Holy Pilgrimage – Himachal Pradesh State –( Trilokinath temple, Mata Trilokpuri Devi temple, Una, Vajreswaridevi Temple and other temples ) - 5 at 10:46 PM

Holy Pilgrimage – Temples in Himachal Pradesh State

 

 

Trilokinath Temple at Tunde, Himachal Pradesh

The Trilikonath Temple at Tunde village 6 km south of the left bank of the Chaṅdrābhāgā or Chenab River, and about 9 km from the village of Udaipur, is in the Lahul and Spiti District of Himachal Pradesh, India, is sacred to both Tibetan Buddhists and Hindus. The glittering white-painted temple is situated on a cliff at the end of a village street.

 

 Name

'Trilikonath' is one of the names of the Hindu god, Shiva, meaning the "Lord of the Three Worlds". but local tradition clearly relates that it was originally a Buddhist vihara or monastery, although nothing remains of the original building.

History

There is apparently nothing left of the original temple structure, but there is a strong local tradition that Trilokinath was originally a Buddhist vihara. The temple had a marble statue of a six-headed Avalokiteshvara which was stolen decades ago and replaced with a crude image of grey stone, and later with the present six-armed white marble Avalokiteshvara is attributed by some to the 12th century  It is revered as Avalokiteshvara by Buddhists and as Shiva by Hindus and is crowned with an image of Amitabha Buddha - the 'Buddha of Boundless Light.
The original image is said to have been coeval with the Avalokiteshvara head found near the confluence of the Chandra and Bhaga rivers and is now housed at the Guru Ghantal or Gandhola Monastery. This head has been claimed to date to the time of Nagarjuna (2nd century CE)^[ which may indicate some connection with the famous Kanika (Kanishka) stupa at Sani Monastery in nearby Zangskar. Handa, though, says both these images can be dated on stylistic grounds to around the 8th century or a century earlier.
Hutchinson and Vogel speculate that it was originally a Shiva temple but was made into a Buddhist place of worship by Padmasambhava in the 8th century. They also state that the "Guru Ghantal white marble head is of the same workmanship as the Triloknath image, and both are of the same Boddhisatva."
A tradition, that a Kulu Raja reached Triloknath and tried to carry off the idol, but was defeated in the attempt, as the stone became so heavy that it could not be moved. There is a mark on the right leg of the marble figure, which is said to have resulted from a sword blow by a Kulu soldier of the time.
The original temple columns date from the time of King Lalitaditya in the 9th century CE. There is a granite lingam and small Nandi (bull) representing Shiva in the courtyard and large Bhuddist prayer wheels while the ancient wooden pagoda-style temple is decorated with Tibetan prayer flags. Both Hindus and Buddhists celebrate the three-day Pauri Festival here in August.
Typical of the style introduced in the region during the 7th to 8th centuries, this temple consists of a curvilinear stone tower shikhara crowned with the characteristic amalka (imitating a segmented gourd). Unlike the temples on the plains there is no pillared hall mandapa in the hill termples perhaps due to the lack of clear ground.
A silver idol of Kali as Mahishasurmardini was installed by Thakur Himpala in 1959-60.

 

