Shri Chamunda Devi Mandir
Also known as Chamunda Nandikeshwar Dham, Chamunda Mata Temple, Shakti Peeth Shri Chamunda Devi Temple
Shri Chamunda Devi Mandir in Kangra, HP, is one of the state's five principal Shakti temples, a rare joint shrine of the goddess with Shiva as Nandikeshwar.
Photos of Shri Chamunda Devi Mandir
Shri Chamunda Devi Mandir at a Glance
| Location | Kangra, Himachal Pradesh |
|---|---|
| Presiding deity | Devi |
| Established | Present structure c. 16th century |
| Architecture | Traditional Himachali hill-temple architecture (wood and stone, slate roofing) with a natural cave shrine for a Shiva lingam |
| Timings | 05:00–22:00 daily |
| Address | Padar, Chamunda Temple Path, Himachal Pradesh 176052 |
History of Shri Chamunda Devi Mandir
Per the Devi Mahatmya, the goddess Kaushiki manifested a fierce warrior form who slew the demons Chanda and Munda, giving the name Chamunda. The original shrine is said to have stood at a remote hilltop (now Aadi Himani Chamunda); around the 16th century a king and priest relocated worship to this more accessible site on the Baner river after the goddess appeared in a vision. A cave at the rear holds the Shiva lingam.
Festivals Celebrated at Shri Chamunda Devi Mandir
- Navaratri (Chaitra & Sharad)
How to Reach Shri Chamunda Devi Mandir
Nearest airport: Kangra (Gaggal) Airport, ~25 km. Nearest railhead: Kangra narrow-gauge station, ~14 km; broad-gauge at Pathankot, ~90 km. ~15–19 km from Dharamshala via SH17.
Temples Near Shri Chamunda Devi Mandir
- Bhagsunag TempleHimachal Pradesh · about 13 km in a straight line
- Shri Brajeshwari Devi TempleHimachal Pradesh · about 15 km in a straight line
- Shri Baijnath TempleHimachal Pradesh · about 24 km in a straight line
- Laake Wali Mata MandirHimachal Pradesh · about 28 km in a straight line
- Masroor Rock-cut TempleHimachal Pradesh · about 28 km in a straight line
- Mata Baglamukhi TempleHimachal Pradesh · about 28 km in a straight line
More Devi Temples to Visit
- Shri Jwalamukhi Mata ShaktipeethHimachal Pradesh
- Bharmani Temple, BharmourHimachal Pradesh
- Lakshana Devi Temple, BharmourHimachal Pradesh
- Shri Sishudatri Simsa Mata MandirHimachal Pradesh
- Chamunda Devi Mandir, ChambaHimachal Pradesh
- Jagdamba Temple, KhajjiarHimachal Pradesh
Frequently Asked Questions about Shri Chamunda Devi Mandir
Where is Shri Chamunda Devi Mandir located?
- Shri Chamunda Devi Mandir is located at Padar, Chamunda Temple Path, Himachal Pradesh 176052, in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Who is the presiding deity at Shri Chamunda Devi Mandir?
- The presiding deity at Shri Chamunda Devi Mandir is Devi (also known as Shakti, Durga), worshipped in the Shakta tradition.
What are the timings of Shri Chamunda Devi Mandir?
- Shri Chamunda Devi Mandir is generally open 05:00–22:00 daily. Timings can vary on festival days and special occasions — verify with the temple before your visit.
When was Shri Chamunda Devi Mandir built?
- Shri Chamunda Devi Mandir was established Present structure c. 16th century. Portions of the structure have been added and renovated by successive dynasties over the centuries.
What is the architectural style of Shri Chamunda Devi Mandir?
- Shri Chamunda Devi Mandir is built in the Traditional Himachali hill-temple architecture (wood and stone, slate roofing) with a natural cave shrine for a Shiva lingam style, characteristic of Devi shrines of this region.
Which festivals are celebrated at Shri Chamunda Devi Mandir?
- The principal festivals celebrated at Shri Chamunda Devi Mandir include Navaratri (Chaitra & Sharad). These draw large crowds of pilgrims from across Himachal Pradesh and beyond.
How can I reach Shri Chamunda Devi Mandir?
- Nearest airport: Kangra (Gaggal) Airport, ~25 km. Nearest railhead: Kangra narrow-gauge station, ~14 km; broad-gauge at Pathankot, ~90 km. ~15–19 km from Dharamshala via SH17.
Why is Shri Chamunda Devi Mandir significant?
- Shri Chamunda Devi Mandir in Kangra, HP, is one of the state's five principal Shakti temples, a rare joint shrine of the goddess with Shiva as Nandikeshwar.