Chamunda Devi Temple, Himachal Pradesh

Mata Temples in India

Vaishno Devi Temple | Kamakhya Temple | Mansa Devi Temple | Karni Mata Temple | Chamunda Devi Temple | Kalkaji Mandir | Durgiana Temple | Amba Mata Temple | Chattarpur Temple | Jwalamukhi Temple | Naina Devi Temple | Dakshineswar Kali Temple | Mangalagauri Temple | The Durga Temple, Varanasi | Devi Kanaka Durga Temple | Shree Durga Parameshwari Temple | Bhadra Kali Temple | Chandi Devi Temple | Bhagavathi Temple | Devi Patan Temple | Bhadrakali Temple | Mookambika Devi Temple | Vidyashankara Temple | Chamundeswari Temple | Annapoorneshwari Temple | Marikamba Temple | Banashankari Temple

Chamunda is a little station on the Pathankot-Jogindernagar narrow gauge railway track. There’s the Chamunda Devi Temple here, right on the banks of the Baner River. It is also a pretty picnic spot with a good view of the mountains, the Baner Khad (khad means hillside) and the Pathiar and Lahl forests.
The temple is dedicated to goddess Kali (a form of Shakti or power, also goddess of war) in her wrathful avatar (form) of Chamunda.

¤ The Legend Associated To The Temple

As with so many temples in India, this one too has a legend to it.
It has to do with the two demons, Chanda and Munda, trying to harass the goddess Ambika. The duo, followers of the notorious demon king, Shumbh Nishumbh, once set out for the Himalayas with their chaturangini army. Upon reaching here, they saw the devi (goddess) sitting high up on a peak, smiling to herself. Chanda and Munda then flew their arrows at her.

Furious at this, Ambika knitted her brows and lo! From their folds emerged this terrifying form of Kali, decked up in a cheetah skin sari (long piece of cloth cleverly draped by Indian women) and a garland of skulls. Kali fought all the demons singlehandedly and killed Chanda and Munda. Pleased, Ambika declared that Kali would now be worshipped here as Chamunda – a compound of Chanda and Munda. That is how the temple is supposed to have come up.

The Chamunda Devi Temple is said to be more than 700 years old. It is a pretty big complex 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 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). There are several brightly painted figures of gods and goddesses around the place.

¤ Transport
Buses between Palampur and Dharamsala will drop you at the Chamunda Devi Temple

PLACES OF PEACE AND POWER

The Golden Temple

I am often asked what my favorite sacred places are in the world, among the many hundreds I have visited. I could not choose one in particular, but included in the top ten would certainly be the Golden Temple. It is a place of both stupendous beauty and sublime peacefulness. Originally a small lake in the midst of a quiet forest, the site has been a meditation retreat for wandering mendicants and sages since deep antiquity. The Buddha is known to have spent time at this place in contemplation.Two thousand years after Buddha's time, another philosopher-saint came to live and meditate by the peaceful lake. This was Guru Nanak (1469-1539), the founder of the Sikh religion. After the passing away of Guru Nanak, his disciples continued to frequent the site; over the centuries it became the primary sacred shrine of the Sikhs. The lake was enlarged and structurally contained during the leadership of the fourth Sikh Guru (Ram Dass, 1574-1581), and during the leadership of the fifth Guru (Arjan, 1581-1606), the Hari Mandir, or Temple of God was built. From the early 1600s to the mid 1700s the sixth through tenth Sikh Gurus were constantly involved in defending both their religion and their temple against Moslem armies. On numerous occasions the temple was destroyed by the Moslems, and each time was rebuilt more beautifully by the Sikhs. From 1767 onwards, the Sikhs became strong enough militarily to repulse invaders. Peace returned to the Hari Mandir.

