About Chamunda Devi Temple
Shri Chamunda Devi Temple, also called Chamunda Nandikeshwar Dham, stands on the banks of the Baner river in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, about 10 km from Palampur and about 15 km from Dharamshala. It is dedicated to Goddess Chamunda, a fierce form of Durga, and is one of the most revered goddess shrines in the Kangra valley. Behind the temple rise the snowy Dhauladhar mountains, making it a beautiful and peaceful place to pray. The temple is counted by many devotees among the region's Shakti shrines.
The goddess is called Chamunda because, according to the Devi Mahatmya, she destroyed the demons Chanda and Munda. Local tradition says the original shrine was higher in the mountains, and the goddess appeared in a priest's dream to allow her image to be brought down to this more accessible spot about four centuries ago. The site is also linked with Lord Shiva as Nandikeshwar, and a small cave shrine of Shiva lies near the main temple, giving the place its full name.
The temple has a red-and-white structure with a sanctum holding the image of the goddess, which is covered in red cloth. Around the complex are shrines to Hanuman and Bhairav, a tank, and a cave with a Shiva linga. Steps lead down to the Baner river, where pilgrims sit quietly by the water.
Chamunda Devi Temple timings & aarti
Usually open about 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM in summer and about 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM in winter. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning Aarti | Early morning (approx.) |
| Evening Aarti | Around sunset (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Chamunda Devi Temple
By air
Kangra (Gaggal) Airport is about 25 km away.
By train
Palampur (Maranda) on the narrow-gauge Kangra Valley Railway is the closest station; Pathankot is the nearest broad-gauge station, about 100 km away.
By road
Buses and taxis run from Dharamshala, Palampur and Kangra; the temple is on the main Dharamshala-Palampur road.
Festivals at Chamunda Devi Temple
- Chaitra NavratriMar/Apr
- Sharad NavratriSep/Oct
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing recommended.
- Entry
- Free entry for all.
- Visit the Shiva cave shrine near the main temple.
- Combine with Dharamshala, McLeod Ganj and Palampur in a day.
- Evenings by the river are peaceful and good for photos of the Dhauladhar.
- Carry a light jacket, as evenings can be cool even in summer.
Places to visit near Chamunda Devi Temple
- Palampur Tea GardensTea estates of the Kangra valley, about 10 km away
- Dharamshala and McLeod GanjHill town and Tibetan centre, about 15-25 km away
- Kangra FortHistoric hill fort, about 25 km away
- Baijnath TempleAncient Shiva temple, about 35 km away
Frequently asked questions
Where is Chamunda Devi Temple in Himachal?
It is in Kangra district on the banks of the Baner river, about 10 km from Palampur and about 15 km from Dharamshala.
What are the Chamunda Devi temple timings?
Usually about 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM in summer and 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM in winter.
Why is the goddess called Chamunda?
According to the Devi Mahatmya, she destroyed the demons Chanda and Munda, giving her the name Chamunda.
What is the nearest airport to Chamunda Devi Temple?
Kangra (Gaggal) Airport, about 25 km away.
What is the aarti time at Chamunda Devi Temple?
Morning Aarti: Early morning (approx.); Evening Aarti: Around sunset (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Chamunda Devi Temple?
Modest traditional clothing recommended.
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