BANNI MATA TEMPLE, MAHAKALI BANNI MATA TEMPLE | Himachal Pradesh, Chamba
Popularly known as Mahakali Banni Mata temple or Shakti Devi Temple, this ancient temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali. Located at Tundah village of Chamba district in Himachal Pradesh, The temple is just opposite to Manimahesh Peak at a height of 8,500 ft, at the foot of the beautiful Pir Panjal Range in the Chamba Valley. Surrounded by dense forests, the temple holds a rich inclusion of natural beauty. Due to the presence of numerous Ban trees or Oak trees, the temple is named as Banni. For ages till now, shepherds crossing Kali Chho (Kali refers to Goddess and Chho refers to the waterfall close to the pass) visit the temple to seek blessings of Goddess for a safe crossing. According to the popular beliefs, those who make the journey to the temple with total devotion and fervor are blessed by the Goddess and grants all their wishes. It is believed that childless couple are blessed with children after visiting the temple.Therefore, pilgrims from all over the Bharmour region and other parts of Himachal visit the temple to pay obeisance to the goddess.
LEGEND :- According to the legends, after fullfilling their earthly duties, all the Pandava brothers along with Draupadi left for Himalayas in search of heaven. After travelling a lot, they reached the Pir Panjal range. After climbing a little higher, they headed towards Charola. During their travel, they faced many obstacles. The snowy mountains were difficult to climb and there were risky slopes and crevices. Later, all succumbed to the weather. Draupadi
was the first one to die. The mortal remains of the Draupadi are believed to have been inhabited by the Goddess Kali as Draupadi appeared to be the incarnation of the Goddess. The Goddess resided at the base of the Pir Panjal in Lyundi and later Goddess made Banni village as her abode. From that day on, there has been a temple devoted to the Banni Mata (Goddess Kali) at this village.
ARCHITECTURE :- The temple consists of a sanctum sanctorum with a copper-plated roof and golden finials at the top. The Hindu temple architecture is an open symmetry driven structure, with many variations, on a square grid of padas, depicting perfect geometric shapes such as circles and squares. The temple flooring are made with marble stone crafting.
FAMOUS FESTIVAL :- In the Bhadrapad month, a fair is held at the temple premised which attracts devotees from all around. The fair and Kali Puja involves severing the heads of many goats. Liquor is another common offering.
IMPORTANCE OF THIS PLACE :- The temple and the goddess are both very important in the Bharmour region. Shepherds crossing Kali Chho pass to Lahaul (Kali is for Goddess Kali and Chho is waterfall, the pass has a waterfall close to it) visit the temple to seek the goddesses blessings for a safe crossing and have done so for ages now. Pilgrims from all over the Bharmour region and other parts of Himachal find their way to the temple to pay obeisance to the goddess. It is believed Goddess Kali grants all wishes and gives children to couples who don't have anyone, making the journey with total devotion and fervor. Sometime around August, in the Bhadrapad month of the Hindu calendar, a fair is organized at the temple and it attracts devotees from all around. The fair, in typical Kali Puja style involves severing the heads of many goats. As soon as a goat's head is severed, the temple Shaman, called Chela in local language and bestowed with special powers by the goddess drinks the blood of the severed goat. It is said he can drink blood from as many goats as are severed at a time and that this ability is a reflection of his being in direct communion with the goddess. Liquor is another common offering and the Chela takes a gulp from each bottle offered.
In recent times, the pilgrimage to Banni Mata has become much easier with a road approaching Tundah, which leaves only 4 km to walk. With another road proposed to connect Banni, the trek will soon be over. However, the pilgrimage further up to Lyundi and Charola will continue to attract pilgrims by thousands.
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