Chamunda Devi Temple, also known as Chamunda Nandikeshwar Temple, is located on the banks of the Baner River and is around 21 kms from Kangra town in Himachal Pradesh. The shrine is dedicated to Goddess Chamunda on of the fierce manifestation of Goddess Shakti. There is also a Shiva temple in the complex.
History Of Kangra Chamunda Devi Temple
Legend has it that the temple was originally located in a very remote area. However, the answer to people’s prayers, Devi appeared to a Brahmin in a dream and bid him to dig at a particular spot where he would find a murti, and build a temple there.
Chamunda Devi temple is more than 700 years old but the present structure is modern. The temple is a large complex with a kund or tank where devotees take a holy dip.
The murti in the main sanctum sanctorum is considered sacred and is kept completely covered with a red cloth. On either side of the image of Devi are those of Hanuman and Bhairava. The inside walls of the temple have painted scenes from the Devi Mahatmya, Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Chamunda Nandikeshwar Temple
Just below the main temple, concrete steps lead to a cave where a natural stone linga is worshipped as Nandikeshwar, a manifestation of Shiva.