KANGRA DEVI---JWALA MATA---CHINTA POORNI DEVI --VISIT HIMACHAL

Bajreshwari Devi Temple ------------kangra

It is not known when Bajreshwari Devi  was built. History reports that the temple was attacked in 1009, by Mohammed Ghazni, a Muslim ruler . In 1905, a devastating earthquake flattened the original temple . Bajreshwari Devi Temple was reopened in 1920, annual festival of Makar Sankranti is famously celebrated at Vajreshwari Devi. The holy tradition of applying ghee to the goddess idol, followed by a washing of cold water 100 times is still performed. Afterward the idol is decorated by flowers

Time to Visit            Good time to visit  kanga  Devi is Mid June to Late Oct

Place to visit

Kangra fort Chamunda devi temple   Jwala ji temple      Bagla mukhi temple Rock cut temples of musroor

Reaching the Temple

By Air: Nearest Airport is Gaggal which is connected with New Delhi and Chandigarh The nearest rail head on the narrow guage line is at kangra  Jwalaji temple----JWALA GEE himachal pradesh

Jwalaji temple one of the 51 Shakti-Pitha temples in India is located at a distance of 34 km south of Kangra Valley. Dedicated to Goddesses Jwalamukhi with flaming mouth. These flames may be seen erupting from a rock-side. This flame is worshiped as a manifestation of the goddess Jwalamukhi.  the temple is believed to have nine permanent flames named after the goddesses- Mahakali, Unpurna, Chandi, Hinglaj, Bindhya Basni, Maha Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ambika and Anji Devi.  Besides, there are Gorakh Dibbi, Chaturbhuj temple and many small shrines situated in the vicinity of Jwalji temple.
                                     Poorn Brahma Jyoti Jwala Mukhi.

The temple had an associated library of ancient Hindu texts. According to the legend, when Sati's body was divided into 51 parts, Sati Mata's tongue fell here. When they fell they were on fire. The fire hasn't blew off. A cowherd found that one of his cows was always without milk. He followed the cow to find out the cause. He saw a girl come out of the forest, drink the

cows milk, and then disappear in a flash of light. The cowherd went to the king and told him the story. The king was aware of the legend that Sati's tongue had fallen in this area. . He built a temple there . It is believed that the Pandavas came later and renovated the temple.

                                            Gorakh Dibbi

pandav cave 

pandav cave 

It was Dhyanu Bhagat who spread Devi Mata's name. He lived at the time of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. Dhyanu Bhagat was passing through Delhi with a group of pilgrims on their way to Jwalaji. Akbar summoned him to his court to inquire into the nature of their Goddess. Dhyanu Bhagat told him She is all powerful and answers the prayers of Her devotees.

To test Her power Akbar cut off the head of Dhyanu's horse ordering him to have the Goddess put it back. Dhyanu went to Jwalaji and prayed day and night to no avail. Out of desperation he cut of his own head and offered it to Devi Ma. She then appeared to him riding a lion. She reconnected both his head and that of the horse. Devi Ma also offered Dhyanu Bhagat a boon. He requested that it should not be so difficult for pigrams to show their devotion. Mata said that in the future if someone offered a coconut she would accept it as if they had offered their own head. To this day people continue to offer coconuts to the Goddess in Her temples all over the world. Jwala mata is Kuldevi of Bhatiya (now lives in Gujarat) and Bhardwaj Gutra Brahmins.

Gorakh Dibbi

Gorakh Dibbi       Just above the main temple room of Mata Jwala Ji, is the Rudra Kund  , famously as the Gorakh Dibbi. At this Rudra kund, Maa Jwala is present in the form of Maa Anjana Jwala Ji Jyoti.

1. Maa Mahakali Jwali Ji

 Maa Maha Kali. SHE is situated in front across the main kund after entering the main temple gate and her Jyoti is covered around with a silver temple case. She is in the form of a Blue Jyoti and thus refered as Mata Mahakali. This form is world famous as the Poorn Brahma Jyoti Jwala Mukhi. She is the giver of Mukti and Bhakti. This is the main Jwala Maa Jyoti swaroop out of all the jyotis/ flames which you should not miss.

