Himachal's Shakti Temples in Navratri 2026: Jwala Ji, Chintpurni, Naina Devi, Chamunda and Brajeshwari Devi

Quick answer: Himachal Pradesh's great temples of the Goddess are Jwala Ji (Jawalamukhi, Kangra), famous for its eternal flames; Chintpurni (Una); Naina Devi (Bilaspur); Chamunda Devi (Kangra); and Brajeshwari Devi (Kangra town). Most are traditionally linked with the Shakti Peetha legend of Sati. Navratri 2026 runs from Sunday 11 to Monday 19 October in India (Drik Panchang), when Navratri melas are usually held and crowds are heavy. Kullu Dussehra begins on Vijayadashami, Tuesday 20 October. Check the temple trusts' official websites for current timings.

The five temples at a glance

The Shakti Peetha legend, as traditionally told: Sati, daughter of Daksha, gave up her life at her father's sacrifice after he insulted her husband Shiva. As Shiva carried her body in grief, Vishnu divided it with his Sudarshana Chakra, and the places where the parts fell became the Shakti Peethas. Lists of Peethas differ between texts and regions, so the associations above are given as commonly held in Himachal.

Jwala Ji (Jawalamukhi), Kangra

Jwala Ji, in the town of Jawalamukhi in Kangra district, is unlike almost any other temple. There is no image in the sanctum. The Goddess is worshipped as flames that emerge naturally from openings in the rock, which have been burning for as long as anyone remembers. As traditionally told, this is where the tongue of Sati fell, and the flames are revered as the Goddess herself, often called Jwalamukhi, "the one with a mouth of flame".

Several stories are told about the temple. The best known, as traditionally told, concerns the Mughal emperor Akbar, who is said to have tried to put out the flames, failed, and then offered a golden canopy (chhatra) that was transformed into an unknown metal, a sign that the offering had not been accepted in pride. Another story tells of the devotee Dhyanu Bhagat, whose faith the Goddess tested and rewarded. Treat these as devotional stories passed down by pilgrims.

During Navratri, Jwala Ji usually holds a large mela, with the temple decorated and devotees offering chunri, coconuts and prasad and joining the aarti.

Chintpurni (Chhinnamastika Devi), Una

Chintpurni, in Una district, is dedicated to Chhinnamastika, the form of the Goddess depicted with her own severed head, one of the Dasa Mahavidya of Tantric worship. The name Chintpurni is traditionally explained as "the one who removes worries" (chinta). In popular tradition the temple is linked with the Shakti Peetha legend, with Sati's forehead said to have fallen here, which fits the name Chhinnamastika.

Local tradition credits a devotee called Mai Das with establishing worship at the site after a vision of the Goddess, and his descendants are traditionally associated with the temple's rites. Chintpurni is especially popular with pilgrims from Punjab, and its Navratri melas are usually among the busiest in the state.

Naina Devi, Bilaspur

Naina Devi stands on a hilltop in Bilaspur district, overlooking the Gobind Sagar reservoir on the Sutlej. As traditionally told, the eyes (nayana) of Sati fell here, which gives the temple its name. In the sanctum, the Goddess is represented by a pindi bearing two eyes.

A local legend, as traditionally told, speaks of a cowherd named Naina who noticed a cow pouring her milk over a stone, and had a vision of the Goddess there, which led to worship at the spot. The temple is also remembered in Sikh history for its association with Guru Gobind Singh, whose base at Anandpur Sahib lies nearby. The hilltop is reached by road and steps, and a ropeway has also served pilgrims; check the temple trust's official website for current options.

Chamunda Devi, Kangra

Chamunda Devi stands on the banks of the Baner stream in Kangra district, not far from Dharamshala and Palampur, with views of the Dhauladhar range. The Goddess here is Chamunda, the fierce form who, in the Devi Mahatmya, slew the demons Chanda and Munda and was named after that victory. The temple is often called Chamunda Nandikeshwar Dham, reflecting a tradition that Shiva too is worshipped here.

Chamunda is not usually counted among the classical Shakti Peethas, but it is one of the most visited Devi temples in the Kangra valley. Local tradition also speaks of an older shrine high on the mountain, from which the Goddess was brought down to the present site so that more devotees could reach her.

Brajeshwari (Vajreshwari) Devi, Kangra

Brajeshwari Devi, in Kangra town, is one of the oldest and most famous temples of the valley. In popular tradition it is linked to the Shakti Peetha legend, with the breast of Sati said to have fallen here. The temple was historically renowned for its wealth and, according to historical accounts, was plundered more than once by invaders.

The temple was badly damaged in the great Kangra earthquake of 1905 and was later rebuilt. Pilgrims often visit it together with the old Kangra Fort, which stands nearby.

Navratri 2026 at the Himachal Devi temples

Both Navratris are the peak seasons at these temples. In Sharad Navratri, the temple trusts usually decorate the shrines, hold special pujas and havans, and make arrangements for melas and long queues. Devotees from Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and beyond often travel in groups, singing bhetan (devotional songs to the Mother). Exact arrangements change every year; check the temple trusts' official websites before you go.