The temple's architecture draws on both Hindu and Moslem artistic styles yet represents a unique coevolution of the two. During the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780-1839), Hari Mandir was richly ornamented with marble sculptures, golden gilding, and large quantities of precious stones. Within the sanctuary, on a jewel-studded platform, lies the Adi Grantha, the sacred scripture of the Sikhs. This scripture is a collection of devotional poems, prayers, and hymns composed by the ten Sikh gurus and various Moslem and Hindu saints. Beginning early in the morning and lasting until long past sunset, these hymns are chanted to the exquisite accompaniment of flutes, drums, and stringed instruments. Echoing across the serene lake, this enchantingly beautiful music induces a delicate yet powerful state of trance in the pilgrims strolling leisurely around the marble concourse encircling the pool and temple. An underground spring feeds the sacred lake, and throughout the day and night pilgrims immerse themselves in the water, a symbolic cleansing of the soul rather than an actual bathing of the body. Next to the temple complex are enormous pilgrims' dormitories and dining halls where all persons, irrespective of race, religion, or gender, are lodged and fed for free.

Amritsar, the original name of first the ancient lake, then the temple complex, and still later the surrounding city, means "pool of ambrosial nectar." Looking deeply into the origins of this word amrit, we find that it indicates a drink of the gods, a rare and magical substance that catalyzes euphoric states of consciousness and spiritual enlightenment. With this word we have a very clear example of the spirit, power, or energetic character of a particular place becoming encoded as an ancient geographical place name. The myth is not just a fairy tale. It reveals itself as a coded metaphor if we have the knowledge to read the code: The waters of Amritsar flowing into the lake of the Hari Mandir were long ago - and remain today - a bringer of peacefulness.

Hari Mandir, Amritsar, India

Sikh pilgrims at the Golden Temple, Amritsar, India

Haridwar - Where the Ganges is revered

Haridwar located in the foothills of the Himalayas, represents the point where the Ganga reaches the plains. Haridwar is an ancient pilgrimage site, held in reverence for centuries. The Chinese pilgrim Hyuen Tsang who visited India in the first millennium CE, describes Haridwar as Mayura, on the eastern banks of the Ganges. Several temples and ashrams dot this town and a visit to Haridwar is like stepping into a totally different world.
Legend has it that Bhagiratha, brought the Ganges into the earth, and into this point where his ancestors were burnt to ashes by the curse of the sage Kapila. Kapilastaan, a spot in Haridwar is pointed to as Kapila's hermitage. Haridwar was once known as Gangadwara.

View of Evening prayers at Hari-ki-pairi (known for a footprint of Vishnu on a stone in a wall) in Haridwar

Haridwar (and Rishikesh) represents the gateway to the Himalayan pilgrimage shrines of Badrinath and Kedarnath. The pilgrimage to the Himalayan shrines begins only when the sun reaches the zodiac sign of Aries. Haridwar is also the site of celebration of the Kumbha Mela, once in twelve years, when Jupiter transits to the zodiac sign of Aquarius.
The five sacred bathing spots in Haridwar are Gangadwara, Kankhal, Nila Parvata, Bilwa Theertha and Kusavarta. The main ghat at Haridwar is known as Hari-ki-Pairi (known for a footprint of Vishnu on a stone in a wall). Nearby is the Gangadwara temple, the most important of the several temples that dot this town. The Ganga Aarti which is celebrated at 7 pm each night, is a spectacular sight, when the aarti ceremony is performed at all temples in Haridwar at the same instant (see image above). Hundreds throng to the ghats at Hari-ki-Pairi to participate in this festival. Offerings of lamps and flowers are made to the river immediately following this ceremony and it is a moving sight to watch hundreds of miniature lamps float along the river.

Near Haridwar are the towns of Mayapuri and Kankhal. Kankhal houses the Daksheswara temple, said to be the site of Daksha's yagna, which was destroyed by Shiva.

Badrinath Temple

Badrinath is situated in the Indian Himalaya, at about 3,133 mtrs. above sea-level. It lies in the north Indian state of Uttarakhand, and is one of the Char Dham. The other teen Dham are Yamunotri, Gangotri and Kedarnath.

The journey to Badrinath, most likely from Haridwar - Rishikesh, is through Rudra Prayag. From Rudra Prayag the road to Badrinath is a single way route, passing through mountainous ranges with ever changings vieuws on the snow-clad peaks. The meandering Alaknanda and the innumerable milky water falls add to the scenic beauty of the entire route.