2. Maa Annapoorna Jwali Ji

Just below Mahakali Maa Jyoti is the second form of Maa Jwalaji known as Mahamaya Annapurna Jwala Mata. Maa Annapoorna is Bhandaar Bharnewali Maa.

3. Maa Chandi Mata Jwali Ji

Mata Chandi Devi or Maa Chandika Jwala Jyoti is the destroyer of enemies. She is the 3rd form of Maa Jwala Ji.

4. Maa Hinglaaj Bhwani Jwali Ji

Maa Hinglaaj Bhawani is the remover or destroyer of obstacles. She is the 4th roop/ form of Mata Jwalaj

5. Maa Vindhyavasini Jwali Ji

Mata Vindhyavasini Devi which is the reliever from sorrow and depression. SHE is also present in the front wall, across the main kund.

6. Maa Maha Lakshmi Jwali Ji

SHE is present in the main kund. Out of the 4 main jyotis present in the main kund after you enter the main temple room, on the right most side at the bottom is the Mahalakshmi Jwala Maa.

7. Maa Maha Saraswati Jwali Ji

Towards the left and little higher is Mata Mahasaraswati Jwala Ji Jyoti. She is present in the main kund along with Maa Mahalakshmi. And as we all know, Maa Saraswati is the Vidya and Gyan Datri.

8. Maa Jwali Ji

The Eigth form of Maa. This jyoti is also present in the main kund. This Maa Jyoti is present in the left most side in the main kund.

9 Maa Anjana Jwali Ji

In addition to the nine forms of Maa Durga in the main temple room, if you come out and move a few steps up to the Gorakh Dibbi which is inside the temple parisar itself, you will find another swaroop of Jwala Maa. Towards the north after climbing a few stairs is the Gorakh Dibbi is Maa Anjana Jwalaji. She is present in the form of 2 flames and She is present in a water kund known as the "Rudra Kund" where it is said that Guru Gorakhnath had prayed Maa for a long time. Maa Anjana Devi Jwala Ji is the giver of long life and happiness.

                                                        Naga arjun temple

TEDA TEMPLE

CHHATTAR OFFERED BY MUGAL  KING AKBAR

Near by temples

Naga arjun temple

Teda mandir

Time to Visit            Good time to visit  kanga  Devi is Mid June to Late Oct

Reaching the Temple

By Air: Nearest Airport is Gaggal which is connected with New Delhi and Chandigarh The nearest rail head on the narrow guage line is at kangra

                                              Chintpurni Shakti

TEMPLE

MAA KI PINDI

OLD PIC OF BATHING GHAT

the Chintpurni Shakti Peeth is dedicated to the temple of Chinnamastika Devi  one of the 7 major and 51 total Shakti Peethas. , There are 51 Shakti Peeth associated with the 51 alphabets in Sanskrit   Chhinnamasta,  means  the headless goddess   It is believed that parts of Sati’s Forehead fell at this place .

 According to Markandeya Purana, goddess Chandi defeated the demons after a fierce battle but two of her yogini emanations (Jaya and Vijaya) were still thirsty for more blood. Goddess Chandi cut off her own head to quench Jaya and Vijaya’s thirst for more blood.

She is usually shown holding her own severed head in her hand, drinking one stream of blood spurting from the arteries in her neck, while at her side are two naked yoginis, each of whom drinks another stream of blood.

According to Puranic traditions, Chhinnamastika Devi will be protected by Shiva - Rudra Mahadev in the four directions. There are four Shiva temples - Kaleshwar Mahadev in the east, Narayhana Mahadev in the west, Muchkund Mahadev in the north and Shiva Bari in the south - which are nearly equidistant from Chintpurni. This also confirms Chintpurni as the abode of Chhinnamastika Devi.