The district of Lahaul-Spiti in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh is one of the most spectacular valley with ancient monasteries and natural formations. It consists of the two formerly separate districts of Lahaul and Spiti. The present administrative head quarter  is Keylong in Lahaul. Earlier, Kardang was the capital of Lahaul, and Dhankar the capital of Spiti. One can visit this place either from Delhi via Manali or from Kalpa via Shimla.
The important tourist destinations spread acrossthe Lahaul Spiti valley are Kaza, Tabo, Nako, Keylong, Jhnaskar and others.
Another main attractions of this valley is Kunzum la or the Kunzum Pass (altitude 4,551 m; 14,931 ft) is the entrance pass to the Spiti Valley from Lahaul. It is 21 km from Chandra Tal. This district is connected to Manali through the Rohtang Pass. To the south, Spiti ends 24 km from Tabo, at the Pare chu gorge where the road enters Kinnaur and joins with National Highway No. 22.
The two valleys are quite different in geographical character. Spiti is more barren with huge and varied natural formations at an average elevation of the valley floor of 4,270 m (14,009 ft). It is enclosed between lofty ranges, with the Spiti river rushing out of a gorge in the southeast to meet the Sutlej River. It is a typical mountain desert type area with an average annual rainfall of only 170 mm (6.7 inches).
TABO (3050 m) : 163 km from Kalpa is the ancient village of Tabo, situated on the left bank of river Spiti. Flanked on either sides by hills, its has one of the most important Buddhist monasteries regarded by many as only next to the Tholing Gompa in Tibet. It is also known as the Ajanta of the Himalayas. Tabo is the largest monastic complex of Spiti which has since been declared a protected monument under the aegis of Archaeological Survey of India.
KAZA (3600m) : 210 Km from Kalpa, 47 km from Tabo. The headquarters of Spiti sub-district, Kaza lies on the bank of river Spiti. In earlier times, it was the capital of Nono, the Chief of Spiti. It has a Buddhist Monastery and Hindu Temple.
KEY MONASTERY / KEY GOMPA (4116m) : 7 km from Kaza. The largest monastery in Spiti Valley. Established in the 11th century has ancient Buddhist scrolls and paintings. It also houses large number of Buddhist monks and nuns.
KIBBER (4205m) : 18 km from Kaza. The highest village in the world which is connected by motorable road and is the highest habitated village in the world which has its own polling station during elections.
DHANKAR (3890m) : 24 km from Tabo, this place is famous for a Buddhist monastery.
PIN VALLEY : The Pin valley lies below the Kungri Glacier and has several beautiful and important monasteries. iT is called the land of Ibex and snow leopards.
KUNZAM PASS (4551m) : 76 km. One of the highest motorable pass. Goddess Kunjum keeps guard over this pass and wards off evil.
CHANDRATAL LAKE (4270m) : 7 km from Kunzam Pass, is one of the most beautiful lakes in the entire Himalayan region. Surrounded by snow, this deep blue water lake has a circumferences of 2.5 km. River Chandra flows very close to the lake.
Kaza is Ladakh at its rugged best.  An amazing hill station, Kaza is a chief town in the majestic Spiti valley. Spiti means middle land – between India and Tibet. The Spiti valley receives very little rainfall is bound on both sides by Lahaul and Kullu valley. The locals pronounce Spiti as Piti. The hills are rugged and rocky with zero vegetation projecting spectacular shapes formed due to millions of years of wind erosion. Its a quiet and serene location with the famous Ki Monastery and the 14th century Thang Yud Monastery. Kaza can be reached from Kalpa (222 Km) which lies in the South east via Tabo which is 47 Km from and also from Shimla .
This special tour also covers Nako also where one can see the famous Nako Lake and 1000 year old Monastery at tabo..
At Kaza, the tour includes a visit to the famous Ki Monastery  and Kibber village at 14,000 ft height.

 

 

Una, Himachal Pradesh

Una  is a city and a municipal council in Una district in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.

Una is located at 31.48°N 76.28°E. It has an average elevation of 369 metres (1210 feet).

The Una District has unique identity by having both plain areas and hilly areas. the same coexists at Prthipur Teh Amb, Thana Gagret.Una district have four tehsils. As per a local folklore, Una was so named by the fifth guru of Sikhs, shri Guru Arjun Dev ji."Unna" stands for 'Unaati' meaning Progress. After 1966 una curved out of punjab .
Una Borders with Nangal, Hoshiarpur towns of Punjab and Hamirpur, kangra, Bilaspur districts of Himachal Pradesh.

