goddess Durga. The name is a combination of Chanda and Munda, two monsters whom Chamunda killed. She is closely associated with Kali, another fierce aspect of Devi. She is sometimes identified with goddesses Parvati, Chandi or Durga as well. Chamunda Devi Mandir is believed to be the abode of 'Shiva and Shakti'. Due to this reason, it is also known as 'Chamunda Nandikeshwar Dham'.
The holy temple of Mata Chamunda ji.Chamunda Devi Temple is a renowned holy shrine of the Hindus. Located in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, Chamunda Devi Mandir is at a distance of 10 kms from Palampur, 24 km from Kangra and 15 km from Dharamshala on the banks of Banganga (Baner) River. This ancient temple dates back to the 16th century. The temple is dedicated to Chamunda Devi, who is a form of Durga / Shakti. Chamunda Devi Mandir is believed to be the abode of ‘Shiva and Shakti’.

 At the back of the temple is a cave-like scoop where a stone “Lingam” under a boulder represents Nandikeshwar (Shiva). The temple complex is an enchanting spot with glorious view of Dhauladhar, the Baner Khad and Dadh. A vast running water pool houses the statues of Lord Shiva and Saraswati. A trek of about 16 km up in the Dhauladhar ranges is the ancient temple of Aadi Himani Chamunda.

History of Chamunda Temple:-

The legend related to the temple says that there occurred a fierce battle between the gods and demons in the "Savarni Manvantra." During the course of this battle, Chamunda who is believed to have emerged from an eyebrow of Goddess "Kaushiki"; was entrusted with the tedious task of eliminating the demons "Chand" and "Mund". After a fierce battle, the goddess at last killed them. Taking the slain heads of both, she went to Goddess "Kaushiki." The pleased Goddess blessed Chandika and bestowed
It is said that around 400 years back, a  king and a priest asked for permission from the Devi to shift the temple to a better place. The Goddess then appeared in the dreams of the priest and asked him to start digging the land at some particular place. The priest found an ancient idol of Chamunda devi at that site. The idol was the established at the same place and the Goddess  is worshipped there since then.
When the idol was found, the king asked the labour to take the idol out but nobody was successful to displace the idol. Later on, the Goddess appeared in the dreams of the priest and told him that all the people were considering the idol as an ordinary idol while the idol is of great significance. The Goddess further asked the priest to wake up early in the morning, to take bath and to wear holy clothes. The Goddess also asked the priest to give due respect to the idol and then he would be able to shift the idol which all of the others could not do together. Next day the priest narrated the whole story to everyone and told them that everything is happening because of the Mother’s grace and power. There are the paintings from Mahatamay, Ramayana and Mahabharata in the temple. A glimpse of Hanumana and Bhairon can be seen in the idol of Chamunda Devi in the temple.
According to mythology, Chamunda Devi is depicted as the main Goddess and established as Rudra during the war between Lord Shiva and demon Jaalandhar. This temple is also known as Rudra Chamunda. Another story tells about the war between deities and the devils at “सावर्णि मन्वन्तर’.  Bhagwati Kaushiki produced Devi Chandika from one of Her eyebrows and assigned Her the task to kill both the demons Chanda and Munda. There was a fierce battle between the Devi Chandika and the demons. Finally the Goddess killed both of them and presented their head to Devi Kaushiki who inturn gave blessings to the Devi Chandika that you had killed the demons Chanda and Munda so you will be worshipped as Devi Chandika in this world.
The images of Lord Hanuman and Bhainro are installed on either side of the goddess. Scenes from the Devi Mahatmya, Ramayana and Mahabharata can also be seen in the temple. There also is a beautiful artificial lake near the temple which is full of fresh water from Baner River flowing nearby. Artificial sculptures of Goddess Saraswati, lions and swans in the lake add further to its beauty The interiors of the sanctorum of the deity have been beautified with carved silver sheets.