Pandit Mai Das, a Saraswat Brahman, is generally believed to have established this shrine of Mata Chintpurni Devi in Chhaproh village in the ancient times. Over the time this place became known as Chintpurni Hindu pilgrimage and marriage records were also used to be kept at this holy place.

HANUMAAN AND SHANI DEV

MAIN ENTRANCE

Time to Visit            Good time to visit  kanga  Devi is Mid June to Late Oct

Reaching the Temple

By Air: Nearest Airport is Gaggal which is connected with New Delhi and Chandigarh The nearest rail head on the narrow guage line is at kangra

janam ashtami in himachal

chamunda devi -himachal- india

 Chamunda  devi

The Chamunda Devi Temple in Himachal Pradesh is located 10 km west of Palampur in the Kangra area of the state. It stands on the banks of the famous Ban Ganga River, the temple is housed with extremely sacred idol of Chamunda Devi, and as such the idol is wrapped by a red cloth. The location of this sacred temple is also significant since it is believed to be the same spot where the Mata or the Maa Kali assassinated the demon kings Shumbh and Nisumbh. The two generals were namely Chanda and Munda. It is their name that gave Goddess Kali, a new name called Chamunda. She is also one of the chief Yoginis, a group of sixty-four or eighty-one Tantric goddesses

 Camunda is a combination of Chanda and Munda, two monsters  killed by mata. Temple of mata was situated on hill   named adhi chamunda  .Around 400 years ago the king and a Brahmin priest prayed to Devi for permission to move the temple to some easily accessible location. Devi appeared to the priest in a dream giving her consent.  . Inside the temple of Chamunda Devi, it is accompanied by the images of Hanuman and Bhairo. There are inscription to be seen from the Devi Mahamaya, Ramayan and Mahabharata. The surroundings of the Chamunda Devi temple are considered just perfect for those who are interested to meditate and pray.The famous Chamunda Nandikeshwar Dham is an abode of Shiva Shakti since the saga of Puranas.

 The goddess is worshipped by ritual animal sacrifices along with offerings of wine and in the ancient times, human sacrifices were offered too. Originally a tribal goddess, Chamunda was assimilated in Hinduism and later entered the Jain pantheon too. Though in Jainism, the rites of her worship include vegetarian offerings, and not the meat and liquor offerings. Research work is going on the period of construction and other mysteries surrounding the temple.

The temple is seven hundred years old.

Research work is going on the period of construction and other mysteries surrounding the temple.

The Myth of the Temple

The mythology of Maa Chamunda Devi has been chronicled in "Durga Sapt-Shati'. The Story goes like this- the two great demons namely the Chand and Mund led a huge army with weaponary on being ordered by their king 'Shumb' and 'Ni-Shumb'. Both saw goddess sitting on a peak of Himalaya and the goddess was smiling, as the goddess was unarmed, the two demons tried to catch hold of her. Then the whole army took up their arms and encircled goddess. The goddess got enraged and furious and it seems that her whole body became black with anger and eyebrows raised on forehead. Then with the Maa Amba’s austerity immediately, 'Kali-Devi' appeared with a sword in her hand and roared violently. Maa Kali was covered with a garland of human heads which was gracing her neck and while the body was covered by tiger-skin. Maa Kali’s skin looked dry and her shape ferocious. And the most important expression was that she had eyes drawn deep and mouth wide open and tongue brandishing violently.

Temple is the place where the two great demons 'Chand' and 'Mund' came to fight with goddess, while goddess appeared in the form of Kali and killed both the demons. When 'Kalika' defeated the two demons with presenting the heads of 'Chand' and 'Mund' to the goddess Amba, from whose prowess Kalika was created, then the goddess became happy. Later the Goddess Amba gave a boon to Kalika that she will be remembered and worshipped as Chamunda.