Una Himachal also known as gateway to Himalayas and is famously known for following 1. Chintpurni Temple ^] 2. Bramhauti ( Bramhoti) Temple - (World's only 2nd Brahma Temple in village of Handola, 1st one is in Pushkar)  3. Kila Baba bedi ji ( Una is also historic seat for Bedis (generations of Baba Nank Dev Ji) & has a heritage site known as Kila Baba Bedi ji. 4. Gurudwara Damdama Sahib Ji 5. Baba Balaknath ji( Deotsidh) temple. 6. Baba Rudranand ( Baba Rudu) Asharm. 7.Jogi Panga Ashram. 8. Baba Garib nath Temple ( Baba Garib nath temple is unique as it remain submerged in Gobind Sagar Dam during rainy seasons, in Summers one can walk up to the temple), It is said that Lahiri mahasaya ji once meditated in this ashram. 9. Peer Nigaha  10. Dera Baba Barhbhag Singh 9.Mahadev Mandir in Kotla Kalan 10.Sadashiv Mandir in Talmerha<sup>.

Transport</sup>

Rail

Una is well connected by broad gauge rail. Indian Railways runs many trains to Una. There are main two trains from Delhi, One is Hiamchal Express which reaches Una himachal in the night. Another one is Janshatabdi Express which starts from New Delhi Railway Station & arraives in Una Himachal by afternoon. Also this rail track is in expansion to Talwara (Punjab)which is under construction and track is being laid. Last active station is Amb,From where one can board or de-board Delhi Railway by a direct train.

Road

Una is approachable by road from Shimla, Chandigarh and Pathankot. Nowadays in 2012, road widening project is going on from Mehatpur-Una-Amb sector. Once this road widening project is over (expected by 2014), the speed of transport will increase..
Most common language in Una is Punjabi and Pahari. chandigarh to una =110kms by road.

Mata Trilokpuri Devi Temple, Himachal Pradesh
Trilokpur   stands on an isolated hillock about 24 km south-west of Nahan, 77-15’ north and 30’30’ east, at an elevation of about 430 m. The place is famous for its temple of renowned goddess Bala Sundri.
As the name Trilok Pur implies there is a triangle of three Shakti Temples in the area, each depicting different faces of Goddess Durga. The main temple situated at Trilok Pur is the Temple of Bhagwati Tripur Bala Sundry which depicts a beautiful childhood image of Goddess Durga. Another ‘Shakti Temple’ dedicated to Bhagwati Lalita Devi depicting another image of Goddess Durga, is situated on a hillock located at a distance of three K.M. in front of the main temple of Bhagwati Bala Sundri. The third famous ‘Shakti temple’ of ‘Tripur Bhairavi’ is situated at a distance of 13 K.M. north west of Bala Sundri temple.

This Maa Devi has 3 main roops:

1.   Maa Lalita Devi

2.   Maa Bala Sundari Devi

3.   Maa Tribhavini Devi

Maa Lalita Devi's Temple is situated 4Kms away from Trilokpur Gaon towards the east direction on a hill. Maa Tribhavini Devi's Temple is situated in the North Western Side. And Maa Baladundari Devi's temple is situated in the middle of these 2 temples. 