The Past Of Chamunda Devi Temple :-

 Chamunda Devi is located at a spot where the famous battle described in the Devi Mahatmaya took place. It is heard that Kali killed the two generals of Shumbha and Nishumba. Their names were Chanda and Munda. As a result of this battle Kali received the name Chamunda. The temple was originally located in dangerous remote spot. It was relocated to its current location. Around 400 years ago the king and a Brahmin priest prayed to Devi for permission to move the temple to some easily accessible location. Devi appeared to the priest in a dream giving her consent. She directed him to dig in a certain spot and an ancient idol would be found and that idol should be installed in the temple and worshipped as Her form. Himachal Pradesh Pligrimage tour operator
The king sent out men to bring the idol. Although they were able to locate it but were not able to lift it. Again Devi appeared to the priest in a dream. She explained that the men could not lift the holy relic because they considered it an ordinary stone. She instructed him to get up early in the morning, take a bath, wear fresh clothes and go to the place in a respectful manner. He did as he was told and found that he could easily lift what a large group of men could not. He told the people that it was the power of the Goddess that brought the idol to the temple. In the temple now you can see scenes from the Devi Mahatmya, Ramayan and Mahabharata. On either side of the Devi's image is Hanuman and Bhairo.

Significance of Chamunda Devi Temple:-

The idol of Chamunda is made up of black and red coloured stone. In the idol, she is wearing a garland of several heads or skulls.

It is said she has four, eight, ten or twelve arms, holding a Damaru, trishula, sword, a snake, skull-mace, thunderbolt, a severed head and panapatra or skull-cup, filled with blood.She has been described as having a skeletal body with three eyes, a terrifying face, drooping breasts, protruding teeth, long nails and a sunken belly. She is standing on a corpse of a man or seated on a defeated demon or corpse.There is a scorpion sitting on her navel like a decoration. Chamunda is depicted adorned by ornaments of bones, skulls, serpents and scorpions, symbols of disease and death.
She also wears a Yajnopavita of skulls. Yajnopavita is worn by Hindu male priests. She wears a jata mukuta, that is, headdress formed of piled, matted hair tied with snakes or skull ornaments. Sometimes, a crescent moon is seen on her head. Her socket eyes are described as burning the world with flames.She is accompanied by fiends and goblins. She is also shown surrounded by skeletons or ghosts and beasts like jackals, who are shown eating the flesh of the corpse which the goddess sits or stands on.The jackals and her fearsome companions are sometimes depicted as drinking blood from the skull-cup or blood dripping from the severed head, implying that Chamunda drinks the blood of the defeated enemies. This quality of drinking blood is a usual characteristic of all Matrikas, and Chamunda in particular.Sometimes she is depicted seated on an owl, her vahana. Her banner figures an eagle.

Highlights Of Chamunda Devi Temple:-

Going back to the history of the temple, it is said that this is the same place where Goddess Ambika killed the two demons, Munda and Chanda, in a fight that continued for thousands of years. The statue of the deity in this temple is wrapped in a red cloth, so that the devotees don't touch the deity. The temple also holds a boulder, which depicts the presence of Lord Shiva in the form of a stone lingam. There are several images of other gods and goddesses in the temple and the tourists can see them and capture the images to lock the memories forever.
This famous temple of Ma Chamunda is loacated in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh and is only a few kilometers away from Dalhousie. One can easily take a bus or a direct taxi to reach the spot and worship the idol of Goddess Durga and Lord Shiva.

 Many devotees gather in the temple to offer prayers to their ancestors. They believe that a dip in the Ban Ganga will assure them a state of spiritual peace. People from 22 villages use the temple area as their cremation ground because they consider the place as a sanctified ground. At the same time the atmosphere around the temple is one of serenity and solace. For many people, the Chamunda Devi Temple is an ideal meditation ground.
 Just beside the temple there is a Sanskrit College, an Ayurvedic dispensary and a library. The dispensary caters to the need of the pilgrims and the inhabitants. The college holds classes on Vedas and Puranas. The library houses various old manuscripts on Sanskrit books, the Vedas and the Upanishadsand also sales these books at a reasonable rate to many pilgrims.

Architecture Of Chamunda Devi Temple :-

There is nothing extra-ordinary about the architecture of the temple, but the divine aura spellbinds the devotees with its spiritual appeal. The images of Lord Bhairav and Lord Hanuman are kept in the main shrine along with other images of other gods. The main image of Goddess Durga is visible from the main entrance and is draped in rich clothes. Inside the temple, there is a marble staircase beside the main shrine that takes you down to the cave of Lord Shiva.

