Chamunda Devi is revered as a Shakti shrine, situated 10 km west of Palampur located in the state of Himachal Pradesh. This is the place where the Demons Chand and Mund came to conquer Devi Mahakali and during the fight, the Devi cut their heads. The heads were then presented to Maa Ambika, who in turn told Mahakali that She will be worshipped as Chamunda Devi. This Sidhapeeth has now become a place where saints and priests pray amidst natural surroundings. Since this colorful shrine has a wrathful form of Chamunda or Mahakali, it is considered to be very sacred. The idol in the temple is completely hidden beneath a red cloth and it is believed that here Lord Shiva is present in the form of death, destruction and dead bodies along with Chamunda Devi. Devotees flock to this temple to offer prayers, worship and give offerings for their ancestors.

Getting there and around

By Air - Nearest Airport is Gaggal which is connected with New Delhi and Chandigarh by Indian Airlines Flight. The Distance of Shrine from Delhi is 525 Kms.

By Rail - Nearest railway station is Pathankot for broad gauge trains and there is also a narrow gauge train in Kangra district for which the railway station is Nagrota Bagwan.

By Road - Motorable roads connect this Shrine from Palampur & Dharamshala. Taxis can be hired from these places. Distance from Dharamshala to Shrine is 14 Kms. & from Palampur 18 Kms.This all is hilly and beautiful scenic area all along the valley. Frequent state transport bus service is available from all important cities of Punjab, Haryana, New Delhi, Chandigarh and Jammu and Kashmir.

Accommodation

Barely 300m from the temple of Chamunda Devi, Himachal Tourism runs a neat and clean Yatri Niwas.Free accommodation is available in Temple's Sarai.