Bajreshwari Mata Temple

Introduction to the Bajreshwari Mata Temple

The Bajreshwari Mata Temple is the most visited Hindu Temple in Kangra town, Himachal Pradesh. It is also known as Kangra Devi Temple and Vajreshwari Devi Temple. This is an important pilgrimage spot in Himachal Pradesh. The Bajreshwari Mata Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peeths of the Mother Goddess. It is maintained by the Himachal Pradesh Government.

Legend of the Bajreshwari Mata Temple

According to the legend, Sati married Shiva without the consent of her father, Daksha. Daksha organized a Yagna, inviting all except Shiva and Sati. However, Sati went to attend the function without the permission of Shiva.

Her father, Daksha, insulted her and Shiva in front of the assembled guests. Sati was unable to tolerate his behavior. So, she jumped into the sacred fire and immolated herself. When Shiva heard this, he became furious. He reached the spot with his Ganas, destroyed the Yagna, and beheaded Daksha. Then, overcome by grief, he carried Sati's corpse and started dancing the Tandav to destroy the universe. To stop him, Vishnu severed Sati's body with his divine chakra into 51 pieces. Her severed body parts fell in different places. These places are called Shakti Peeths. Sati's left breast is believed to have fallen where the Bajreshwari Mata Temple is situated.

The Architecture of the Bajreshwari Mata Temple

The Bajreshwari Mata Temple has beautiful architecture that blends Hindu and Nagara styles. It is believed that Pandavas built the Bajreshwari Mata Temple. As the temple had a lot of gold and many ghantas (bells) made of pure silver, Muslim invaders looted the temple many times.

A powerful earthquake destroyed the temple in 1905, and the Government rebuilt it. The entrance of Bajreshwari Mata Temple has a Nagarkhana or drum house. A long stone wall protects the temple. Its entrance is similar to the Bassein fort. The temple is behind a cricket field and bustling streets. Bajreshwari Devi is the presiding deity; she is an incarnation of Durga. People worship Shiva here as Abhiru.

Bajreshwari Mata graces her devotees inside the main area as Pindi (a sacred stone or idol representing the deity). An ancient sculpture of Maa Durga is also there, and it dates back to the 6th century. There is a small Bhairav shrine. An idol of Dhayanu Bhagat, who offered his head to the deity during the time of Akbar, is in front of the main temple. The present temple, after the renovation, has three tombs.

The Bajreshwari Mata Temple has a grand Yagnashala, where the devotees perform Havan Yagna. They even contribute to the Havan Yagna.

The Bajreshwari Mata Temple Trust arranges for Langar (free meal) two times daily. The time is from 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm and from 7.30 pm to 9.00 pm. The Langar is available from afternoon to night during Navratri fairs.

Festivals in the Bajreshwari Mata Temple

The Bajreshwari Mata Temple celebrates various festivals throughout the year, including Makar Sankranti, Diwali, Navratri, and Chaitra fairs.

Legend says that the Devi had some injuries after destroying the demon Mahishasura in the battle. She had applied butter on her body to heal the wounds in Nagarkot. The Pindi of Devi is covered with butter to mark this event. The Bajreshwari Mata Temple celebrates this festival for a week.

Benefits of Worshipping at the Bajreshwari Mata Temple

Bathing in the Kururkshetra Kund has a special significance. Devotees believe it can liberate their ancestors and bless them with progeny and prosperity. They firmly believe that by bathing during a solar eclipse, a person can be absolved from his past sins. People also believe that attending the Aarti can help them recover from all setbacks.