You know, India is also known as the “Land of Temples.” It’s because of the incredible number and variety of temples found all across the country.
These temples aren’t just religious sites; they’re like living history books that tell stories of India’s spiritual and cultural journey over the centuries.
One of the sacred Hindu temples, which is also one of the 51 Shakti Peeths, is dedicated to the goddess and has its origins dating back to the time of the Mahabharata. It is located in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.
We are talking about the Shaktipeeth Shri Bajreshwari Devi Temple in Kangra, also known as the Kangra Devi Temple.
In our previous articles, we explored various temples in India, such as the Kedareshwar Cave Temple, Koradi Mata Temple Nagpur, and Khedapati Hanuman Temple.
Today, let’s delve into the details of Shaktipeeth Shri Bajreshwari Devi Temple Kangra.
Shaktipeeth Shri Bajreshwari Devi Temple Kangra:
Shaktipeeth Shri Bajreshwari Devi Temple Kangra is a Hindu temple situated in the Kangra city of Himachal Pradesh, a state in the northwestern part of India.
It is dedicated to Goddess Durga in the form of Shri Bajreshwari Devi. The temple is also known as Nagarkot Devi and Kangra Devi Temple, and it is often referred to as Nagarkot Dham.
Shaktipeeth Shri Bajreshwari Devi Temple in Kangra is a magnificent temple, and the sight of its golden spire can be seen from afar. In contemporary times, Kangra Devi is included in the pilgrimage of the nine goddesses of North India.
Kangra is considered the ancestral deity of the Chib Rajputs, descendants of Raja Meghachand’s third son, Raja Pratapchand, who settled in the Bhimber principality from Kangra.
Mythological Tale of Mata Shri Bajreshwari Devi Kangra
According to a Hindu mythological story, when Lord Shiva was not invited to a yagna (sacrificial ritual) conducted by her father, Daksha, she took it as a grave insult of Mahadeva.
Feeling humiliated, she immolated herself in the yagna fire. In response, Lord Shiva carried her burnt body, and in his sorrow and anger, he performed the cosmic dance of destruction, the Tandava.
To stop Shiva’s devastating dance and save the universe, Lord Vishnu intervened and used his Sudarshana Chakra to dismember Sati’s body into 51 pieces, which fell at various places on Earth, creating Shakti Peeths. The left breast of Sati fell at this location, and it is worshipped as Mata Bajreshwari or Kangra Mai.
Historical Significance of Shri Bajreshwari Devi Kangra:
According to legend, the original temple was built by the Pandavas during the Mahabharata era.
A dream led them to construct the temple in Nagarkot village (now Kangra), as Goddess Durga revealed her presence there and warned of impending danger.
In 1905, the temple was destroyed by a powerful earthquake, but it was subsequently rebuilt by the government.
The Shaktipeeth Shri Bajreshwari Devi Temple Kangra holds great religious and historical significance, attracting devotees and tourists from far and wide.
This temple is a testament to the rich cultural and mythological heritage of Himachal Pradesh.
Construction of Shri Bajreshwari Devi Temple:
The main entrance of the temple resembles a fortress or a drum house, much like the entrance gate of the Basantgarh Fort.
The temple is surrounded by stone walls, similar to the fort’s construction. Inside the main sanctum, the deity Shri Bajreshwari Devi is enshrined in the form of a pindi (sacred stone idol).
Within the temple complex, there is also a small shrine dedicated to Bhairav.
In front of the main temple, there is an idol of Dhyanu Bhagat, a devotee who offered his head to the goddess during Akbar’s reign. The current structure includes three unique graves that hold significant historical value.
Festivals at Shri Bajreshwari Devi Temple, Kangra:
In the second week of January, the festival of Makar Sankranti is celebrated with grandeur at the temple.
It is believed that after defeating Mahishasura in battle, when Devi was wounded, she applied butter to her wounds at this temple.
To commemorate this event, the temple sanctum is covered with butter during this festival, and a week-long celebration takes place.
Interesting Facts about Shri Bajreshwari Devi Temple, Kangra:
- According to mythological beliefs, it is said that Goddess Sati’s right breast fell at this location. The temple is also known as Nagarkot Dham and is described in the Durga Stuti. Near the temple is the Ban Ganga, where taking a bath holds special significance.
- It is believed that during the time of the Mahabharata, the Pandavas constructed this temple.
- In 1337, Muhammad bin Tughlaq and in the 15th century, Sikandar Lodhi looted and destroyed the temple. It was later rebuilt by the government in 1920 after being completely destroyed in the earthquake of 1905.
- Shaktipeeth Shri Bajreshwari Devi Temple Kangra is unique as it represents three different religions: Hinduism, Sikhism, and Islam. The temple has three domes, symbolizing these three faiths.
- The temple is known for foretelling future events. When significant troubles are about to befall the region, tears start to flow from the idol of Bhairav Baba, prompting the temple priests to perform extensive rituals and seek the goddess’s protection.
- Women are prohibited from entering the Bhairav Baba temple, as the idol is believed to be around 5,000 years old. In front of the main entrance of the temple, there is also a statue of Dhyanu Bhagat, who offered his head to the goddess during Akbar’s time.
