Chamunda Devi Temple, Dharamshala
Being one of the famous and sacred pilgrimage destination very close to Palampur, Chamuda Devi Temple is in Kangra District in Himachal Pradesh is one of the holy shrines in India that has a rich religious implication and history. In Hinduism, Chamunda or Camunda is a facet of Devi, the ultimate mother goddess. The name is a blend of Chanda and Munda, two monsters which Devi killed. Located on the Baner River, its history dates back around 400 years ago the king and a Brahmin priest prayed to Devi for permission to move the temple to some straightforwardly easily reached setting. Devi materialized to the pastor in a dream giving her say-so. She aimed at him to hollow out in a convinced mark and an ancient idol would be found and that idol should be installed in the temple and worshipped as her form. The place of worship now represents scenes from the Devi Mahatmya, Ramayan and Mahabharata. The Devi's figure is edge by the images of Hanuman and Bhairo on either side.
The well-known Chamunda Nandikeshwar Dham is an abode of Shiva Shakti since the saga of Puranas. According to a legend, the Goddess Chamunda was enshrined as chief Goddess with the title of Rudra in the battle between demon Jalandhra and Lord Shiva which made this place famed as “Rudra Chamunda”. An additional fable has it that “Savarni Manamantra” battle between the gods and demons, Chamunda emerged as Chandika from an eyebrow of Goddess “Kaushiki” and was assigned the task of eliminating the demons “Chand” and “Mund”. Chandika fought a fierce battle with these two demons and at last killed them. Goddess Chandika took the slain heads of the two demons “Chand” and “Mund” to the Goddess “Kaushiki” who living being immensely pleased, blessed Chandika and bestowed upon her the title of “Chamunda,” the name which is famous globally.
How to Reach Chamunda Devi Temple?
By Air : Gaggal is the nearest airport to reach Chamunda Devi Temple. You can take taxi or bus from Gaggal to reach the temple.
By Rail : Moranda near Palampur is the nearest railway station at the distance of 30 km. You can take taxi or bus from here to reach Chamunda Devi Temple.
By Bus : Chamunda Devi is 15 km from Dharamsala and 55 km from Jwalamukhi.
Duration: 09 Nights / 10 Days
Destinations Covered: Jammu - Katra - Chamunda Devi - Kangra Devi - Chintpurni Devi - JawalaJi - Rewalsar - Manali - Naina Devi - Swarghat - Chandigarh - New Delhi
Day 01: Jammu - Katra (50 Kms/1.5Hrs.)
Upon Arrival at Jammu Rly Station meet and drive to Katra for Maa Vaishno Devi Darshan. Upon arrival check in your hotel. Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 02: Katra - Bhawan - Katra.
Early morning after breakfast take yatra parchee and proceed for Darshan of Holy Shrine & back to Hotel late evening. On the way visit Banganga, Charan Paduka, and Adhkwari, finally reached the holy cave Shrine. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 03: Katra - Chamunda Devi(250Kms /8 Hrs)
Morning after breakfast drive to Chamunda Devi, Chamunda Devi is considered as the wrathful form of Durga, but at the same time, the Goddess is kind to her true devotees. On the way visit Raghunath Ji temple at Jammu, Raghunath Temple is a well-known holy shrine of the Hindus. Located in Jammu, Raghunath Mandir is one of the largest temple complexes of the Northern part of India. On arrival check in to hotel and then visit Chamunda Devi temple. Night stay at Chamunda Devi.
Day 04: Chamunda - Kangra Devi - Chintpurni Devi.
Morning after breakfast drive to Kangra Devi, The Goddess, located in the town of Kangra is also called Vajreshwari. After that drive to Chintpurni, Chintpurni Temple is dedicated to Shri Chhinnamastika Devi or Chintpurni Devi. Like other temples of the Hindus, this too has legends behind its establishment. Chintpurni Devi is regarded as the Goddess who takes away all the worries of her devotees. The term 'Chhinnamastika' suggests 'without the head'. Overnight stay at Chintpurni.
Day 05: Chintpurni - JawalaJi.
Morning after breakfast drive to Jwala Devi, The temple is dedicated to Jwala Devi (form of goddess), who is the presiding in the form of flames. Due to this fact, the goddess is also referred as the 'Flaming Goddess'. People tried to explore the fact behind these burning flames, but nothing substantial was made out. These flames are burning due to some natural jets of combustible gas. The temple came to be known as the Jwala Devi Mandir. Overnight stay at Jawalaji.
Day 06: Jawalaji - Rewalsar - Manali.
Morning after breakfast drive to Manali (7-8 Hours), valley of Gods, is a combination of natural splendor and rich cultural heritage. On the way visit Rewalsar Lake, a place which has got a great historical value, it holds numerous legends about its sanctity. Hindus believe that this place is closely associated with the Pandavas and others feel that this was the abode of Padmasambhava. En route visit Pandoh Dam, Vaishno Devi and Raghunathji temple at Kullu. On arrival check in to hotel, Night stay at Manali.
Day 07: Manali - Rohtang Pass. (at Own cost)
Early Morning proceed for full day tour of Rohtang Pass - The majesty of the mountains and the glaciers can be seen at their best after enjoying this snowy heaven. Take a sledge ride down the slopes & try luck by climbing the little snow hills. On descending to Manali, halt at the Rahalla falls. The Magnificent views and natural beauty are a never-ending source of delight. Also halt at Marhi, Ralha falls, Nehru Kund. Night stay at Manali.
Day 08: Manali Sightseeing.
Morning after breakfast visit Hidimba Devi Temple built in the tranquil and serene woods, the oldest temple in Manali, Tibetean center & monastery, Jagatsukh, Nehru kund, Vasisth village, known for its hot Sulpher springs Roerich art Gallery. Night stay at Manali.
Day 09: Manali - Naina Devi - Swarghat.
Morning after breakfast drive to Naina Devi, Naina Devi Temple is a sacred place especially for the Hindus. Pilgrims come to visit this temple to pay their homage to the Goddess. After visiting this temple proceed to Swarghat. Night stay at Swarghat.
Day 10: Swarghat - Maa Mansa Devi Ji - Chandigarh - Delhi.
Morning check out from hotel and proceed to Shri Mansa Devi Temple is situated in Manimajra near the city of Chandigarh. This is the Shaktipeeth where the forehead of Sati fell. After visiting this temple you will be drop at Chandigarh Rly station to catch your train.