ShaktiPeeth Temples In Kangra Valley

As we Know Himachal Pradesh is the “Land of God” which means that “Dev Bhumi”.

Out of 51 Shaktipeeths in India, Himachal is privileged to have 5 Shakti Peeths.Under  
ShaktiPeeth Temples in Kangra Valley, Three Temples are available. ShaktiPeeths 

Temples have their own importance that is recorded as a tale by Hindu religious texts 

about Goddess Sati who was not being able to withstand the disgrace shown to 

her husband Lord Shiva sacrificed herself at her father’s court by burning. On arriving 

at the scene Shiva took her wife Sati’s  body on his shoulder and starts consuming 

Tandav dance. During the dance of destruction,it is believed that 51 different body 

parts of goddess Sati, wife of Lord Shiva fell in different regions of India and they 

were later worshipped as Shakti Peeths. 

Five Shakti Peeths in Himachal are as follows:-

1. Bajreshwari Temple in Kangra district.   

2. Chamunda Temple in Kangra district.   

3. Jwalaji Temple in Kangra district   

4. Chintpurni Temple in Una district.   

5. Naina Devi Temple in Bilaspur district.

Three ShaktipeethsTemples In Kangra Valley are as follows:-

1.Bajreshwari Devi Temple

Kangra commonly named as Dev Bhumi is believed to be the abode of Gods. Kangra 
Temple is also known as Bajreshwari Devi Temple or Nagarkot Dham.It is one of the  
Shakti Peeth Temple.Bajreshwari Devi Temple is a popular Hindu religious journey site 
in Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh behind the crowded market of Kangra Town.A  
Svayambhu Pindi in black stone at Bajreshwari Mata temple is considered as 
symbolic representation of the charred breasts of Goddess Sati. It is believed to be 
constructed by Goddess Bajreshwari itself at a place where once the famous 
Ashwamedh or horse-sacrifice took place. The annual Makar Sankranti festival is 
celebrated at this temple with great ceremony and show.On this bright occasion ghee 
is applied on the idol of the goddess and water is poured 100 times. After that the idol 
is decorated by flowers.This is practised for a week.

History Of Bajreshwari Temple

when the first temple was built,it was not known as Bajreshwari Devi Temple. 
According to the history of this region,the temple was attacked by Mohammad Ghazni, 
the invader and ruined in 1009.Later,the temple was reconstructed.It is in 1905,the 
temple gotdestroyed by a destructive earthquake.The temple is re-opened to the
public in 1920.

2. Jawala Ji Devi Temple 
Under ShaktiPeeth Temples In Kangra Valley,One more Temple is available known 
as Jawala Devi Temple.Jawala Devi is also one of the major ‘Shakti Peethas’ of India.
The templeis also known as Jawala Ji temple located in the Kangra district of Himachal
Pradesh.The temple is dedicated to Jawala Devi, who is the presiding in the form of
flames.Due to this fact, the goddess is also Known as the 'Flaming Goddess'.In the 
early times,people tried to explore the reason behind these burning flames,but nothing 
substantial was made out.These flames are burning due to some natural jets of 
explosive gas.In this temple, there is no idol because the Goddess is considered to be 
dwelling inthe form of flames.

In The History of ShaktiPeeth Temples In Kangra Valley,Hindus believe that a visit to 
Jawala Devi temple in Kangra leads to end of their struggle and beginning of happy days.
Jawala Devi templehas a series of domes, covered with gold. Being an important 
pilgrimage of the Hindus,large numbers of devotees come to this temple.During the days
of Navaratri, the temple is crowded by countless number of devotees.Colorful fairs are 
also organized for the Navaratri in March-April and September-October. Earlier, this 
temple was administered by the operated of Raja. This temple was declared as the site 
of Cultural Heritage after Independence and that time onwards, it is under the manage
-ment of the Government. There are 102 priests are hired to look after the sermons of 
the templeand even these priests are paid by the Government.

History behind the Temple

Under ShaktiPeeth Temples In Kangra Valley,Jawalamukhi refers to the deity with 
flaming mouth. As per the legends, it was said that  the mouth of Sati fell here at the 
time of self-sacrifice. Ever since, the Goddess settled the place and she manifested 
in nine flames.After some years,one day Raja Bhumi Chand Katoch, a resident of
Kangra and a great permilig of Goddess Durga, dreamt of the holy place. He sent 
his men to locate the place.With the grace of the Goddess, the site was found and 
Raja beginned constructing a temple.It is believed that Pandavas alsocontributed 
in the constructed of this temple.However, the construction of this temple was 
completed in the 19th century,when Maharaja Ranjit Singh and his son, Kharak 
Singh, provided the Gold and Silver for the dome and door respectively.

History of Akbar, the Mughal Emperor

During the ruling period of Akbar, Mughal learned about the legends of Jwalamukhi. 
In anger, he tried to douse the flames with a stream of water. The great power of the 
Goddess, the flamesnot stop burning and still kept remains.After Realizing the power 
of Jawala Devi, Akbar came with his army to this temple.Akbar brought a Gold Chatra 
for the Goddess,but on offering, the umbrella turned into an unknown metal suggesting
that the Goddess didn't accept his offering.

3. Chamunda Devi Temple

Again ShaktiPeeth Temples In Kangra Valley,Chamunda Devi Temple is a renowned 
holy temple of the Hindus.It located in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh,Chamunda 
Devi Mandir is at distance of 10 kms from Palampur, on the banks of Baner River.This
ancient temple to the 16th century. This temple is known as Chamunda Devi,who is a 
also another  Shaktipeeth. Chamunda Devi Mandir is believed that abode of 'Shiva 
and Shakti'.Due to this fact, it is also known as'Chamunda Nandikeshwar Dham'.

Chamunda Devi is considered as the angry form of Durga, but at the same time, the 
Goddess is kind to her true devotees. The term 'Chamunda' has been obtained from
two words,'Chanda' and 'Munda'. As per the mythical legends, Durga made goddess 
with her power, to slay the demons, Chanda and Munda. With her huge power, the 
Goddess killed the demons. Goddess Durga became glad with the slaughter and 
blessed the goddess that she would beknown and worshipped as Chamunda.

Architecture Of Temple

In all ShaktiPeeth Temples In Kangra Valley,There is nothing extra-ordinary about 
the architecture of this temple, but the holy aura spell bounds the devotees with its 
spiritual appeal.The main image is visible from the main entrance. The main temple 
is adored by the images of Lord Bhairav and Lord Hanuman on its sides. Actually, 
both lords are considered as the guards of the Goddess. The main image of the 
Goddess is visible covered in rich clothes.