Nestled in the Kangra
district of Himachal Pradesh, the Shri Bajreshwari Devi Temple stands as
a beacon of faith, history, and cultural harmony. Revered as one of the most
significant Shakti Peeths, this temple draws thousands of devotees each
year, each seeking blessings from Mother Bajreshwari.
The Legend of Mother
Sati’s Right Breast
According to ancient
mythology, this temple marks the sacred spot where Mother Sati’s right
breast fell. Here, the Goddess is worshipped in the form of a Pindi (sacred
stone). Devotees believe that sincere prayers at this shrine can alleviate
troubles and bring peace to their lives.
Architectural Splendor
and Symbolism of the Three Domes
The temple was tragically
destroyed in the 1905 Kangra earthquake, but later rebuilt in a
distinctive Southern architectural style. Its most striking feature is the three
domes, each symbolizing religious harmony:
- First Dome:
Resembles a Sikh Gurdwara
- Second Dome:
Reflects an Islamic Mosque
- Third Dome:
Represents a traditional Hindu temple
Together, they embody the
philosophy of Sarva Dharma Sambhav – equal respect for all religions.
The Unique ‘Ghrit Mandal’
Tradition
During Makar Sankranti,
the temple witnesses a rare and beautiful ritual. Priests prepare butter from
pure Desi Ghee to create a magnificent ‘Ghrit Mandal’ on the
Goddess’s Pindi. This practice is unique to Himachal Pradesh and
attracts devotees from states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana.
Bhakt Dhianu – The
Devotee’s Eternal Sacrifice
A statue of Bhakt
Dhianu, a legendary devotee from Agra, stands within the temple. Mythology
narrates that he sacrificed his own head at the shrine of the Mother Goddess.
His devotion continues to inspire pilgrims, who honor him during their visit.
An unusual custom
surrounds his statue:
- During droughts in the monsoon
season, it is covered with cow dung to invoke rain.
- Once the rains arrive, priests
perform a ceremonial ‘Panch Snan’ (five-fold bath) to cleanse the
statue.
Customs and Pilgrimage
Practices
Pilgrims visiting
Bajreshwari Devi Temple follow distinctive traditions:
- Yellow Attire & Brass Bracelets:
Devotees wear yellow clothing and purchase a sacred kada (bracelet)
before returning home.
- Vermilion Handprints:
A red sindoor handprint is applied at home before the journey, and
priests mark the devotee’s back after darshan.
- Genealogical Records:
Temple priests maintain detailed family records of devotees from Uttar
Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana, making registration upon arrival a
cherished practice.
How to Reach Shri
Bajreshwari Devi Temple
The temple is easily
accessible by air, rail, and road:
- By Road:
Well-connected to Himachal Pradesh’s major cities, 80 km from Pathankot
and 220 km from Chandigarh.
- By Rail:
The nearest station is Kangra Railway Station, just 3 km away, on
the Pathankot–Joginder Nagar narrow-gauge line.
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