History

The temple was built by Raja Dip Parkash in 1573.Legend Speaks of the devi's "pindi" (a sacred stone, regarded as a symbol of the goddess). that had appeared in a bag of salt, purchased by a local trader.
As per legend Maa Balasundari jee had appeared in the year 1573 at Trilokpur in a bag of salt brought from Devban ( UP) by a local shopkeeper Sh Ram Dass. The said shopkeeper kept on selling salt from the bag throughout the day but the commodity did not exhaust and the bag remained filled as if nothing had been taken out there from. He was taken aback by the miracle and while asleep in the night Goddess appeared in his dream and narrated the incidence of her disappearance from Devban(UP) and directed to construct a Temple to establish her PINDI swaroop, which was already existing inside the bag of salt and also directed to worship in the name of Mahamaya Balasundari – an infant state of Goddess Veshno Devi . Lala Ram Dass was not rich enough to construct the temple, thus he decided to approach the then ruler of Sirmour state who inhesitanly agreed and got constructed a temple for the installation of the Divine PINDI of Mata Balasundari jee at Trilokpur. The king invited some artisans from Jaipur [Rajastan] in 1570AD and a beautiful marble temple dedicated to Goddess Tripur Bala Sundri came by 1573 AD. It is pertinent to mention here that at Devband in Uttar Pradesh also there was a famous ancient temple of Bhagwati Bala Sundri. After the temple was completed the worship of Goddess Bala Sundri became the tradition in the Royal family. The temple was renovated by Maharaja Fateh Prakash in 1823 and by Maharaja Raghubir Prakash in 1851. The temple is an example of exquisite workmanship and is an amalgam of Indo-Persian styles of architecture.
Every year over 32 lacs of devotees visit shrine of Bhagwati Bala Sundri. The traditional Poojari of the Bhagwati belongs to the business community and Vaish by cast, it is another unique feature of this famous Shakti Peeth of North India. Right since temple’s inception, the descendants of Lala Ram Das have been performing the main Pooja there.
At present the temple is run by a Temple trust headed by Deputy Commissioner Sirmour. The Temple Trust had executed several developmental works in Trilok Pur village during past three decades. During this Navratra fair tight security arrangement were being made keeping in view security threat to the famous religious places.

Dhyanu Bhagt Temple

The visit to Shrine Trilokpur is not believed to be completed if you do not visit the temple of Dhyanu Bhagt. Dhyanu Bhagt's Temple is in the first when you reach Trilokpur. The tradition of visiting Dhyanu Bhagt before Mata BalaSundari is followed by the pilgrims for years.

Shiva Mandir

The very next temple to Dhyanu bhagt's Temple is of lord Shiva. It is a beautiful temple, which is situated in the mid of a big pond. The temple is really beautiful. ...

Lalita Mata Temple

The gate to Lalita Mata temple's way is situated on the road to main temple. Pilgrims often visit this temple which is at a comfortable walk able distance.

How to Reach

A path connects it with the Nahan-Kala Amb Road at Sainwala, nearly 9.6 km below Nahan. A road runs between Kala Amb and Trilokpur for a distance of 6.4 km. A regular bus service runs from Nahan to this place via Kala Amb. In days of navratra you can get direct bus service of Haryana roadways from Ambala cantt, Yamunanagar, Naraingarh. One can reach by own convenience (car,motorbike,etc.) from Yamuna Nagar through Sadhoura,Kala Amb (encountering famous IITT college in passage) in about 2 hours.

If you are coming from Delhi, this is how you reach Maa's temple by road.

Delhi to Ambala-200 Km

Ambala to Kala Amb- 53Km

Kala Amb to Temple-11Km

If you are coming from other directions

Barada-Kala Amb- 30Km

Yamuna Nagar to Kala amb- 52 Km

Chandigrah to Kala Amb- 72Km

Famous For

Trilokpur is a place of great religious importance.It is considered to be childhood place of Maa Vaishno Devi. The temple of the goddess Mahamaya Bala Sundri is very famous and attracts lakhs of pilgrims from all over Northern India. An important fair is held at Trilokpur twice a year i.e.in the month of Chaitra and Ashvina on sudi ashtmi to chaudas (from the 8th to the 14th of the bright half). During this period the people keep on coming and going but a mammoth gathering is seen on ashtmi and chaudas viz. the first and the final days. The mela in Chaitra draws more people than that held in Ashvina. During this period a large number of devotees visit this temple and pay their respects to the goddess.

Temples in Nahan, Himachal Pradesh

Nahan  is a town in Himachal Pradesh in India and is the headquarters of the Sirmaur District.

