Shree Brajeshwari Devi Temple, Kangra

Shree Brajeshwari  Devi Temple, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India

Brajeshwari Devi Temple

Devi Brajeshwari

Location

Shree Brajeshwari Devi temple is located in the town Nagarkot of Kangra distt in Himachal Pradesh. The main deity of the temple is Brajeshwari Devi. It is among one of the most famous and religious Hindu temples in Himachal. It is among the 51 Shakti Peeths of Sati cult. Here, the right breast of Mata Sati fell and a temple has been constructed at this place. Her name literally indicates as a "Lady of Vajra "(thunder bolt ). This was the richest temple of Himachal having a huge quantity of gold and silver.

Significance of the temple

In the ancient times the temple passed through so many horrific events. In 1009 AD, Mohd. Ghajni plundered the temple riches relentlessly and took away the wealth of the temple. After about 35 years of this occurrence the local king renovated the temple and installed the replica of goddess Brajeshwari Devi.

 Again in 1360 AD, Firoz ShahTuglaq looted and heavily damaged the construction of the temple.

 In the period of  King Akbar,Diwan Todar Mal visited the temple along with the king. By the order of King Akbar, Todar Mal restored and glorified  the temple.

In 1905 AD due to the earthquake the temple again was demolished but it was again raised back by the then govt. of India.

Legend

In the Yagna organised by Daksh Prajapati, the Goddess Parvati sacrificed herself in the honour of Lord Shiva. The self cremated body of Mata Sati lifted by Lord shiva on his shoulder and started Tandava dance with anger. This created a earthquake like situation in the universe. Then Lord Vishnu
took the responsibility to calm Lord shiva.
 He then cut off the body of Mata Sati into 51 pieces by his Sudershana chakra and spreaded all over the earth. The right breast of Mata Parvati fell here and a temple was constructed at this place. Since then Mata Sati worshipped here as Brajeshwari Devi.

Another legend behind the temple is that during the Mahabharata period, Pandavas had a dream. In the dream, Maa Durga told them that she is residing in the village Nagarkot and directed  to construct a temple here. Maa Durga also threatened them to construct the temple, lest they would be destroyed.

The Pandavas then constructed a temple for her in the same night.

Festivals

Lohri and Makar Sankranti which fall in the month of mid January are celebrated here. During the celebration, the pindi of Mata is covered with butter. It is believed that during the battle with the demon Mahishasur, she was wounded. Butter covering gives relief to the goddess. This celebration lasts for one week and is thoroughly enjoyed by the devotees.

Administration

The temple is under the control of Govt of India.

Places to visit

1. Chamunda devi Temple

2. Jwalamukhi Temple

3. Baijnath Temple

4. Dharamshala and Mcleodganj

All these temples are nearby Kangra, a serene hilly region ruled by Sansarchand Katoch.

Where to stay

Hotels for every budget are available near the temple where one can stay comfortably.

How to reach

By rail

1. The nearest railway station is Pathankot at a distance of 120km.

2. The nearest meter gauge railway station is Jwala Ji road about 20km from the shrine.

By air

1. The nearest airport is gaggle at Dharamshala.

2. Chandigarh airport is located 200 km away.

One can reach by taxi from all these airports.

By road

Frequent state transport bus service is available from important cities of Punjab, Haryana, New Delhi and Jammu and kashmir. The distance from important cities are as follows:

From Delhi:    450 kms      Chandigarh: 200 kms        Pathankot: 90 kms       Jammu : 230 kms