| 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 Show map of Himachal Pradesh Shri Chamunda Devi Mandir (India) Show map of India | |
| Geographic coordinates | 32°8′54″N76°25′9″E / 32.14833°N 76.41917°E /32.14833; 76.41917 |
Shri Chamunda Devi Temple also known asChamunda Nandikeshwar Dham is aHindu temple dedicated toShri Chamunda Devi, a form ofGoddess Durga, located at 19 km away fromPalampur town inDharamshala Tehsil ofKangra district of theNorthern Indian state ofHimachal Pradesh. This is one of the most prominent temples in Himachal Pradesh and one of the most popular all overIndia. It is believed that whatever vow is prayed here manifests in reality.[1]
The much olderAadi 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.
While the Chamunda Devi Temple holds immense religious significance in Himachal Pradesh, it is not listed among the 51 or 52 traditionalShakti Peethas mentioned in Hindu scriptures such as theKalika Purana and theDevi 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 withChintpurni,Jwalamukhi,Brajeshwari (Kangra), andNaina Devi. This grouping is based on local traditions and pilgrimage circuits, rather than canonical texts.[2]
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]
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 itsHimachali 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]
The temple is located in the village of Chandreshwar, approximately 15 km fromDharamshala and 10 km fromKangra, along the Dharamshala–Palampur road (State Highway 17). It is served by bothHimachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) and private buses, taxis, and autos connecting Dharamshala, Palampur, Kangra, and nearby towns.[5]
The nearest railway station isKangra station, about 14 km from the temple, on the narrow-gaugeKangra Valley Railway line betweenPathankot andJoginder Nagar, with regular daily service.[6] For broad-gauge travelers,Pathankot Junction (PTK) is approximately 90 km away.[7]
The nearest airport isKangra Airport (Gaggal Airport, IATA: DHM), roughly 25 km from the temple, with daily flights toNew Delhi andChandigarh. Taxis and buses are available for onward travel.[8]