Bajreshwari Mata Temple, Kangra
The Shree Bajreshwari Mata Mandir, also known as Kangra Devi Mandir, is a holy shrine located in the town of Kangra in the Northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. This temple is one of the 51 Shakti Pithas devoted to the goddess Vajreshvari, a form of Goddess Durga.
The Bajreshwari temple is situated in the Kangra district and is easily accessible via the Kangra Mandir and Kangra railway stations, both of which are just 3 km away. Additionally, Kangra Airport is only 9 km from the temple. The Kangra Fort is also situated nearby. The temple’s location on a mountain near Shri Chamunda Devi Mandir is 16 km from Nagarkot (Kangra).
According to legend, after Goddess Sati sacrificed herself in her father’s Yagya in honor of Lord Shiva, he took her body on his shoulder and began the Tandav dance. To prevent him from destroying the world, Lord Vishnu divided Sati’s body into 51 parts using his Chakra. Sati’s left breast fell at this location, making it a Shakti Peetha.
The temple’s original structure is believed to have been constructed by the Pandavas during the time of Mahabharatha. The legend says that the Pandavas saw Goddess Durga in their dream, who instructed them to build a temple for her in the Nagarkot village to protect themselves from destruction. The Pandavas followed her instructions and built a magnificent temple in the village that night. In 1905, the temple was destroyed by a powerful earthquake and was subsequently rebuilt by the government.
The main entrance of the temple has a Nagarkhana or drum house, and the entrance is built similarly to the Bassein fort entrance. The temple is also surrounded by a stone wall, resembling a fort. Inside the main area, Goddess Vajreshvari is present in the form of Pindi. The temple also has a small Bhairav temple, and in front of the main temple, there is an idol of Dhayanu Bhagat, who offered his head to the Goddess during the time of Akbar. The current temple structure contains three tombs, making it unique in itself.
Fairs and Festivals at Bajreshwari Mata Temple
The Bajreshwari Mata Temple in Kangra is a popular destination for devotees and tourists alike, especially during the various fairs and festivals that are celebrated at the temple throughout the year.
One of the most significant festivals celebrated at the temple is Navratri, a nine-day festival that honors the nine forms of Goddess Durga. During this festival, the temple is decorated with lights, flowers, and other colorful decorations. Devotees offer prayers and perform special pujas and yagnas to seek blessings from the goddess.
Another festival celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm at the Bajreshwari Mata Temple is Diwali, the festival of lights. The temple is decorated with diyas, rangolis, and lights, and devotees offer prayers and seek blessings from the goddess. The temple also organizes a grand firework display that adds to the festive atmosphere.
Apart from these festivals, the temple also celebrates other events like the annual fair held during the month of Chaitra (March-April) and the Shivratri festival. During the annual fair, devotees from different parts of the country visit the temple to seek blessings from the goddess and participate in various cultural and religious activities organized by the temple authorities.
Overall, the fairs and festivals celebrated at the Bajreshwari Mata Temple are an excellent opportunity for devotees to connect with the goddess and seek her blessings, while also enjoying the festive atmosphere and cultural activities.
Things To Do In Bajreshwari Mata Temple
The Bajreshwari Mata Temple in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh is a popular destination for devotees and tourists alike. Here are some things you can do when you visit the temple:
- Seek blessings from the goddess: The temple is dedicated to Goddess Bajreshwari, a form of Goddess Durga. Devotees offer prayers and seek blessings from the goddess to fulfill their wishes.
- Attend aarti: Aarti is a religious ritual that involves lighting lamps and singing devotional songs. The temple conducts aarti twice a day, in the morning and evening. Attending aarti is a great way to experience the religious fervor and devotion of the devotees.
- Explore the temple architecture: The Bajreshwari Mata Temple has beautiful architecture that combines elements of Hindu and Mughal styles. The main entrance has a Nagarkhana or drum house and is built similarly to the Bassein fort entrance. The temple is also surrounded by a stone wall like a fort.
- Participate in the temple fairs and festivals: The temple celebrates various festivals throughout the year, including Navratri, Diwali, and Chaitra fairs. These festivals provide an opportunity to experience the local culture and traditions and participate in various cultural and religious activities.
Overall, visiting the Bajreshwari Mata Temple is a great way to experience the religious and cultural heritage of the region, seek blessings from the goddess, and explore the beautiful temple architecture and nearby attractions.
Best Time To Visit Bajreshwari Mata Temple
The best time to visit the Bajreshwari Mata Temple in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh is during the months of October to March. The weather during this time is pleasant with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C, making it ideal for temple visits and outdoor activities.
Visiting the temple during Navratri, which usually falls in the months of September or October, is also a popular choice as it is one of the most significant festivals celebrated here.
The monsoon season from July to September should be avoided as the region receives heavy rainfall during this time, which can make it difficult to travel and explore the area.
The summer months from April to June can be quite hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 40°C. However, if you do decide to visit during this time, it is advisable to carry light cotton clothing and stay hydrated to avoid heat exhaustion.
In summary, the best time to visit the Bajreshwari Mata Temple is during the months of October to March, with Navratri being a popular time to visit.
Attractions to Explore Near Bajreshwari Mata Temple
There are several attractions to explore near the Bajreshwari Mata Temple in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. Some of the popular ones are:
- Kangra Fort: Located just 3 km away from the temple, Kangra Fort is one of the oldest forts in India and offers a stunning view of the surrounding hills.
- Masroor Rock Cut Temple – This ancient temple is located about 12 km from Bajreshwari Mata Temple and is a group of 15 rock-cut temples that date back to the 8th century. The temples are carved out of a single rock and are dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma.
- Kareri Lake – This picturesque lake is located about 22 km from Bajreshwari Mata Temple and is surrounded by dense forests and snow-capped mountains. It’s a great place to go trekking or camping and is a popular spot for nature lovers.
- Maharana Pratap Sagar Lake – Also known as Pong Dam Lake, this reservoir is located about 30 km from Bajreshwari Mata Temple and is a popular spot for birdwatching and boating. The lake is home to a wide variety of migratory birds and is a must-visit for nature lovers.
- McLeod Ganj – Located about 21 km from Bajreshwari Mata Temple, McLeod Ganj is a popular tourist destination and the residence of the Dalai Lama. The town has a strong Tibetan influence and is known for its scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere.
At a Glance
- 32.10183°N 76.26987°E
- India
- Himachal Pradesh
- Hindu temple architecture
- 738.33 m (2,422 ft)
How To Get There
Bajreshwari Mata Temple, also known as Kangra Devi Temple, is located in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India. Here’s how you can get there:
Kangra is well-connected by road to major cities in Himachal Pradesh and nearby states. The temple is located about 18 km from Dharamshala and 34 km from McLeod Ganj. You can hire a taxi or take a bus from these places to reach the temple.
The nearest railway station is Kangra Mandir Railway Station, which is about 4 km from the temple. You can hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw from the railway station to reach the temple.
The nearest airport to Kangra is the Gaggal Airport, located about 12 km from the temple. From the airport, you can take a taxi or hire a car to reach the temple.
Local Transportation: Once you reach the temple, you can explore the surrounding areas on foot or hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw. There are also local buses that run between Kangra and other nearby towns and cities.