Chotila Temple Gujarat

Introduction to Chotila Temple, Gujarat

Chotila is a small town with a population of around 20,000 people. It is in Surendranagar district, Gujarat. The Chotila Temple (or) the Mataji temple lies at the peak of the Chotila Mountain, which is 1250 feet high. Thousands of devotees visit Chotila Temple, Gujarat, throughout the year. The prime deity Chamunda Mata is Kuldevi (family deity) of many communities in Gujarat. She is one of the sixty-four avatars of Shakti. The Nagar Palika administers the entire Chotila town.

Legend of Chotila Temple, Gujarat

The legend of the temple is quite interesting. Ages ago, two demons named 'Chanda' and 'Munda' performed great penance for many years to please Brahma. He was pleased and appeared in front of them. The demons told Brahma that they wanted to be strong warriors and rule the world and heaven. He granted their wish.

The demons became too greedy to take over heaven and also the three abodes of Brahma (Brahmalok), Vishnu (Vaikunth), and Shiva (Kailas). The three deities went to Mother Parvati to protect them. Accepting their prayers, she took the Chandi form and slayed the demons, Chanda and Munda.

Another legend says that a man had a dream in which Chamunda Mata said she was buried under the earth on Chotila Hill. The deity also instructed him to dig in a particular place. He followed the instructions and found a beautiful idol of the deity Chamunda. Later, a temple was built at that spot.

The Architecture of Chotila Temple, Gujarat

The idol of Chamunda at Chotila Temple, Gujarat, is self-manifested. In 1566 AD, the Kathis acquired Chotila. It was the headquarters of an agency, Thana, during the British period. Approximately 155 years ago, Mahant Shri Gosai Gulabgiri Harigiri Bapu was the temple priest. His family still cares for the temple and provides services to the devotees.

The temple's architecture blends different styles that have evolved over the centuries. The temple complex has several structures, including the main shrine, a hall, a mandap, and a prayer hall.
The hall and mandap of the Chotila temple reflect the Gujarati style of architecture, characterized by its intricate woodwork and ornate carvings. The prayer hall is a modern structure built in the contemporary style.

The temple's main shrine features the Nagara style of architecture, characterized by its curvilinear Shikhara (tower). An amalaka (a stone disk) is on top of the tower. The Chotila temple is made of sandstone and has intricate carvings and sculptures depicting various deities.
A set of steep steps leads to the Chotila Temple, Gujarat, at the top of the mountain. The temple's steep, cone-shaped roof, or Shikhara, is white and red, and a red flag flies from the top of its dome. The Chamunda Mata blesses her devotees in the idol form from the sanctum sanctorum.

Initially, the temple had around 366 steps. After renovation, devotees can reach the temple by climbing 620 steps. Pilgrims can see a huge lion statue on the temple premises. The Ambani brothers donated carpets for the steps to make climbing easier for devotees in the summer. After reaching the peak, devotees can enjoy the breathtaking views of the surroundings.

Festivals in Chotila Temple, Gujarat

Navratri is a special occasion to visit Chotila Temple, Gujarat, as every temple of Ma Devi across India celebrates these 9 days with great fervor. Devotees visit the temple with their families every Sunday and during holidays. Also, during Kartik month, devotees rush to the temple to get the darshan and blessings of Ma Devi Chamunda.

Benefits of Worshipping at Chotila Temple, Gujarat

Worshipping at Chotila Temple, Gujarat, brings blessings and good fortune from the deity Chamunda. Devotees pray for her for various reasons, including health, wealth, and success.