Bhalei Mata Temple is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Bhadra. It is located on a 3,800-foot (1,200 m) high in Bhalei, now a Sub-Tehsil headquarters. The Salooni Tehsil headquarters is about 35 km from here. The temple can be reached either from Chamba or from Dalhousie. It is at a distance of 40 kilometres from Chamba and 30 kilometres from Dalhousie. The deity is in the front of an image of a black stone two feet high and is enshrined in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. Bhadra Kali draws a large number of pilgrims from far and wide. A big havan ceremony occurs during Navratri during the Ashwin and Chait months.
About Bhalei Mata Temple
Image Credit: Tanuj_handa for pixabay
Mythology has it that Raja Pratap Singh founded the temple of Bhadar Kali Murti during his reign. He was a religiously disposed king and has to his credit the construction, repair, and renovation of many temples in the district. The legend is that the deity appeared to Raja Partap Singh in a dream and told him that she was hidden in a place near Bhran, about 4 km from the present site of the temple.
The deity asked the King to bring her from there and construct a suitable temple for her. Raja with his officials went to the site to discover the image. The Raja and his crew were very delighted; they at once already decided to construct a temple for the deity in Chamba town. So they started their journey back to the palace. On the way back they stopped for rest at Bhalei and when they resumed their journey, the bearers could not lift the palanquin of the deity in which she was being taken to Chamba. A Brahman from Kilod village was invited to interpret this very weird incident. The Brahaman interpreted that the deity was not happy to be taken to Chamba and she wanted her temple to be constructed right here in this very place.
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The Legend Of The Temple
According to ancient lore, Bhalei Mata is an incarnation of the Goddess Durga. She had manifested on the very spot where the temple now stands today. Legends recount her valiant battle against evil forces to protect the innocent and uphold righteousness. The folklore of Bhalei Mata’s bravery and compassion continues to inspire devotees and visitors alike.
According to another tale, the people of this area were not exactly content with the idea of the deity being taken away to Chamba, so they requested the Raja to construct the temple at Bhalei. Whatever the reason, the temple was built at Bhalei by Raja Partap Singh and later renovated by Raja Sri Singh. Renovation work has been carried out recently here. The Statue of Bhader Kali was unfortunately stolen in the year 1973 by antique thieves but happily recovered at Chohra near the present dam site. It is believed that the image of the deity seems to be drenched since that event.
You can find traces of worship of the Bualei Mata in the Vedas and Ancient Folklore which has contributed to its historical significance. The presence of ancient stone and sculptures discovered nearby substantiates the temple’s historical significance.
Other Temples To Visit In Chamba
Here are some of the other temples to visit in Chamba:
1. Chamunda Devi Temple
Overlooking the town, the stone and wood temple of Chamunda Devi is over 300 years old. This temple has some fine wood carvings that adorn its exterior and interiors. The temple is dedicated to Kali Mata. It can be reached by a stairway from the old bus stand as well as by a car from an alternate route.
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2. Laxmi Narayan Temple Complex
The temple was built with stone and capped with circular roofed chhatris supported on wooden beams, the Lakshmi Narayan temple complex is of the Shikhara-styled architecture consisting of 6 temples. It is a landmark of the historical town. They founded the town Raja Sahil Varman and built the main temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Interestingly three of these temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva and one to Radha Krishna. The chiselled cut stone walls are decorated with intricate designs on them and there are small arches supported by two chiselled pillars with sculpted deities enclosed.
3. Narasimha Temple
The Narasimha Temple also known as The Chaurasi Temple is one the the hidden gems in the highlands of Chamba. The temple is known to house around 84 shrines in it, which makes it very culturally diverse. It is not just a place of worship but also an opportunity to explore the history and cultural heritage of the region as well.
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How To Reach?
The closest city to the Temple is Chamba. We have gathered various ways through which Chamba could be reached.
- The nearest railway station to Chamba is Pathankot Railway Station (PTK), situated about 120 kilometres away. Pathankot is a major railway junction and is well-connected to major cities in India. Around 45 trains are scheduled here weekly and connected to various bigger cities in the country. From Pathankot, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Chamba.
- The closest airport to Chamba is the Kangra Airport at Gaggal (DHM), located near Dharamshala, approximately 180 kilometres away. This airport has flights connecting to major cities like Delhi. One can hire a cab or take a bus to Chamba from the airport.
- Chamba is well-connected by road. You can reach Chamba by hiring a taxi, driving your car, or taking a bus from various cities. The national highways are a big help in connecting the place to various big cities and make it easier for the villagers to move about. The condition of roads leading to Chamba may vary seasonally due to weather, so it’s advisable to check the road status before planning a trip.
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Now that you have a list of things to keep in mind for your next vacation to see The serenity of Bhalei Mata Temple, make sure you plan your trip to Himachal Pradesh to these fabulous spots for the experience of a lifetime. Don’t miss out on these opportunities and book your tickets now!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bhalei Mata Temple
Is the Bhalei Mata Temple open throughout the year?
Yes, the temple is open to visitors throughout the year however you need to keep in mind that the place will see greater footfall during certain local festivals and occasions.
Is photography allowed at the Bhalei Mata Temple?
Yes, Both photography and videography are allowed at the temple however it is advised to directly ask the temple authority beforehand about any specific guidelines that may be there.
Are there any hotels near the Bhalei Mata Temple?
The closest city to the temple is Chamba, where you can find luxury as well as Budget Friendly Hotels. There is a wide variety of hotels in the area, best suitable for your needs.
What is the nearest Airport to Chamba?
The closest airport to Chamba is the Kangra Airport at Gaggal (DHM), located near Dharamshala, approximately 180 kilometres away from the location.
What is the Average Temperature of Chamba?
The average temperature of Chamba is said to be around 27⁰C. The area receives occasional snowfall during January and February.
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