Shri Brajeshwari Devi Temple
Also known as Vajreshwari Devi Temple, Bajreshwari Mata Temple, Kangra Devi Temple, Nagarkot Devi Temple
One of the 51 Shakti Peethas — the left breast of Sati is believed to have fallen here. The goddess is worshipped in aniconic Pindi form as Vajreshwari.
Photos of Shri Brajeshwari Devi Temple
- Presiding Deity
- Devi
- Established
- Ancient (attested by the 11th century CE); rebuilt after the 1905 earthquake
- Architecture
- Fort-temple complex (composite Hindu, Sikh and Muslim reconstruction)
- Address
- Haripur, New Kangra, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh 176001
- Timings
- 06:00–12:00 daily
History of Shri Brajeshwari Devi Temple
Legend holds the Pandavas built a shrine here at Nagarkot on Durga's instruction before the Mahabharata war. Its legendary wealth drew repeated raids, most famously by Mahmud of Ghazni from 1009 CE. The devastating 1905 Kangra earthquake flattened the temple; the government rebuilt it within a year, giving the present shrine its three composite-style domes.
Festivals Celebrated at Shri Brajeshwari Devi Temple
- Navaratri (Chaitra & Sharad)
- Diwali
- Makar Sankranti
How to Reach Shri Brajeshwari Devi Temple
Nearest airport: Kangra (Gaggal) Airport, ~10 km. Nearest railhead: Kangra station on the narrow-gauge Kangra Valley Railway, ~2 km; broad-gauge at Pathankot, ~85 km. On NH88, 1.3 km from Kangra bus stand.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shri Brajeshwari Devi Temple
Where is Shri Brajeshwari Devi Temple located?
- Shri Brajeshwari Devi Temple is located at Haripur, New Kangra, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh 176001, in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Who is the presiding deity at Shri Brajeshwari Devi Temple?
- The presiding deity at Shri Brajeshwari Devi Temple is Devi (also known as Shakti, Durga), worshipped in the Shakta tradition.
What are the timings of Shri Brajeshwari Devi Temple?
- Shri Brajeshwari Devi Temple is generally open 06:00–12:00 daily. Timings can vary on festival days and special occasions — verify with the temple before your visit.
When was Shri Brajeshwari Devi Temple built?
- Shri Brajeshwari Devi Temple was established Ancient (attested by the 11th century CE); rebuilt after the 1905 earthquake. Portions of the structure have been added and renovated by successive dynasties over the centuries.
What is the architectural style of Shri Brajeshwari Devi Temple?
- Shri Brajeshwari Devi Temple is built in the Fort-temple complex (composite Hindu, Sikh and Muslim reconstruction) style, characteristic of Devi shrines of this region.
Which festivals are celebrated at Shri Brajeshwari Devi Temple?
- The principal festivals celebrated at Shri Brajeshwari Devi Temple include Navaratri (Chaitra & Sharad), Diwali, Makar Sankranti. These draw large crowds of pilgrims from across Himachal Pradesh and beyond.
How can I reach Shri Brajeshwari Devi Temple?
- Nearest airport: Kangra (Gaggal) Airport, ~10 km. Nearest railhead: Kangra station on the narrow-gauge Kangra Valley Railway, ~2 km; broad-gauge at Pathankot, ~85 km. On NH88, 1.3 km from Kangra bus stand.
Why is Shri Brajeshwari Devi Temple significant?
- One of the 51 Shakti Peethas — the left breast of Sati is believed to have fallen here. The goddess is worshipped in aniconic Pindi form as Vajreshwari.
Is there an entry fee at Shri Brajeshwari Devi Temple?
- Entry to the main shrine of Shri Brajeshwari Devi Temple is generally free for darshan. Special sevas, abhishekams and priority queues may carry a nominal fee — check with the temple office on arrival.
What is the dress code at Shri Brajeshwari Devi Temple?
- Shri Brajeshwari Devi Temple follows the traditional dress code observed at Himachal Pradesh temples — modest attire covering shoulders and knees. Many shrines in the region also expect men to remove upper garments before entering the sanctum.