Nahan is located at 30.55°N 77.3°E  It has an average elevation of 920 metre

  Nahan Town

A well-laid out picturesque town, Nahan is situated on a hill top in the Shiwalik Hills, overlooking green hills. Traditionally, saints and princes are linked with the origin of Nahan. The city was founded as a capital by Raja Karan Prakash in 1621. He was very fond of flying kites and he started a tradition of flying kites on rakshabandhan day - a tradition followed till today. Another version recalls a saint who lived with a companion named Nahar on the site where the Nahan palace now stands. "Nahar" means Don't kill and the town probably takes its name from an incident when a king was trying to kill a lion and the saint said Nahar, that is do not kill it. The name of the saint was Baba Banwari Das.
At an altitude of 932 m, Nahan is a good base for visits to the surrounding areas such as Renuka Lake, Paonta Sahib, Trilokpur temple and the Suketi Fossil Park. It has a pleasant climate throughout the year and is watered by a man-made lake and decorated with temples and gardens. Nahan has got the crown to organize the second Municipal Corporation in India, after Kolkata.
Underground sewerage system in this town is unbeatable and hence it bears the title to be a neat and clean town. Well planned streets make all the long distances calm and traffic free. The narrow fields are used by the pedestrians to move fast on foot to avoid traffic.
The Municipal Corporation Office is also situated near to the Pakka Tank only. The Sirmour district has been extensively criss-crossed by rivers and the streams and most of them having perennial water flow of considerable volume. With the result, fishing on the rivers and streams has been a pretty old past time in the district. The mulle, Masheer, Gid and Mirror cap varietiesare found on large scale, helping in the economic well being of the people.
Industrially, Sirmour district was not much advanced. The first such unit was set up in 1875, which was taken over by the govt.
In 1964 A.D. The Chief items of this foundry were cane crusher, cast iron and black sheet panes flour mills, centrifugal pumps mono-block pump sets and other agricultural implements and accessories. This Foundry was over taken by the Britishers During the British Rule in INDIA. This foundry is situated near famous Kalisthan Temple. Also there is a house opposite to Nahan Foundry which was constructed by Britishers for the general manager of the foundry in 1945, currently in possession of government as Sessions House where the District & Sessions Judge of Nahan resides.

Places of interest

The gentle level walks of Villa Round and Hospital Round(Chakkar Ke Sadak) are evocative of the city's past. The hub of Nahan's activities is Chaugan. The Mall Road is one of the favourite place of the youngsters after the college campus to walk along, specially in evening. Evening walk is one of the most common habit found in the citizens of Nahan. People regularly go for evening walk in the market and on The Mall. People like to meet in market and also visit the homes of friends on regular basis, mostly during this evening walk. Gift shops, Rosin & Turpentine factory and local temples are among the other major attractions. Other places of visit include Markanda ( 8 km from Nahan ), Jamta where,there is situated one Tri-star Hotel named "Grand View Resort" & one Five-star hotel named "The Sirmaur Retreat" where you can "Rest,Relax & Rejuvenate" (10–12 km) and Renuka Ji Lake (35 km) . In the heart of Nahan town is Rani Tal, where a large temple and a water pond from the days of ex-rulers of Sirmaur state can be seen. Ducks and cranes could be seen playing in the Ranital pond, and Ranital Garden further adds to the charm. Pakka Talab is one of the other ponds which has been renovated. A big fountain adds up to the beauty of the Pakka Tank, and the garden seats are being installed. Pakka Tank is also the place to celebrate two most important festivals of the town, that is BamanDwadshi Fair and Gugga Peer Fair. Pakka tank is also well known for its whole sale vegetable market, which is under operation in all the mornings,and recently shifted to Kanshiwalla. The one and only Railway reservation centre of Nahan is also situated in the Panchayat Ghar, Pakka Tank.Gunnu Ghat is the center of the Nahan City. All short-cuts leads to everywhere from this center point.Historical Miyan Ka mandir is very popular and gets good gathering on Krishna janam Ashtmi. In Nahan you can visit one more beautiful place called Shanti Sangam and Tallon and can admire natural beauty.

Famous religious places

Shiv Ji Temple Saltevni

Kalisthan Temple

Jagannath Temple

Rani Tal Shiv Temple

Gurudwara Dashmesh Asthaan Nahan

Shri Krishna Temple, Cantt.

