Chamunda Devi Temple
The province of Himachal Pradesh is considered to be a place of God’s dwelling and has a number of spiritual places to visit. Approximately 15 kilometers from Dharamshala and on the banks of the Baner River is located the famous Chamunda Devi Temple. Situated at an altitude of about 1000 meters, the temple is surrounded by a magnificent view and is an ideal place for prayer and spiritual realization. The temple is believed to be over 700 years old. The Chamunda Devi Temple also has a pond called as the Kund in which travelling disciples of the Goddess take a dip. It is believed that taking a dip in the water of the Chamunda Devi Temple cleanses any bad omen and purifies the soul. The location of the temple earlier used to be a burial ground for the surrounding villages. Behind the temple is a cave-like structure representing the incarnation of Lord Shiva.
The temple takes a festive atmosphere during the time of Navratri. Devotees and pilgrims from all parts of India visit the temple for the blessings of Goddess Chamunda Devi. It is a sincere belief among the devotees that the Goddess would bless her true followers during this time. The temple is also filled with the shrines and pictures of various other Gods as well as imaginative carvings, pillars and ceiling. There is nothing brilliant about the architecture of the temple, however it is visited by large number of people for the mere spiritual and customary experience.
The other place to visit during a trip to the Chamunda Devi Temple is the ayurvedic dispensary along the side of the temple. Also present is a Sanskrit library. The library has a huge collection of ancient manuscripts, astrological books, philosophies on the Hindu religion as well as a compilation of a number of Upanishads and Vedas. Renowned pilgrims who visit here often would be able to share some wonderful anecdotes about the temple and the history behind it. Foreigners also tend to visit the temple to learn and understand a number of valuable lessons about the Hindu mythology.
Overall, a visit to the Chamunda Devi Temple is an enchanting experience for people who come from far and wide. It is a clean atmosphere and pilgrims can rest under the shade of two huge peepal trees present at the front of the temple. It is also an ideal picnic spot for tourists, where they could have some food or the offerings of the temple post worship. The temple is connected to Dharamshala by means of the Palampur National Highway, and hence finding transport to the temple is pretty uncomplicated. Regular buses and taxis are available that the tourists and pilgrims can make use of. There are also places to stay near the temple, especially when people come from far away for being a part of the Navratri festival and have to stay for a few days. Since it is a spiritual place, cleanliness and hygiene is practiced at the highest level.