NANDIKESHWAR CHAMUNDA GUFA

Herbert Daniel Gebauer - 06/01/2018

An unspecified sacred -cave- or rock shelter associated with the mother goddess Chamunda Mata (note 1) and the maleful he-god Shiva, who is represented by a lingam (possibly a stalactite or standing speleothem), is advertised from under the rock where the temple of Chamunda is sited. There are no legends about the lingam. The idol is called Nandikeswar. So the sacred site is called Chamunda Nandikeshwar (hillwaystravels.tripod.com accessed 2006.07.01). SITUATION: The temple of Chamunda Devi is shown on the India Road Atlas (Eicher Goodearth 2006: 5 G1) in the area about 18 km east-southeast of Dharamsala (N32°13': E076°19') and again 18 km west-northwest of Palampur (N32°07': E076°32'). hillwaystravels.tripod.com (accessed 2006.07.01) places the tiny village of Dadh 15 km from Dharamshala [sic!] on the road to Palampur, is the famous temple dedicated to Goddess Chamunda Devi. On reaching the temple a glorious view of Dhoula Dhar [note 2] on three sides and Baner Khud [note 3] lowing alongside the temple … Behind the main temple is a small shrine of Lord Shiva in the Shikhara style. There is another platform in front of this temple where two very old people trees provide shelter to the visitors. From this platform a bird's eye view of most of the land marks in the town including Chaugan [note 3], Circuit House, most of the temples and river Ravi can be had. Archaeological Survey of India is looking after the temple. CULTURAL HISTORY - religious folklore 1: In Jallandar Mahatmya, Chapter VI, reference is made to Chamunda Nandikeshwar … two Daityas (demons), Shumbh and Nishumbh engaged themselves in deep meditation and were blessed by Lord Brahma with immense power. The Daityas deified Indra and other Gods. The Gods were terrified of the Daityas and resorted to Jadrangal village and propitiated Jagadamba Devi. The Devi was pleased and promised to rescue them from the Daityas. She created Kaushika, a Devi to destroy Shumbh and Nishumbh. The two Daityas heardof her beauty and wanted to bring her to them. They failed to persuade her to come to them through a messenger, who was scornfully sent away. Kaushika sent word through the messenger that she could only be won by a war. A dreadful war started. Kaushika Devi created Kalika Shakti from her forehead and Kalika cut off the heads of Chund and Mund, two brave and fearless commanders of the two Daityas. The destruction of the Daityas followed and the three worlds were relieved of the Daityas. Kaushika Devi blessed Kalika Shakti and asked her to be seated at Jadrangal village that became known as Chamunda. RELIGIOUS FOLKLORE 2: There is another story about the sitting of Chamunda. She was seated first on a higher mountain near a fort built by Raja Chandra Bhann of Kangra. A blind devotee of Chamunda pleaded with the Devi to shift to a lower place where he could go more easily. The Devi agreed and came down to the present lower site. The Chamunda Devi was installed in a cave. RELIGIOUS FOLKLOR 3:It is said the temple was built about 700 years back. The great earthquake of 1905, which had created havoc in this area, did not cause any damage to the temple. 3:It is said the temple was built about 700 years back. The great earthquake of 1905, which had created havoc in this area, did not cause any damage to the temple.