 The interiors of the sanctorum of the deity have been beautified with carved silver sheets. The temple complex also has a handicrafts centre, containing items of the woodcarvings, wooden toys, black pottery, honey, Kangra tea and world famous Kangra Paintings. During the Navratras, people from all over India come in hordes into the temple. Pilgrims from far and near come to visit this temple of great legacy and religious importance. Chamunda Devi blesses all her true devotees.

Rituals Of Chamunda Devi Temple :-

The temple is also known as Chamunda Nandikeshwar Dham among Hindus. This is because it is considered the home of ‘Shiva and Shakti’. The idol of Maa Chamunda is beautifully draped in red clothes in the center of the temple. Maa Chamunda is worshipped daily with the morning and evening aarti. Songs in the praise of Maa Devi are also song by the devotees. It is considered really auspicious if the hymn of ‘Shat Chandi’ is recited with a devoted heart. A number of devotees visit the temple during Navaratras to seek the blessings of Maa Devi.
Further, the temple complex has a handicrafts centre where people can find items such as woodcarvings, honey, wooden toys, black pottery, Kangra tea and Kangra Paintings.

Best time to visit Temple:-

 June to October.

The best time to visit the temple is during Navaratri, the temple will be decorated like a bride and you can see people from all over the countries gathered to take the blessings of the Goddess. The temple is surrounded with lush greenery, mountains and valleys making it a picture perfect location for all the tourists.

Nearby places to visit:-

Kangra Fort:-

 The Kangra Fort are located on a strategic height overlooking the Manjhi River and Ban Ganga River. The remains of the Kangra fort are still a dominating feature of the Kangra Valley. Mohammed Ghazni occupied the Kangra Fort in 1009 AD and at that time, the place was called Bhima Nagar, after the name of Bhima, one of the Pandavas. Muhammed Tuglaq also conquered the fort in 1337, but could not occupy it for long. Feroz Tuglaq also plundered the fort in 1365 AD. This is known as Nagarkot, located 42 km from Palampur. There are two entrance, it is currently preserved by an archaeological department. It has very beautiful entrance and very amazing.
Jwalamukhi Temple:-

 Located at a distance of around 30 km from Kangra, the temple of Goddess Jawalamukhi is also famously called “Flaming Goddess” or “She of the flaming mouth.” Nestled in the valley of Beas, the temple of Jawalamukhi is built over some natural jets of combustible gas. It is on of shakti peeth temple, it is 35 km from Kangra dedicated to goddess light, this temple is very famous to north Indians. There are all types of facility available like hotels, restaurants etc.
Kangra Art Gallery:-

 The Kangra Valley Art Gallery showcases artefacts that can be traced back to the 5th century. It encompasses a gallery of Kangra’s renowned miniature painting and a representative collection of pottery, sculptures, and anthropological items.
Bhagsunath:-

 The ancient temple of Bhagsunath is located 3 km east of McLeodganj and 11 km from Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh. The annual fair held at the place in September is quite popular. With the forests and hilly ranges, there is also a waterfall located nearby.

How To Reach:-

By Air:-

The nearest airport is Gaggal.

By Train:-

 The nearest railway station is Pathankot.

By Raod:-

 we hire private taxi from Dharamsala to reach the temple. Buses are also available to reach here

Laxmi Narayan Temple ,Chamba Himachal Pradesh

                                                                Laxmi Narayan Temple

Laxmi Narayan Temple is one of the oldest temples and also the largest one, situated in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. There are six temples that are situated in the complex of the Laxmi Narayan Temple. These six temples are situated from north to south. They are dedicated to Lord Shiva or Lord Vishnu. Some of the temples located in the complex are the Shiva temple, Gauri Shankar temple and Radha Krishna.
Laxmi Narayan Temple was constructed in the tenth century. The Shikhara style of architecture is evident from the temples situated in the complex. The rulers of Chamba took care to maintain these temples. Each of the rulers also contributed to the construction of the different parts of the temples. The ancient legends presume that Raja Sahil Verma built the temple of Laxmi Narayan Temple. The temple is kept for the tourists and the devotees from 6 am to 12.30 pm and from 2.30 to 8.30 pm. Laxmi Narayan Temple in Himachal Pradesh is the recognized Religious Place of India.