The distance from Rudraprayag to Badrinath is some 160 kms. The travel time greatly depends on weather conditions and the number of passengers enroute. It is advised to check for departure times of the convoys.

The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport near Dehradun, (317 km). The nearest railway stations are at Haridwar (310 km) and Rishikesh(297 km) and Kotdwar, (327 km) respectively. There are regular buses operating to Badrinath, from New Delhi, Haridwar and Rishikesh. As the roads are very narrow, for your safety it is recommeded to travel by all terrain vehicles. Until recently you could not drive here, but now you can drive right up next to the temple.

Jai Matavaishnodevi

Vaishno Devi Mandir (Hindi: वैष्णोदेबी मन्दीर) is one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Shakti, located in the hill of Vaishno Devi, Jammu and Kashmir, India. In Hinduism, Vaishno Devi, also known as Mata Rani and Vaishnavi, is a manifestation of the Mother Goddess.

The temple is near the town of Katra, in Udhampur district in the state of Jammu and Kashmir,. It is one of the most revered places of worship in Northern India. The shrine is at an altitude of 5200 feet and a distance of approximately 12 kilometres (7.45 miles) from Katra. Million of pilgrims visit the temple every year and is the second most visited religious shrine in India, after Tirupati Balaji Mandir. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board maintains the shrine. A rail link from Udhampur to Katra is being built to facilitate pilgrimage.

Jagannath Puri Temple

Puri, on the east coast of India, in the state of Orissa is a hoary pilgrimage center, enshrining Jagannath, in a colossal temple. Puri is well connected by rail and road with Calcutta and with Bhubaneshwar. Puri is an ancient shrine, enshrining Krishna - Jagannath in the form of a wooden image. Also enshrined are wooden images of Balabhadra (Balarama) and Subhadra brother and sister of Krishna respectively. Interestingly, the Rig Veda refers to Purushottama in the form of a wooden image, prepared from a log of wood floating on the ocean.

Puri is also referred to in the Bhrama purana. Puri, one of the most sacred pilgrimage in India, is one of the four 'Dhamas' of the Hindu religion. The city is home to the world-famous Jagganath temple. The temple enshrines Krishna-Jagannath in the form of a wooden image along with shrines of Balabhadra and Subhadra (brother and sister of Krishna respectively).

The Jagannath Temple of Puri is one of the four most famous holy pilgrimages of the Hindus. The festival of Rath Yatra celebrated here on the second day of the bright fortnight of Ashada (June-July), is world famous for the enormous crowd of devotees that gathers to witness Lord Jagannath?s yearly journey in his huge chariot. Lord Jagannath, with his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra, goes to his garden house ?Gundecha Ghar ? for five days, visiting his aunt on the way. At the end of the five days, the three siblings are brought back to the Jagannath temple in a procession called the Ultarath.

Lord Jagannath, the symbol of universal love and brotherhood is worshipped in the Temple along with Balabhadra, Subhadra, Sudarshan, Madhaba, Sridevi and Bhudevi on the Ratnabedi or the bejewelled platform. The Deities, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra and Chakra Sudarshan are made of margosa wood. When one lunar month of Ashadha is followed by another lunar month of Aashadha, the deities change their bodies during such a leap month. This is known as Navakalebar or New Body Ceremony.
isiting Hours: The temple gets open at 5am and is open till midnight. At 1 in noon the gates are closed for half an hour.
Entry Fee: Nil.
When to visit: The best time to see the temple is during the Rath-Yatra. Else one can visit Puri during Oct.-April.