Miyan Madir

Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Upper Stre

Shudh Dhar Shiv Mandir the Famous Place of Sirmour

Nainidhar Shiv Mandir

Bhagnari Shiv Mandir

Sanatan Dharam Mandir

Mata Balasundari Temple,Hospital Round

Mehlat

Suketi Fossil Park

Suketi Fossil Park, also known as Shivalik Fossil Park, at a distance of 21 km from Nahan, displays lifesize fiber reinforced plastic(FRP) models of pre-historic animals whose fossil skeletons were unearthed here. The park is the first of its kind in Asia to be developed at the actual discovery site of fossils. The Park is located on the left bank of the Markanda river and is approachable by a link road 4 km from highway from Haryana. Located on upper and middle Shiwaliks, consisting mainly of soft sandstone and clay rocks, the park at present has six sets of life-size models, of Stegodonganesa, Sivatherium, Hexaprotodon sivalensis, Colosschelys atlas, Paramachaerdus and Crocodilia, Mesozoic animals which once thrived in the region.
On October 30, 2010, Senior lecturer of commissioned Interns of Department of Geological Survey, found around two and half feet long ivory, buried in Sand soil. The age of the ivory is being told as around 150,000 years, on bases of carbon dating done in the region in the past.

Nearby Places

Kolar: 20 km

Paonta Sahib: 45 km

Baila : 40 km

Neherla 28 km

Kala Amb: 17 km

Suketi: 21 km

Trilokpur: 23 km

Dhaulakuan : 24 km

Giri Nagar: 28 km

Renuka: 35 km

Kotla-Molar: 55 km

Palnoo: 50 km

Yamunanagar : 65 km

Ambala : 63 km

Chandigarh  : 90 km

Sarahan  : 37 km

Sadhaura : 31 km

Mandhara : 35 km

Jamta : 12 km

Surla(Sirmaur): 19 km

Kaulanwalabhood: 27 km

Badaban: 16 km

Shimla: 135 km

 

Transport infrastructure

Air

The nearest airport is Chandigarh, with Dehradun as an option.Shimla Airport is also not too far.

Rail

The nearest railway stations are Barara,Ambala, Chandigarh and Kalka, which are connected by a regular bus service. Yamunanagar is another rail station close to the town

Road

Nahan is approachable from many directions by road: via Baila from Rajban, via Dehra Dun through Paonta Sahib; via Panchkula-Naraingarh-Kala Amb from Chandigarh, via Yamunanagar -Hathanikund from Haryana and via Solan- Kumarhatti from Shimla. There are regular bus services linking it to the other towns like Shimla, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Delhi and Haridwar. If you are coming from Delhi, the best and shortest route option is to take the road via Saha. For Saha, take a right exit from NH1 after crossing Shahbad and then the bridge on River Markanda.

 

Vajreshvari Devi Mandir, Himachal Pradesh

The Shree Vajreshwari Devi Mandir is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Vajreshvari, located in the town Nagarkot, in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, India.

Location

The temple of Vajreshvari is located in the town of Nagarkot, Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, India and is 11 km away from the nearest railway station of Kangra. The Kangra Fort is situated nearby. Its location on a mountain near Chamunda Devi temple, is 16 km from Nagarkot.