Maa Kali’s roar trembled the skies and attacked the demon army swiftly killing the demons mercilessly and ate them. Whosoever came in her path was killed and swallowed by her even the bodyguards, elephants, soldiers along with their weapons. In similar fashion Maa Kali put in her mouth, chariots along with horses and drivers and chewed them making a horrifying noise. At some point of time she would grab people by neck and somewhere she would catch hold of hair. She would swallow the arrows and other weapons thrown on her by the demons. In this way the goddess Kali put an end of the demoniac army, by killing and devouring them.

Significance of the temple

Chamunda Devi is worshipped daily while the sermons include ‘Aartis’ at intervals. Reciting the hymn of 'Shat Chandi’ with devoted heart at this temple is considered auspicious. In the corner of the temple, one can see small footsteps of the Goddess on a stone. Besides the main shrine, there is a marble staircase that takes down to the cave of Lord Shiva. This is a cave-like scoop where Shiva Lingam is placed. People visit this cave and worship Lord Shiva with great devotion.

Lord Shiva is believed to be one of the complex Gods of the Hindu pantheon, as Lord Shiva is the destroyer as well as the restorer. Here, Lord Shiva is believed to have been present in the strange form of death, destruction and dead bodies. The find observation is that the ancestral worship near the banks of Ban Ganga River. In the vicinity of the Chamunda Devi temple, there is a cremation ground that serves to 22 villages of the nearby areas.

In the temple surroundings there is a huge pond with images of Lords and people can take bath here. There is sculpture of Goddess where she is garlanded with serpents, scorpions, and skulls. During the time of Navratras, the Chamunda Devi temple is crowded by large number of people. Pilgrims from far and near of the country come to visit this temple of great legacy and religious importance. Chamunda Devi blesses all her true devotees. The temple is so very auspicious that it is situated in the picturesque beauty of lush green mountains. Many saints can be seen here involved in penance and meditation.

The Chamunda Devi Temple is 700 years old and is a big area of worship with even a kund (tank) where devotees take a dip. The idol in the main temple is considered so sacred that even the eyes of devotees who come for dashing are not allowed to touch upon it; it is kept completely concealed beneath a red cloth. At the back of the temple is a cave-like scoop where a stone lingam (phallic symbol of Shiva) under a boulder represents Nandi Keshwar (Shiva).

Gods form and explanation

Chamunda Devi Temple is a very scared renowned holy shrine of the Hindus. This ancient temple dates back to the 16th century and is dedicated to Chamunda Devi, mata in the form of Durga / Shakti. Chamunda Devi Mandir is also said to be the abode of 'Shiva and Shakti'. Such that it is also known as 'Chamunda Nandikeshwar Dham'.

Mata Chamunda Devi is considered like the wrathful form of Durga, but even at the same time, the Goddess is kind to her true devotees.

Time to Visit

In winter, the temperature can get quite cold; it may even fall up to normal weather degree when woollens are required. It is hot in summer and cottons are recommended. Good time to visit Chamunda Devi is Mid June to Late October.

Other places to Visit

Ayurvedic dispensary, library and a Sanskrit college situated in the temple complex.. The library comprises of rare collection of old manuscripts, books on astrology, Hindu philosophy, Vedas, Puranas, Upnishads, Sanskrit and History.

Reaching the Temple

i.        By Air: Nearest Airport is Gaggal which is connected with New Delhi and Chandigarh by Indian Airlines Flight.   ii.        The nearest railhead on the narrow guage line is at Moranda near Palampur, 30 km. The nearest railway station to the temple is Pathankot for broad gauge trains and there is also a narrow gauge train in Kangra district for which the railway station is Nagrota Bagwan.  iii.        Chamunda Devi is 15 km from Dharamsala and 55 km from Jwalamukhi.Chamunda is situated 10 km west of Palampu.