Puja Timings
Dwarpitha and Mangal Aarati at 5 a.m
“Mailam” at 6 a.m.
“Abakash” – 6 a.m. to 6.30 a.m.
“Mailam” 6.45 a.m.
“Sahanamela” – 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.
“Beshalagi” – 8 a.m.
Rosha Homa Surya Puja and Dwarapal– 8 a.m. to 8.30 a.m.
Gopala Ballava Puja– 9 a.m.
Sakala Dhupa(Morning food offering) 10 a.m
Mailam and Bhoga Mandap
Madhyanha (Afternoon food offering) 11 A.M. to 1 P.M.
Madhyanha Pahudha - 1 p.m. to 1.30 p.m
Sandhya Aarati
Sandhya Dhupa – 7 p.m. to 8 p.m
Mailam and Chandana lagi
Badashringar Vesha
Badashringara Bhoga
Khata Seja Lagi and Pahuda 12.00

How to get there
Air: Puri can be reached by air as its nearest airport is in Bhubaneswar, 56 km away. Regular buses and trains service is available from Bhubaneswar to Puri.
Rail: Puri railway station is a major railway station and is well connected with almost all the major cities of India.
Road: Puri is connected with Bhubaneshwar, Konark, Berhampur, Taptapani, Sambalpur and Kolkata by road.

Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal is one of the most famous hill stations in India.Kodaikanal is a hill station on the southern tip of the upper Palani Hills. Kodai is also a tourist attraction, and many of the locals make their living through tourist services. Kodaikanal is sometimes referred to as "Princess of Hill stations." Tucked away among the Palani Hills in Tamilnadu, in South India, and jealously guarded like a prized jewel by the dark forests, is Kodaikanal. In fact, the name itself means ?gift of the forest? in Tamil. A more appropriate and evocative name could not have been imagined for this quaint, unspoilt little hill station, where the air is intoxicating, the scenery breathtakingly beautiful, and a serenity seldom found in other hill stations. Cradled in the southern crest of the upper Palani Hills, in the Western Ghats, 120 km from Madurai, Kodaikanal is located 2133 m above sea level. Founded by American missionaries in 1845, Kodaikanal is steeped in history. Relics and artifacts of the Paliyans who once lived in these hills can still be seen in the Shenbaganur Museum. Even today, a few Paliyans can be seen near Kukal Cave. In the early days, there were no roads?people had to travel by bullock-cart and palanquin, braving the dangers of the forests. Slowly Kodaikanal developed, missionaries established church properties, many of the then ruling princes built summer holiday-homes, clubs were opened, school and hotels were built, and civic amenities were introduced.
History of KodaikanalIn 1845, Kodaikanal was started as hill station in the Palani hills at 7375 ft. The Palani Hills were first surveyed by British Lieutenant Ward in 1821.The first people lived in the hills were dolmen-boulders, who have left here several visible artifacts. But dolmen sites have not been carbon dated. In the Palani hills Tribes are of two kinds, the Paliyans and Pulaiyans.Kukkal Caves, which in 20 kms. away from kodaikanal, show traces of Paliyan occupation. Paliyans are tribes. Next to Paliyans, Pulaiyans were settled as agriculturists at later stage. The survey report of 1821, reveals Pulaiyans were the aborigines of the Palani Hills and followed Tamil Culture.
British Lieutenant Ward had climbed up from the Kunnavan Village of Vellagavi to Kodaikanal first in 1821 to survey the area. In 1834, Madurai collector climbed up from Devadanappatti and built a small bungalow at the head of Adukkam pass near Shenbaganur Dr.Wight visited Kodaikanal in 1836 and recorded his observations which were very useful to botanists later. In 1844, Mr.Fane, an Englishmen built godowns in kodaikanal and familiarized with hill area. In 1845, the first two bungalows "Sunny-side" and "Shelton" were built by American Mission people with the help of Englishmen Mr.Fane. Then, six American families came up and stayed first at Kodaikanal. Following this, British houses also appeared. In 1864, Colonel Halmilton recorded his opinion in his report that Berijam lake area was the best site in the Palani Hills for a Military Cantonment or Sanitarium. The hill station Kodaikanal was created to serve the needs of the British and Europeans in India. In the 20th century the Indian Elite visited Kodaikanal and purchased property and utilized the facilities of British and Americans. Thus Kodaikanal has a complex and varied culture.