Legends

The primary deity of the temple, Vajreshvari (vajreśvari), also spelled Vajreshvari, also known as Vajrábái and Vajrayogini, is considered an incarnation of goddess Parvati or Aadi-Maya on earth. Her name literally means "the lady of the Vajra (thunderbolt)". There are two legends about the goddess' origins, both associated with the Vajra.
Thousands of years ago, a Rakshasa (demon) named Kalikala or Kalikut troubled the rishis (sages) and humans in the region of Vadvali and waged a war against the devas (gods). Distressed the gods and sages headed by Vashishta performed the Chandi yajna, a fire offering to the Goddess, to please Her. An aahuti (offering of ghee in yajna) was not granted to Indra (king of devas). Enraged, Indra hurled his Vajra - one of most powerful weapons in Hindu mythology- at the yajna. The terrified gods and sages prayed to the Goddess to save them. The Goddess appeared in all her glory at the site and not only swallowed the Vajra and humbled Indra but also killed the demons. Rama requested the Goddess that she should stay in the region of Nagarkot and be known as Vajreshvari. Thus, the Vajreshvari temple was established in this region.
Another legend says that Indra and other devas went to goddess Parvati and requested her to help slay the demon Kalikala. Goddess Parvati assured that she would come to their aid at the right time and ordered them to fight with the demon. In the battle, Kalikala swallowed or broke all weapons thrown at him. Finally, Indra threw the Vajra at the demon, which Kalikala broke into pieces and from the Vajra, emerged the Goddess, who destroyed the demon. The devas extolled her as Vajreshwari and built her temple.
Another legend says that after Goddess Sati sacrificed herself in the honor of Lord Shiva in her Fathers Yagya. Shiva took her body on his shoulder and started Tandav. In order to stop him from destroying the world Lord Vishnu divided the body of Sati into 52 parts with his Chakra. The left breast of Sati fell at this spot, thus making it a Shakti Peeth.

History

The original temple was built by the Pandavas at the time of Mahabharatha. Legend says that one day Pandavas saw Goddess Durga in their dream in which she told them that she is situated in the Nagarkot village and if they want them self to be secure they should make a temple for her in that area otherwise they will be destroyed. That same night they made a magnificent temple for her in the Nagarkot village. This temple was looted a number of time by the Muslim invaders. Md Gaznavi looted this temple at least 5 times, in the past it used to contain tonnes of gold and many ghantas made of pure silver. In 1905 the temple was destroyed by a powerful earthquake and was subsequently rebuilt by the government.

Temple structure

The main gate entrance has a Nagarkhana or drum house and is built similar to the Bassein fort entrance. The temple is also surrounded by a stone wall like a fort.
Inside the main area Goddess Vajreshvari is present in the form of Pindi. The temple also have a small temple of Bhairav. In front of the main temple an idol of Dhayanu Bhagat is also present. He had offered his head to the Goddess at the time of Akbar. The present structure has three tombs in it, which is unique in itself.

Temple festivals

The temple celebrates Navaratri once from the first day of fortnight of waxing moon of the Hindu month of Chaitra (March) to the ninth day of Ram Navami and then from the first day of the bright half of the Hindu month of Ashvin (October) to the 10th day Vijayadashami.
A huge fair in honour of Goddess Vajreshwari is held on Amavasya (new moon day) in the month of Chaitra. The fair commences on the 14th day of fortnight of waning moon of the month with ceremonial worship of the Goddess. On Amavasya at night, lamps are worshipped. On the next day, the first day of Hindu month Vaisakha, the ceremonial procession with a Palkhi (palanquin) carrying an image of the goddess, is taken out.
Other festivals the temple celebrates are Shiva worship in Hindu month of Shravana; Kojagiri Poornima - full moon day of Hindu month Ashvin; Diwali (festival of lights); Holi (festival of colours); Datta Jayanti (birthday of the deity Datta); Hanuman Jayanti (birthday of monkey god Hanuman) and Godhadebuwa Jayanti (birthday of the saint Godhadebuwa).
Makar sakrantri, which comes on second week of January, is also celebrated in the temple. Legend says that after killing Mahishasura in the battle, devi had got some injuries. to heel those injuries Goddess had applied Makhan (butter) on her body, in Nagarkot. Thus to mark this day the Pindi of Goddess is covered with Makhan and the festival is celebrated for a week in the temple.
Other Places inside the Temple
Dyanu Bhakht a devotee from nearby Agra is a regular visitor of Maa Vajreshwari Temple.He usually wears yellow clothes ad following him people started to visit the temple wearing yellow clothes from time to time. It is said that DHYANUBHAKT had cut his head twice and presented to devi. Mata Rani denied him to cut his head third time but to have view of mata rani he cut his head for third time but this time his head could not joint to his body. At that time Mata rani said that people who come to visit my temple will always have darshan of DHYANUBHAKT before me.
Old Bahirav Sculpture On the right hand of entrance there is old sculpture of Bhairav which is 5000 years old. It is said that whenever there is a chance of some disaster before that we can see tears in the eyes of Bhairav sculptures and sculpture starts sweating.
In the front of BHAIRVA sculpture there is YOGINI-KHAPPAR.It is said that it never get fiiled up with as many as cooked rice we put into it.
In the front of BHAIRVA sculpture there is YOGINI-KHAPPAR.It is said that it never get fiiled up with as many as cooked rice we put into it.
Tara Devi Temple Near the KhrestarPal Temple there is mini shaped temple of Tara Devi the same temple which was not affected by the earthquake of 1905.There are sculptures of singers of DEVTAS ghumbruyugal ashavmukhi sculptures are made outside the wall of temple. It is said that all these singers of devtas started showing there attitudes then all devtas gave them curse to become ASHAVMUKHI. In the outerwall of temple at backside the sculpture of MAHISHASUR MARDHNI and at left SHEETLA MATA's sculptures is there.
Old Sculpture and Shilalekhs There are rooms in the front of TARA DEVI TEMPLE in which there are stone made sculptures showing Devi standing on the back of JALANDHAR DEVIL. In north direction there is a large sculpture of MAHISHASUR MARDHNI. In this room there is joint complete sculpture of SHIVJI and PARVTI. In this sculpture SHILA ARTICLE are preserved which is described already. In front of this there is newly made library room, DHYANUBHAKT and HANUMAN sculptures.
DHARAMSHILA In front of entrance door of JAGMOHAN there is 5*5*3 squarefeet dharamshila On this no one liar man can stand. This is used in court for witness