The colours are a popular modern custom; see the Navratri 2026 colours list. Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami both fall on Monday 19 October 2026 in India, so that day is likely to be the busiest of all.

Planning the Mata ke darshan circuit

Many families do these temples as a single "Mata ke darshan" yatra, often combining them with Vaishno Devi in Jammu and Mansa Devi near Chandigarh. The Kangra temples (Jwala Ji, Brajeshwari and Chamunda) are close to one another, Chintpurni lies to the south-west in Una district, and Naina Devi is further south-east in Bilaspur district, closer to the Chandigarh and Anandpur Sahib side.

• Air: Kangra airport at Gaggal serves the Kangra valley; Chandigarh is the usual gateway for Naina Devi.
• Rail: Una and Pathankot are useful railheads, and the narrow-gauge Kangra Valley railway runs through the valley.
• Road: most pilgrims travel by car or bus. Mountain roads are slow, so plan shorter driving days than distances suggest.
• Weather: October is usually clear and pleasant, with cool mornings and evenings; carry a light jacket.
• Crowds: start early, keep valuables secure and keep children close in queues.

If you are travelling from Jammu, see Vaishno Devi in Navratri 2026 to plan the first leg of a longer Devi yatra.

After Navratri: Kullu Dussehra

Himachal's most famous festival comes right after Navratri. Unlike most of India, where Dussehra marks the end of the festival, Kullu Dussehra begins on Vijayadashami, which in 2026 is Tuesday 20 October. Local deities are carried in processions to the Dhalpur ground to honour Lord Raghunath, and the festival continues for several days. See the Kullu Dussehra 2026 guide and Dussehra 2026 in Himachal Pradesh for Vijay Muhurat and traditions.

A prayer for the yatra

Pilgrims on the Himachal circuit greet each other with "Jai Mata Di". A widely chanted Navratri mantra is:

ॐ दुं दुर्गायै नमः॥

Om Dum Durgayai Namah

Meaning: "Om, salutations to Durga." It is a short, simple mantra for the journey. More in Navratri day-wise mantras.

For NRI pilgrims

Flying in from abroad, most NRIs reach Delhi or Amritsar and continue by road or a domestic flight to Kangra or Chandigarh. Allow a rest day after the long-haul flight, book hotels early for Navratri, and keep passport or OCI documents handy. If you cannot travel, observe the nine days at home; the Navratri 2026 NRI guide explains the dates and rituals for families abroad.

Frequently asked questions

Which are the main Shakti temples in Himachal Pradesh?

The best-known are Jwala Ji (Jawalamukhi) and Brajeshwari Devi and Chamunda Devi in Kangra district, Chintpurni in Una district and Naina Devi in Bilaspur district. Jwala Ji, Chintpurni, Naina Devi and Brajeshwari are traditionally associated with the Shakti Peetha legend of Sati.

Why is there no idol at Jwala Ji?

At Jwala Ji, the Goddess is worshipped as natural flames that emerge from openings in the rock of the sanctum. As traditionally told, this is where the tongue of Sati fell, and the ever-burning flames are seen as the Goddess herself, so no image is needed.

When is Navratri 2026 in Himachal?

Sharad Navratri 2026 runs from Sunday 11 to Monday 19 October in India (Drik Panchang), with Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami both on Monday 19 October and Dussehra on Tuesday 20 October. The temples usually hold Navratri melas during these days; check the temple trusts' official websites for arrangements.

Can I combine these temples with Kullu Dussehra?

Yes, with planning. Kullu Dussehra begins on Vijayadashami itself, Tuesday 20 October 2026, rather than ending on it, so pilgrims can finish the Kangra temples during Navratri and then travel to the Kullu valley for the start of the festival.

How many days do I need for the Himachal Devi circuit?

Many pilgrims cover Jwala Ji, Brajeshwari, Chamunda and Chintpurni in about two to three days by road, and add Naina Devi as a separate leg. Mountain roads are slow and festival queues long, so build in extra time, especially around Ashtami and Navami.

Is Chamunda Devi a Shakti Peetha?

Chamunda Devi near Dharamshala is a revered temple of the Goddess, but it is not usually counted among the classical Shakti Peethas. It is celebrated for the story of Chamunda slaying the demons Chanda and Munda, as told in the Devi Mahatmya.

Editor's note (8 October 2026)

This guide was written in October 2026. Dates are from Drik Panchang for India (Navratri 11 to 19 October, Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami 19 October, Dussehra and the start of Kullu Dussehra 20 October). Legends, including Shakti Peetha associations, the Akbar story at Jwala Ji and the founding stories of Chintpurni and Naina Devi, are given as traditionally told, and lists of Peethas differ between texts. We do not publish darshan timings, fees or crowd figures; check the temple trusts' official websites before you travel.

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• Kullu Dussehra 2026: the International Festival of Himachal
• Vaishno Devi in Navratri 2026
• Navratri 2026: complete NRI and diaspora guide
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