About Chamunda Mata Temple, Chotila
The Chamunda Mata Temple sits on the summit of Chotila hill, which rises steeply above the town of Chotila, the taluka headquarters in Surendranagar district of Gujarat, near Rajkot. The goddess Chamunda is worshipped here, and the shrine is one of the best-known Devi temples of Saurashtra; Chotila, Parnera and Uncha Kotda are counted among the major Chamunda shrines of Gujarat. The hill is roughly 1,200 feet high, and pilgrims climb a long flight of several hundred steps to reach the top, many of them barefoot as a vow. For numerous families in the region, Chamunda of Chotila is their kuldevi.
According to the Devi Mahatmya and local tradition, the demons Chanda and Munda, servants of Shumbha and Nishumbha, challenged the goddess. In the battle that followed, the fierce form of the Devi beheaded them both and presented their heads to Ambika, who declared that she would be worshipped as Chamunda, a name joining the two demons' names. The Chotila shrine celebrates this victory of the goddess over evil. Its exact age is not recorded, but the hilltop has long been a place of worship, and the town below is also known as the birthplace of the Gujarati writer Jhaverchand Meghani.
The climb begins in the town near the Bhaktivan garden at the foot of the hill and winds up the rocky slope, with resting places and small stalls along the way. The temple at the top is compact, with the images of the goddess in the sanctum, and a constant flow of devotees ringing bells and offering coconuts and red chunris. From the summit there are wide views over the flat Saurashtra plain and the highway below, and the sunrise and sunset from the top are memorable. During Navratri the hill is lit up and the shrine remains busy late into the night.
Chamunda Mata Temple, Chotila timings & aarti
Usually open from about 5:00 AM to around 7:30 PM; hours are extended during Navratri. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning aarti | Around 6:00 AM (approx.) |
| Evening aarti | At sunset |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Chamunda Mata Temple, Chotila
By air
Rajkot airport is about 48 km away.
By train
Than Junction is about 21 km away; Rajkot Junction is a larger station with more trains.
By road
Chotila lies on the Ahmedabad–Rajkot highway, roughly 65 km from Rajkot and 80 km from Ahmedabad, with frequent buses.
Festivals at Chamunda Mata Temple, Chotila
- Sharad NavratriSep/Oct
- Chaitra NavratriMar/Apr
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing is recommended; wear comfortable clothes for the climb.
- Entry
- Free.
- Start the climb early in the morning to avoid the heat; carry water.
- The steps are steep in places; elderly visitors should take it slowly and rest often.
- Plan to come down before the temple closes in the evening.
- Navratri brings huge crowds; expect queues on the steps.
Places to visit near Chamunda Mata Temple, Chotila
- Bhaktivan gardenGarden at the foot of Chotila hill
- ThanTown with the nearest railway junction, about 21 km away
- RajkotMajor city of Saurashtra, about 65 km away
Frequently asked questions
How many steps are there to the Chotila temple?
Pilgrims climb several hundred steps up Chotila hill; the climb usually takes about half an hour to an hour depending on pace.
What are the Chotila temple timings?
It is usually open from about 5 AM to around 7:30 PM, with longer hours in Navratri. Check locally before visiting.
Who is Chamunda Mata?
A fierce form of the Devi who, according to tradition, slew the demons Chanda and Munda, hence the name Chamunda.
How far is Chotila from Rajkot?
Chotila is on the Ahmedabad–Rajkot highway, and Rajkot airport is about 48 km away.
What is the aarti time at Chamunda Mata Temple, Chotila?
Morning aarti: Around 6:00 AM (approx.); Evening aarti: At sunset. Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Chamunda Mata Temple, Chotila?
Modest traditional clothing is recommended; wear comfortable clothes for the climb.
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