Chamunda Devi temple is located in Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh. Chamunda Devi is an incarnation of the Goddess Durga. The Chamunda Devi temple is 10 km away from the Palampur. The name of the goddess is combination of the Chanda and Munda. These two demons are killed by the Goddess. The goddess is very close to Maa kali and the temple is located same spot where goddess Kali killed two demons Shumbh and Nisumbh. The temple is also known as Chamunda Nandikeshwar Dham among Hindus. This is because it is considered the home of ‘Shiva and Shakti’. Chamunda Devi is set at a beautiful location which is amid the beautiful Mountains and green scenery.
According to Hindu Scripture, Devi Mahatmaya Chamunda emerged from an eyebrow of goddess Kausiki. Devi Kausiki assigned Devi Chamunda to kill demons Chanda and Munda. After killing the Chanda and Munda the goddesss got the name Chamunda.
In another epidose of Devi Mahatmaya, Goddess Durga created matrika from herself to kill the demons Chanda and Munda. In this episode Goddess kali is incarnation of Chamunda, who suked all the blood of the demon Raktbija.
In Matasya Purana, the story is different about Goddess Chamunda. Goddess was created by the Lord Shiva to kill the demon Andhkasura wha had ability that his blood drop rose another demon. Goddess sucked the blood of the Andhkasura with other Matrikas to help Lord shiva that he can kill him.
Goddess Chamunda was chief of the Yogini. Yoginis wad daughters and manifestations of the Yogini. Chamund adeci believed to create seven other Yoginis.
Hundreds year ago, once a king and priest prayed to Chamunda Devi for build her temple then Godess came into the dream of Preist and told him that dig a certain area and he would found an idol. The priest told about this dream to King then the king sent his men to brought that idol but the men could not brought that idol. Then the Godeess told the priest to get up early in the morning and take a bath. After wearing fresh clothes, he should go to the place. The priest did the same what was told to him. He found that he could lift the idol easily. He placed the idol in its present location.
The Chamunda Devi temple is situated at bank of small river. The architecture of the temple is very simple. In the complex of the temple there is a large pond with the idol of the Lord Shiva and people also can take bath. The walls of the main temple are carved with beautiful creativity. There are several other temples of Lord Shiva and Hamuman. The main image of Goddess Durga is visible from the main entrance and is draped in rich clothes. The inner walls of main temple are carved with silver. The shikhara of the temple is coated with gold. There is another temple of the Lord Shiva which is known as Nandiswar temple. Idols of the many other gods are placed in the centre of the temple complex.
The temple is 700 years old, dedicated to the goddess Chamunda. The main idol of the temple is made up with black and red stone. The idol is wearing the garland of the skull. The goddess also wears the Yajnopavit of skulls. Yajnopavit is worn by the Male Hindu priest. There is a scorpion sitting on her navel like a decoration. Chamunda depicted adorned by ornament of bones, skull, scorpion symbol of disease and death.
Navaratri – Navaratri is a major festival at the Chamunda Devi temple. During the Navaratri there is huge crowd in the temple. Devotees are come from the various parts of India to take blessings.
The temple opened for visitors every morning at 6.00 a.m. and close 12.00 p.m. and then 1.00 a.m to 9.00 p.m.
Chamunda Devi Temple Pooja Timing
The temple is located at Kangra district of the Himachal Pradesh. The temple is 15 km away from the Dharamshala. And the distance is 10 km from Palamur.
By Air : The nearest airport is Gaggal airport in Kangra district. This is 28 km away from the temple. The airport is connected with some specific cities of the India.
Rail : The nearest railway station is Moranda Railway station, which is 30 km away from the temple.
Road : The temple is situated 10 km away from the Dharamshala. State transport buses are also available from the Haryana, Punjab, Uttarpradesh, Delhi, Uttarakhand.
Summer : During the months of summer (Mar to June), the temperature can be pleasant. But you should carry light woolen clothes.
Monsoon : In the monsoon there can be heavy rainfall. The temperature remains humid and warm.
Winter : In the winter the temperature can reach sub zero level. You should advise to wear heavy woollen clothes.
A. There is no entry fee in Chamunda Temple.
A. Yes, during the Navarati there can be huge crowd.
A. The best time to visit, is during the summer and winter.
A. The temple opened at 6.00 a.m morning and close 9.00 p.m at night.
A. There are many guest houses and hotels nearby the temple. You can stay at very cheap price.