Architecture Of Laxmi Narayan Temple :-

Besides being historically significant, this holy shrine is also an architectural masterpiece. Raja Sahil Varman built the temple in Shikhara style. There is a Shikhara or the Bimana and a Garbhgriha with a small Antralya. There is also a Mandapa like formation in the temple premise. There are exceptionally admirable effigies of Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, Narsimha and Lord Krishna. All these are the residing deities of this temple.

There are wooden umbrellas and the shell roof on the top of the temple. The wheel shaped roof keeps the cold away. This was constructed keeping in mind the local climate as snowfall is an inevitable part of this land’s weather.The Shiva temple in the complex has been constructed by King Sahil Varman whereas the Gauri Shankar temple is said to have been added by his son Yugkara. The Radha Krishan temple was later added by Rani Sarda in 1825.


History Of Laxmi Narayan Temple :-

Laxmi Narayan and Hari Rai Temples of Chamba stand as a testimony to the architectural brilliance and execution that existed thousands of years ago. Laxmi Narayan Temple is the main temple of Chamba town which was built by Sahil Varman in the 10th century. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. Laxmi Narayan Temple has many small temples within the complex. Among these are Radha Krishna, Shiva Temple of Chandragupta and Gauri Shankar Temple. The temple has a finely crafted wooden roof with Shikara and a chamber housing the idols. The design and architecture of the temple is such that it suits all kind of climatic conditions. The majestic door of the temple has a grand metal idol of Garuda, the vehicle of Lord Vishnu, which welcomes every tourist and devotee inside the temple. One can feel richness, culture and grandeur in every stone of the Laxmi Narayan Temple.
The Hari Rai Temple is another ancient temple of Chamba. The temple is located in the north-west direction and has become the official entrance to enter the Chamba town. This temple is also dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is carved in a Shikara style and stands majestically on a stone platform. The temple has a beautiful statue of Lord Vishnu in the form of Chaturmurti (four faces). Hari Rai is the only temple that has been beautifully coated with saffron and can be prominently seen among all the other temples.
Both these temples of Chamba are soaked in grandeur and beauty and take you back to those ancient days where the culture and tradition reigned the historical era. So grab your cameras to capture the beauty of these temples amongst the setting sun of Chamba and come back home with album full of memories.

Significance of Lakshmi Narayan Temple:-

Lakshmi Narayan Temple is the most famous temple of Chamba. It is both an architectural marvel as well as a place of great historical significance. Built by Raja Sahil Varman in the Shikhara style, it was first erected in the 10th Century.Wooden Chhatris or umbrella-like structures are built to keep the snowfall off the roofs. There is also a wheel shaped roof that staves off the cold. Every following ruler of Chamba added to the temple. A Radha-Krishnan temple was built by Rani Sarda, the wife of Raja Jit Singh in 1825.
A Shiva Temple in the temple complex was built by Sahil Varman and the Gauri-Shankar Temple is said to have been made by his son Yugkar Varman. A Garuda (the mythical eagle) statue in metal watches over the main gate, placed there by Raja Balabhadra Verma.The latest addition to the temple in historic times was in answer to Mughal threat. Apparently Aurangzeb the Emperor ordered that the temple be demolished and Raja Chhatra Singh, to prove that he wasnt afraid, added gilded pinnacles to the temple in 1678. There were also some shrines built in the temple complex. All of which you will see when you visit this most revered temple in what is known as Himachals Holy Valley.
The Lakshmi Narayan Temple complex is opened first between 6 am to 12.30 pm and then from 2.30 to 8.30 pm.The ‘garbhagriha’ or the innermost shrine houses a mandapa (altar) that is prohibited to the public. It also has idols of several other deities.
The entire complex consists of six temples in a row from the north to south direction. They are mostly dedicated to Lord Shiva or Vishnu. The other important ones here are of the Gauri Shankar Temple, Shiva Temple of Chandergupta and temple of Radha and Lord Krishna. Divine symbols and images of deities adorn the outer walls of these temples.The shell roofs or the umbrella like structures made of wood was built keeping in mind the climate of the place. Snowfall is inevitable in this part of the state.

