Chamunda Mataji Temple, Jodhpur: History, Best Time To Visit
Are you exploring the best Rajasthan tour package? Then a visit to the Chamunda Mataji Temple in Jodhpur is a must. Chamunda Mataji Temple is dedicated to the “goddess Chamunda”. It is believed that Chamunda Mataji protected Jodhpur.
The temple was built by the ruler Rao Jodha followed by an interesting tale(Read below). It is a blend of history and stunning architecture. People often visit Chamunda Mataji for good health, protection from evil, and Manglik pooja rituals.
Seek blessings of Chamunda Mataji, learn its history, and explore the architecture. To have the best experience, visit the temple during the Navratri Festival.
Chamunda Mataji Temple History
There’s an interesting tale behind the construction of Chamunda Mataji Temple. Rao Jodha, the founder of Jodhpur, wanted to build a fort and was searching for a perfect spot. In this process, he came to a hill called Mehrangarh.
On top of the hill, he saw a sage meditating. Jodha wanted to build the fort on Mehrangarh and asked the sage to leave. As the sage refused to leave, Jodha got his people to move the holy man away. This made the sage angry. He cursed Rao Jodha, saying that his kingdom would face water shortage forever.
Worried Jodha, reached out to his priests. They suggested praying to a goddess named Chamunda Devi. Following their advice, Rao Jodha built a temple for Chamunda Devi inside his fort on Mehrangarh Hill. This is how Chamunda Mataji Temple in Jodhpur has been built.
Suggested Read: 16 Best Things to Do in Jodhpur India
Chamunda Mataji Temple Architecture
The Chamunda Mataji Temple is built in Rajasthani style. When you enter, you see a pretty doorway with detailed carvings of gods and goddesses. The walls have colourful paintings showing stories from Hindu holy books like the Mahabharata and Ramayana. The grand-looking main dome on top of the temple is plated with gold.
Upon entering inside, you will see a statue of Chamunda Mata in the middle of a square courtyard. The goddess statue is made of black marble and decorated with gold and silver jewellery.
It sits on a throne with statues of Hanuman and Bhairava on either side. The temple also has a big open area and a large prayer hall where people can pray to the goddess.
Things To Do At Chamunda Mataji Temple In Jodhpur
- Offer prayers to the Chamunda Mataji.
- Explore the intricate carvings and beautiful paintings in the temple.
- Take in the spiritual atmosphere surrounding the temple premises.
- Visit the temple during sunrise or sunset to enjoy the views of Mehrangarh Fort.
- Explore surrounding markets to buy Rajasthani handicrafts and souvenirs.
Suggested Read: 8 Best Shopping Places in Jodhpur
Best Time To Visit Chamunda Mataji Temple
The best time to visit Chamunda Mataji Temple is between September and October. This is when the Navratri Festival is celebrated here with great enthusiasm.
How To Reach Chamunda Mataji Temple
The Chamunda Mataji Temple is just 6 km from the Jodhpur bus stand. It is easy to get there using local transport. If you arrive by plane, you can take a bus or taxi to the temple. For a cheaper option, you can also use auto-rickshaws, which are common in the city.
Chamunda Mataji Temple Pooja Timings
Chamunda Mataji Temple Timings
- Opening Time: Every day from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Pooja Timings: 5:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Chamunda Mataji Temple Entry Fee
Chamunda Mataji Temple has no entry fee.
Top Places To Visit Near Chamunda Mataji Temple
1. Jaswant Thada
This building is made of white marble. Maharaja Sardar Singh built it in the 19th century to honour his father. It has a great architecture that looks a bit like a temple.
2. Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park
This park covers a large area of 72 acres close to Mehrangarh Fort. It has plants that naturally grow in dry and desert areas.
People created the park in 2006 to bring back the original plant life to the rocky land near the fort. Visitors were first allowed to enter the park in February 2011.
3. Toorji Ka Jhalra
Toorji Ka Jhalra, or Toorji’s Step Well, is an ancient stepwell in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. It was built by the wife of Maharaja Abhay Singh in the 1740s. It is admired for its beautiful, detailed carvings and decorations.
4. Ghanta Ghar
Ghanta Ghar, also called the Clock Tower of Rajasthan, is an important landmark in Jodhpur. It is located next to the busy Sardar Market, which is named after Maharaja Sardar Singh. This historical tower offers great views of the whole city.
Suggested Read: Best Places to Visit in Jodhpur: Top Attractions
Tips For Visiting Chamunda Mataji Temple
- Dress respectfully: Wear clothes that cover your knees, shoulders, and head. Traditional or ethnic clothes are good choices.
- Wear comfy shoes: You will need to walk a lot to get to the temple.
- Take off your shoes: Remove them before entering the temple as it is a holy place.
- Bring your camera: There are many beautiful sights to photograph around the temple.
Which part fell in Chamunda Devi?
The Shakti Peeth of Chamunda Devi where the ears of Sati fell is in Himachal Pradesh.
Is Chamunda Devi a Shakti peeth?
Chamunda Devi’s ancient Shakti Peeth is located in Himachal Pradesh. The ears of Sati(goddess) fell in the area making it scared.
Why is Chamunda Devi Temple famous?
Chamunda is an important goddess worshipped by Hindus. She’s part of a group called Matrikas, who are like mother goddesses. Chamunda is also seen as a main Yogini, which is a powerful female spirit.