Major Attractions

Kodai Lake: One of the main attractions for the tourists of Kodaikanal is the Kodai lake which is at a distance of 3kms from the bus stand. In 1863, Vera Levinge, a former District Collector of Madurai settled in Kodaikanal after his retirement. He was the man of resource and creative ideas for this lake. By spending his own money he converted the marshy land with several streams of lake by constructing a strong bund and brought boats from Tuticorin. It is reported that the foreign resident`s even used to swim in the lake.
Coaker’s Walk: Coakers walk is mountain bouleward, is near to where I live. Sunrise from this point is mind blowing. The formation of clouds and the color is different every morning. Have clicked many pictures of sunrise from this point.
You can expect more to come.
Bryant Park: As the name suggests, You have plenty to drink and make merry in this bar. A great place providing a choice of true-blue beverages - acoholic and nonalcoholic. Raise your spirits.
Green Valley View: Originally this was known as Suicide Point. It is about 5 km from the lake. From here, the Vaigai Dam below offers an enchanting view. There is also a Golf Club close by.

Pillar Rocks: Situated 7km from Kodai, three granite formations over 120 m high, stand shoulder to shoulder, providing a beautiful view. It has a mini garden with lovely flowers. The Pillar rock is full of caves and chasms, a delight for the adventure seeker. There are over 100 dolmens and other megalithic remains that has been discovered in the Palani hills, all datable to around the 2nd century AD. The chamber between the two pillars is called Devil`s kitchen.
Kurinji Andavar Temple: 3.2 km from the lake. There are three rocks magnificently jutting into the sky to a height of about 400 feet.
Waterfalls: The waterfalls around Kodaikanal include Bear Shola Falls, Silver Cascade, Glen Falls and Fairy Falls, the best of the lot. A swim at the foot of the Fairy Falls is refreshing.
Observatory: It is situated at the topmost point of Kodai (850 feet above the lake). The observatory is used mainly for research in meteorology and solar physics
Shenbaganur Museum: 5.5km from the lake. This flora and fauna museum, maintained by the Sacred Heart College, is worth a visit. The archaeological remains and the flora and fauna of the hills are on show here. Also located here is one of the best orchidariums in the country.
Dolmen Circle: 18 kms from the lake.Pre-historic remains to be seen there. Original burial urns unearthed in this region and models of dolmens may be seen in Shenbaganur museum.
Thalaiyar Falls: Also known as Rat Tail falls which is one of the highest falls in the world.(.975 feet high) It can be seen while climbing from ghat road to Kodaikanal by road, Nobody can go to the falls site, as no approach is there.
Kukkal Caves: A camping site offering trekking facilities (20 kms).
Palani: It is 64 kms from kodaikanal, famous pilgrim center of the South and one of the six abodes of Lord, Dhandayuthabani. Direct frequent bus are available from Kodaikanal.Nearby AttractionsSilver Cascade (8 kms), Dolphins Nose (a rock at high point), Perumal Peak - which offers excellent trekking facilities (12 kms), Berijam Lake (21 kms) and Kukkal Cave - a camping site offering trekking facilities (20 kms).
How to get there
Air: The nearest airport is Madurai (120 KMs). The other nearest airports are Coimbatore 190Kms and Trichy 195 Kms.Train: Kodairoad is the nearest railway station at 80 kms. A number of passenger trains pass through kodairoad. Madurai 120 kms is the nearest major railway station.
Road: Kodaikanal is well connected with some important
Best time to visit

The best time to visit Kodaikanal is between April to June & September to December. The temperature ranges between 12 and 20 degree Celsius in summer and between 8 and 18 degree Celsius in winter. towns. Regular bus services are available from Kodaikanal to Madurai, Palani, Kodai Road, Theni, Dindigul, Thiruchirappalli, Kumuli, Bangalore and Coimbatore.
General Information

Area : 21.45 square Kms
PIN Code : 624101
Altitude : 2133 meters above the sea level
Rainfall : 165 cm
Language : Tamil and English
State : Tamilnadu
STD Code : 04542