Timings Of Laxmi Narayan Temple :-

Laxmi Narayan Temple remains open from early 6 am to 12.30 pm and then from 2.30 pm to 8.30 pm. It remains open twice a day for the devotees in two halves.

Prime Attractions of Chamba:-

Bhuri Singh Museum:-

Bhuri Singh Museum was opened on 14th September 1908 and is named after Raja Bhuri Singh who ruled Chamba from 1904 to 1919. This museum is very near to Chamba's Chaugan.

Champawati Temple:-

Close to the royal palace at Chamba, there is a stone sikhara temple dedicated to Goddess Champavati. Tradition holds that the town of Chamba was named after her.

Chaurashi Temple:-

The main temples of Lakshmi Devi, Ganesh and Manimahesh and Nar Sing in Bharmour are known as Chaurashi temples.

Kalatope Khajjiar Sanctuary:-

It's possible to trek 30-km from Dalhousie to Chamba along the eastbound road from Gandhi Chowk. A short but steep ascent leads to the Kalatope wildlife sanctuary, from which one can walk into a pleasant track.

Lakshmi Narayan Temple:-

To the north of the palace at Chamba, there is a group of six stone Sikhara temples arranged in a row from north to south. Three of these temples are dedicated to Vishnu and three to Shiva. The northern most is that of the Lakshmi- Narayana- the principal temple of Chamba.

Lama Dal:-

Held Sacred to Lord Shiva, this lake lies amidst bare rock. 'Lamba Dal means "a long lake".

Markula Devi Temple:-

'Markual' or 'Marul'-ancient Markul is a small village in Chamba-Lahaul at the junction of 'Miyar Nala' with the Chandrabhaga.

Pangi Valley:-

Pangi Valley in the upper part of Chamba District is a remote world in itself. This hidden valley located between Pir Panjal and the Greater Himalayan Zanskar ranges is cut off from the rest of the world.

Parbati Valley:-

Hemmed in by giant pinnacled mountain peaks, the Parbati valley, twists west from the glaciers and snowfields on the Spiti boader. Picturesque hamlets perch precariously on its sides, amid lush terraces and old growth pine forests.

Rang Mahal:-

In Chamba, situated the beautiful Rang Mahal palace, which was built by Raja Umed Singh in the mid 18th century. The palace walls here are lined with exquisite examples of wall paintings in the Punjab Hills style, all of which depict the life and times of Lord Krishna.

Shakti Temple:-

The villages of Chatrari possess a famous Devi temple, founded by Meruvarman about A. D. 700 and the oldest one in area.

Chamba:-

Chamba valley is also known as Ravi valley. The scenery is of a picturesque and varied character presenting many delightful sights.

Chamba Minjiar Mela:-

The famous Minjiar fair was started in 935 AD when the Raja of Chamba defeated the ruler of "Trigarta," now known as Kangra. On his return, a celebration was held, and he was greeted by people with sherfs of paddy and maze.

Chamera Lake:-

In district Chamba, this is the famous reservoir of the Chamera dam is built over the river Ravi, offering numerous water sports facilities to the visitors.

Chaugan:-

This public promenade situated in the heart of the town is a grassy maidan less than one-kilometre in length and about seventy-five metres wide is a busy local trading centre for villagers from the surrounding hills. Each year Chaugan is the site for the 'Minjar' procession, a fair that lasts a week and comprise of large number of sports and cultural activities.

Gaddis:-

The Gaddis are famous shepherds who move their flocks of sheep from lower pastures in winter to higher ones after snow melt. To them the Dhauladhars are not just a mountain range but like their mother.

Ghadhasaru Lake:-

Ghadhasaru Lake lies in the Churah tehsil of Chamba and is 24-km from Tissa, at an altitude of 3,470m.