DHARMASALA

• Dharamshala 

Dharamshala is a city  in Kangra district in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.. in  common Hindi usage, the word dharamshala refers to a shelter or rest house for spiritual pilgrims.It was formerly known as Bhagsu. Dharamshala  is surrounded by dense  Deodar cedar trees. Dharamshala is the winter capital of Himachal Pradesh. The Legislative Assembly is at Sidhbari, near the Chinmaya Tapovan Ashram, and the winter sessions of the Government are held there. The suburbs include  McLeodGanj, Bhagsunath, Dharamkot, Naddi, ForsythGanj, Kotwali Bazaar (the main market), Kaccheri Adda  Dari, Ramnagar, Sidhpur, and Sidhbari

The village of McLeodGanj, lying in the upper reaches, is known worldwide for the presence of the Dalai Lama. On 29 April 1959, the 14th Dalai Lama (Tenzin Gyatso) established the Tibetan exile administration in the north Indian hill station of Mussoorie. In May 1960, the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) was moved to Dharamshala. One of the main attractions of Dharamshala is Triund hill. Jewel of Dharamshala, Triund is one day trek at the upper reaches of McLeodGanj, about 9 km from McLeodGanj.

PARK

 the Gurkhas of Dharmshala make a major contribution to India's defence the late Master Mitrasen Thapa, from the village of Totarani, has been acknowledged by the Himachal Pradesh government. Recently, a park dedicated to the memory of the late Brigadier Sher Jung Thapa, MVC, the 'Hero of Skardu', has been opened alongside the road between Lower and Upper Dharamshala.

Dharamshala Cricket Stadium (DCS) is a cricket stadium of international reputation,

Jama Masjid Dharamshala  . Built in 1719 near old bus stand, opposite Hotel Dhauladhar.

Swami Chinmaya Ashram

This ashram is special as this is also Swami Chinmayananda's last resting-place, who attained 'Mahasamadhi' in August 1993 . Today this Himalayan Ashram in Dharamsala is famous for the Vedic Teachings of this great saint !

Kunal Pathri Temple: This temple is dedicated to Goddess Kalpeshwari and is 3 km from the Kotwali Bazaar. It's believed that a part of Goddess Sati's skull fell here when Lord Shiva was carrying the charred body of the Goddess; hence the name of the temple.

Kangra Museum: Situated close to the bus stand, Kangra Art Museum is a unique museum displaying the artifacts of Tibetan and Buddhist cultures. 

Bhagsunath,

Bhagsu Waterfall: This waterfall is in Bhagsu, 2 km from McLeodGanj. It lies behind the BhagsunathTemple. During Monsoon, the fall turns into a 30 feet cascade.

Bhagsunag Temple: Temple of god Shiva situated around 2 km from McLeodGanj Bazaar. Constructed by 1 GR by around 1800 century and then worshipped majorly by 14 Gukha platoon villages Dharamsha

St. John in the Wilderness 

is an Anglican church dedicated to John the Baptist built in 1852, located near Dharamshala,  on the way to McLeodGanj, at Forsyth Gunj , known for its Belgian stained-glass windows donated by Lady Elgin.

Namgyal Monastery

It  was rebuilt near the residence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama  

Naddi: This scenic picnic spot is located 5 km northwest of McLeodGanj. Naddi offers a spectacular view of the Kangra valley. You can trek to Kareri Lake, Triund, and Guna Devi from here. It's becoming a popular destination for nature lovers.

 Kareri lake  remains frozen from early December to March-April. There is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Shakti on a hilltop overlooking the lake.. Kareri Lake is named after the nearby gaddi village of Kareri, situated 9 km south east of the lake. Kareri Lake serves as a base for trekking further into the Dhauladhar and onward to Chamba and Bharmour 

Dal Lake: The Lake is spread in an area of 1 km and is bounded by rhododendrons, deodars, and junipers forest. Annually, a fair is held at the Kali Temple near the Lake. There is another temple close to the lake that is dedicated to sage Durvasa. Dal Lake is 2 km walk westwards from McLeodGanj bazaar.

Masrur (or Masroor): The major attraction of this place is the fifteen exquisitely carved monolithic rock temples dating back to 8th century. The carvings of these temples are similar to Kailash temple at Ellora. In the sanctum of the main temple, one can find images of Lord Ram, and the Goddesses Sita and Lakshmi. Masrur is 15 km south of Kangra,