Chamunda Devi Temple: Religion and theme-park clashes in Himachal Pradesh
For over 400 years, neglected Chamunda Devi temple lies Dhauldhar colossal mountains of the Himalayas. Located along the banks of the Ganges River Ban, about 15 km from Dharamsala, you find one of the most beloved and visited temples dedicated to Goddess Durga Chamunda AKA.
The holy temple enjoying brisk daily traffic is heavier on weekends, and a crushing throng of devotees of Durga Puja in, eager for the opportunity to see the spiritual rock under the main entrance. Local legends speak of the healing powers of this structure of the cave, representing the stone lingam, an incarnation of the Hindu god Shiva. The temple is built on two floors, accessed via a covered walkway adorned with figures large beautifully carved idols of Hinduism’s most recognizable, brightly painted. It is up to the outside of the temple, Chamunda Devi, who suddenly realizes the extent of their presence along river.
Lions, snakes and monkeys, oh! The over-sized statues of Hindu gods and their respective symbols venerated watch over the big lake next to the temple and the river Banganga. Nooks and crannies filled with colorful religious figures are displayed behind the fence annoying. And as if that was not enough to deter anyone looking for an image or defacing property, shards of glass were embedded in concrete bases. Local residents and visiting families walking whitewater river. You can find some, even laundry or, more correctly, relax with a picnic lunch. A curved walkway takes less adventurous, across the river to the center waiting craft. Shopping, boating to the sacred lake, lunch on the river, all under the watchful eye of the mythological characters painted colors are mixed in a theme park is not to be missed.
India travel guides are not a single mention of this unique find. This does not mean that it is difficult to locate, and not confuse Chamunda Devi Temple, situated in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh in India, with the multitude of temples of the same name in other states of the India. Buses or taxis to the proximity of Dharamsala, Kangra and Baijnath immediately know where he is.