Katasan Devi Temple:-

: Another popular temple of the Chamba district, it is about 30-km from the town near Baira Siul Project. This calm and peaceful spot is ideal for picnic lovers and one can witness a full view of the valley from its premises.

Killar:-

Located in the deep narrow gauge of the Chenab River, Killar can be reached through the Sach Pass and is also known as a Trekker's Paradise.

Maharaja's Palace:-

This palace belongs to the erstwhile rulers of Chamba and the most outstanding buildings in the town. Of these, Rang Mahal or 'the Painted Palace', with towers on either side, is undoubtedly the most interesting one. There is one room in the building, the walls of which are painted with murals depicting episodes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

Narayana Temple:-

The Narayana temple at Udaipur, is situated nearly 5-km below Chamba. There are two other images of white marble, flanking Narayana, which represent Raja Uday Singh and his brother Lachhman Singh.

The Chamba Rumal:-

The other craft of Chamba is its unique embroidery style. The Chamba 'Rumal' or handkerchief about 2 to 6 feet in length is an important part of a Chamba bride's trousseau. This handkerchief is also known as 'Kashida'. The embroidery is same on both sides and the threads used are silken and colorful.

Excursion Tours from Chamba:-

Bharmaur Tour:-

Enveloped within the high mountain ranges, the original capital of Chamba district, Bharmaur also known as Brahmour, is a famous little town. Mainly popular for its several ancient temples and monuments that reflect the towns glorious past. This small hill resort is famous for Manimahesh Yatra tour and for many options availabe for taking up adventure trekking trips on the higher ranges and mountain treks. and for various marvelous treks in the region.

Bandal Valley:-

(83Km.)
A Travel tour of 27-km. from Salooni, this is where the Himachal border meets Jammu and Kashmir. Bandal valley is also gaining much tourist importance due to a nice view of snow clad peaks of Himalayan ranges.

Manimahesh Kailash Excursion Tour:-

(97Km.)
A tour of the glacier lake of Manimahesh will take you to towered mountain Manimahesh Kailash, which is held sacred by the Shivites, who worship at the banks of lake and follow the ritual of Manimahesh yatra or pilgrimage, following a circumambulatory path around the dramaticrock and ice peak.

Salooni:-

(56Km.)
Situated at a height of 1,829m.(6,000 ft.) and 56-km away from Chamba, Salooni offers a breath-taking panoramic view of the snow-covered hills and peaks.

Sarol:-

(11Km.)
23-km from Shimla and named after the little temple that stands on the links, is a 9-hole golf course. Lord Curzon was so much enchanted by this spot that he gave his daughter Alexandra, Naldehra as her second name. During the monsoons, several golf tournaments are also held over here.

Fairs & Festivals Celebrated in Chamba:-

Chamba's annual 'Suhi Mata Festival', is the very famous in Chamba which lasts for 4 days ( early April ) is celebrated to commemorate Rani Champavathi, the wife of the Raja Sahil Verma ( 10th century ). This festival is attended by only women and children who dance on the Chowgan before processing towards Suhi Mata Temple with the banners of the Rajput Solar Emblem and an image of Rani Champavathi.
Another interesting festival celebrated here is the 'Manjar Fair' for about a week long ( early August), celebrated by singing and dancing during the cultivation of Maize.
Other festivals celebrated in August are Chrewal, Patroru or Badronjo the festival of fire and flowers which is also the time for purification of these fields.
The 'Manimahesh Yatra Festival' - the sacred tarn of Manimahesh is celebrated which falls after the festival of Janamashtmi. Chamba people also celebrates the Gugga Fair in the same month August - the Worship of 'Gugga' ( Nag Devatha ).

How To Reach Chamba:-

By Road:-

There are plenty of buses available daily for Dalhousie along with jeeps also.

By Air:-

Gaggal in Kangra valley, is the nearest airport which is  around 180 km from Chamba. The Indian Airlines operates its flights on the Delhi-Dharamsala sector.

By Train:-

Pathankot has the nearest railway station to Chamba town which is around 122-km to it and is linked with direct trains to Amritsar, Calcutta, Delhi and Bombay as it is well-connected with these places.