Arrival at Anandpur Sahib & Start of Pilgrimage
On your arrival you will be received at Anandpur Sahib Railway Station or any place you will be staying and driven to Maa Naina Devi, located in the Bilaspur District of Himachal Pradesh.
Morning Drive to Shri Naina Devi Ji Shaktipeeth
Begin your yatra with a scenic drive to Shri Naina Devi Ji Temple, one of the most revered Shakti Peeths of India. Situated atop a hill at an altitude of 1,219 meters in Bilaspur district, the temple offers not only a deep spiritual experience but also breath taking views of the Gobind Sagar Lake and the lower Himalayas.
Built in the 8th century by Raja Bir Chand, this ancient shrine holds immense mythological importance. According to legend, the eyes (Naina) of Goddess Sati fell here, giving the temple its name and sacred significance.
Reaching the Naina Temple
The journey to Naina Devi Ji is as fulfilling as the darshan itself. Devotees can choose from:
- On foot: Climb the well-laid stairs as an act of devotion.
- By road: Local vehicles can reach close to the temple, followed by a short, easy ascent.
- By ropeway: A scenic ride directly to the hilltop, offering spectacular panoramic views.
After Darshan: Journey to Chintapurni Shaktipeeth
Once you've experienced the darshan and the divine aura of the temple, your descent begins. A comfortable 3-hour drive takes you to Chintapurni Devi Shaktipeeth. The route passes through peaceful countryside and rolling hills, giving you time to reflect on your spiritual experience.
Visit to Maa Chintapurni Temple:
This sacred shrine is one of the 51 Shakti Peeths of India. According to legend, the feet of Maa Sati fell at this place. The temple is dedicated to Chintapurni Devi, also known as Chhinnamastika Devi—the goddess who fulfills the worries of her devotees.
As per the Shri Markandeya Purana, when Mother Chandi defeated the demons, she cut off her own head to quench the blood thirst of her yogini aides, Ajaya and Vijaya, with her blood. This self-sacrificial act is why she came to be known as Chhinnamastika Devi. The temple holds great spiritual significance, and touching the lotus feet of the goddess is believed to bring peace and blessings.
🛣️ Evening Drive Towards Jwala Ji
After darshan, we will head towards Jwala Ji for an overnight stay. You can attend the Shayan Aarti Maa Jwala Ji.
Day 2 : Jwala Ji - Bagla Mukhi - Nagarkot Brajeshwari Devi Kangra
🌄 Morning Visit – Jwala Ji Shaktipeeth :
The Jwala Ji Temple is one of the most revered Shaktipeeths, where Maa Sati is worshipped in the form of an eternal flame (Paawan Jyoti) emerging from rock fissures. This temple is unique as it doesn’t have an idol—the flame itself is considered the divine form of the goddess.
The temple performs five Aartis daily, and experiences large gatherings during Chaitra and Ashwin Navratras, as well as the month of Shravan. Tuesdays and Fridays are considered especially auspicious, with special poojas being performed on these days.
🕉 Umatta Bhairav Temple
You can also climb up the stairs and visit Tara Mata Temple and Umatta Bhairav Temple. In every Shakti Peetha, there is a Bhairav guardian deity (a fierce form of Lord Shiva) who protects the temple and the Shakti residing there. At Jwala Ji, the Bhairav guardian is Umatta Bhairav. Meaning: “Umatta” means intoxicated or wild with divine madness. Bhairav here represents the fierce, protective, and ecstatic aspect of Lord Shiva.
Role:
- Protects the temple from negative forces.
- Balances the fiery energy of Jwala Ji.
- Ensures devotees receive blessings without obstacles.
After Darshan: Journey to Baglamukhi Temple (Sameli- Bankhandi)
Next, we head towards the temple of Maa Baglamukhi, one of the Ten Mahavidyas of the Supreme Goddess as per Shaktism. This temple is especially revered by devotees seeking divine intervention in legal matters, academic success, and life challenges. It is believed that prayers offered here—especially through homagni and hawan rituals—are granted without fail.
The name “Baglamukhi” is derived from Sanskrit, where ‘Bagala’ means bride and ‘mukhi’ means face, symbolizing the goddess’s mesmerizing and protective power. Yellow is considered her favorite color—hence, the temple is adorned in yellow, and worshippers wear yellow attire and offer yellow sweets during rituals.
The temple becomes particularly vibrant during festivals like Navratri, Guru Purnima, and Vasant Panchami, with special pujas and aartis performed with great devotion.
Afternoon : Visit to Brajeshwari Devi Temple (Nagarkot Dham), Kangra
Next, we drive towards Kangra to visit the sacred Shree Nagarkot Vajreshwari Devi Temple, also known as Brajeshwari Devi Shaktipeeth. This temple is believed to be a powerful healing center where devotees are relieved of suffering merely by catching a glimpse of the goddess.
Inside the sanctum sanctorum, three divine pindis are worshipped:
- Mother Vajreshwari (main deity)
- Mother Bhadrakali
- Mother Ekadashi
🕉 Baba Lal Bhairav at Brajeshwari Devi Shaktipeeth
Baba Lal Bhairav is the revered guardian deity of Brajeshwari Devi Temple. Unlike ordinary idols, his statue is believed to be alive, shedding tears, sweating, and changing expressions. Devotees feel his gaze deeply, often experiencing guidance, spiritual messages, or emotional release. Farmers and traders consult him before ventures, trusting his protective energy. Standing before Baba Lal Bhairav, one feels both watched and blessed, as if the deity reads the soul. His presence makes the temple a powerful spiritual experience not to be missed.
Late Evening: Arrival at Chamunda
Later, we proceed to Chamunda, where you'll check in to your pre-booked hotel for a night stay.
Day 3 : Chamunda Dharamshala McLeod Ganj
🌄 Morning Visit – Chamunda Devi Temple :
Dedicated to Goddess Chamunda, a fierce form of Goddess Durga, the temple is both spiritually and naturally enriching. The remote setting and lush surroundings provide a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for reflection and rejuvenation. The temple's distinct architecture, the hum of devotional chants, and the surrounding natural beauty create a deeply immersive spiritual experience.
Behind the temple lies a cave-like structure that houses a Lingam under a boulder, representing Nandikeshwar Lord Shiva. There is also a large sacred pool with statues of Lord Shiva and Goddess Saraswati, offering a tranquil space for devotees.
Explore Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj
You will be picked up in from hotel for a tour of Dharamshala with your guide cum driver for the day. Drive for 20 minutes to reach the Norbulingka Institute in Dharamshala. This institute is a Center for Tibetan Arts and Culture. Norbulingka embodies all the old- world charm of Tibetan architecture and has been modeled and named after the Dalai Lama’s summer palace near Lhasa. