Shri Chamunda Devi Mandir
Shri Chamunda Devi Mandir also known as Chamunda Nandikeshwar Dham is the temple located at just 19 km away from Palampur town in Dharamshala Tehsil of Kangra district of the Northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh dedicated to Shri Chamunda Devi, a form of Goddess Durga. This is one of the most prominent temples in Himachal Pradesh and one of the most popular temples in all over India. It is believed that whatever vow is prayed here manifests the reality.[1] The main temple i.e. Aadi Himani Chamunda is very older than this, it is on the uphill and it is difficult to reach there, that's why around 400 years ago this temple was built for the ease of the believers.
| Shri Chamunda Devi Mandir | |
|---|---|
श्री चामुँडा देवी मंदिर | |
 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 | |
| Geographic coordinates | 32°8′54″N 76°25′9″E / 32.14833°N 76.41917°E |
Legend[]
The temple is ancient and it originally came into being way back in the 16th century and has a lot of spiritual legends attached to it. In fact, there is a certain legend associated to the story of shifting this temple at one point as well. According to the legend, it was around 400 years ago that a king and a priest prayed to Shri Chamunda Devi asking her consent to shift the image to an accessible location. The legend suggests that the goddess appeared in the priest's dream and suggested him the exact location of where the idol would be found. This was told to the king and his men recovered the ancient idol and placed it at the place where the temple has been built now.[2]
Popularity[]
It is one of the most famous temples in all over India. The Chamunda Devi Temple has always been a major tourist attraction for anyone who visits 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 its architecture, built in Himachali architecture. The temple has also proved to be a popular spot for travellers for photography enthusiasts. Besides, the ancient idol of Shri Chamunda Devi, it also makes for a great 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 quaint hill town consider it one of the holiest places of worship in the area, especially because of its many interesting legends and history that are attached to it. 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 situated on a hilltop with serene surroundings and offering awesome views of the valley. It is accessible by a short mountain drive.[3]
References[]
- ^ "चैत्र नवरात्र की तैयारियों पर चामुंडा मंदिर की बैठक आज". Dainik Jagran (in Hindi). Retrieved 20 March 2021.
- ^ 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.
- Temples in India
- Hindu temples in Himachal Pradesh