 The temple is taken care of by the government of India.

 

How to reach

Temple of VAJRESHWARI devi is situated in main town Kangra in district Kangra of Himachal Pradesh in India. The famous Temple is connected with Delhi - Dharamshala National Highway.

Nearest Airport is Gaggal which is connected with New Delhi and Chandirarh by Indian Airline Flights. The Distance of Shrine from Delhi is 510 Kms.

Nearest railway station is Pathankot for broad gauge trains and there is also a narrow gauge TOY TRAIN in Kangra district for which the nearest railway station is Kangra Mandir.

Motorable roads connect this Shrine from Delhi, Chandigarh & Dharamshala. Taxis can be hired from these places. Distance from Dharamshala to Shrine is 20 Kms. & from Chandigarh 250 Kms. This all is hilly area with a beautiful scenic view all along the valley. Frequent state transport Bus service is available from all important cities of Punjab, Haryana, New Delhi and J & K.

ONCE YOU REACH THE MAIN BUS STAND YOU HAVE TO HIRE AUTO OR TAXI TO REACH THE CITY WHERE THE TEMPLE IS SITUATED AND THEN YOU HAVE TO WALK FOR 500 Mts TO REACH THE MAIN TEMPLE

 

 Basic Facilities

a) Free Langar in Lunch and Dinner time.

b) Bathrooms and toilets have been constructed near the temple and also at different places in the town.

c) Water taps have been installed at different places on the temple road.

d) Street lights have been installed in the whole town right from Kangra Mandir railway station.

e) Parking facilities have been provided at Gupt Ganga Complex.

f) Special arrangements are made during Navratra fairs to save the pilgrims from rain and heat of the sun.

g) Cheap boarding and lodging in two Sarais, constructed by the Temple Trust.

h) For tourists, there is a Homeopathic Dispensary in the temple complex. Medical check up and medicines are provided free to the Yatris.

i) Link road has been constructed upto main temple facilitating the disabled and physically handicapped  pilgrims to have darshan of the diety.

j)A beautiful gate has been constructed at Tehsil Chowk, the main entry point to the temple.

 

 

Om Tat Sat

                                                        

(Continued...)                                                                                                                              

(My humble  salutations to the great devotees ,  wikisources  and Pilgrimage tourist guide for the collection )