Chamunda Devi temple is situated 10 km west of Palampur, on the Baner River in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, India. The temple overlooked by the mighty Dhauldhar ranges is situated in the picturesque settings of lush green mountains at an altitude of 1000 mt above sea level. This famous temple is dedicated to Chamunda Devi, the goddess of Shakti. The name ‘Chamunda’ consists of two words ‘Chanda’ and ‘Munda’ -the two monsters Devi vanquished by Devi. It is believed to be the abode of 'Shiva and Shakti'. hence it is also known as 'Chamunda Nandikeshwar Dham'.
Chamunda Devi Temple Legends
As per the legends two demons Chanda and Munda ordered by their king 'Shumb' and 'Ni-Shumb' try to harass the goddess Ambika. This resulted in a ferocious battle between the gods and demons. Chamunda emerged as Chandika from an eyebrow of Goddess Ambika and was assigned the task of slaying the demons Chanda and Munda. With her immense power, the Goddess killed the demons and presented their heads in front of Ambika Goddess. She became happy with the slaughter and blessed the goddess that she would be known and worshipped as Chamunda.
It is also said the temple was earlier located at a remote place which was difficult to access. So the e then king and a priest sought permission from the Devi to move the temple to a place more easily accessible. Devi appeared to the priest in a dream giving her consent. Devi in the priest’s dream also guided him to dig and find an idol from a specific spot. The king’s men set out to look for idol. But On finding the idol they were unable to lift it. Devi again appeared in the dream to the priest in the dream and told the reason the men could not lift the idol was that they treated the idol as a mere stone. She asked him to wake up early in the morning, and to wear clean clothes after taking a bath. She asked him to visit the same spot with reverence for the idol. As per her instructions the priest went to the place and lifted the idol easily and enshrined it in the present temple.
The idol is considered so sacred that it is completely hidden beneath a red cloth. Scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Devi Mahatmya are depicted on the walls. On either side of the Devi's image are Hanuman and Bhairo. The temple also has a holy kund and the dip in the kund is considered very sacred. There is a cave-like scoop located at the back of the temple representing the stone lingam which is embodiment of Shiva. Taking dip in the Ban Ganga river is also considered as more auspicious and sacred. In the corner of the temple, one can find small footsteps of the Goddess on a stone.
The temple is located at a picturesque spot with mesmerising views of the mountain, river and forests. the serene surroundings of the temple provide an excellent venue for meditation and prayers. Thousands of people from far and wide visit this temple to seek the blessing of the goddess.
How to reach Chamunda Devi Temple
Nearest railway station to the temple is Pathankot for broad gauge trains. The temple is about 90 Km from Pathankot. The nearest railhead on the narrow gauge line in Kangra district is Nagrota Bagwan. The nearest airport is Kangra airport at Gaggal near Dharamshala. It is 28 Km from Chamunda Devi Temple. Chamunda Devi Temple is located at a distance of 15 km from Dharamshala The temple is easily accessible via road from Dharamshala, Palampur, Kangra and all the major cities of Himachal Pradesh. One can easily reach Chamunda Devi Temple by taking regular buses or by hiring taxis.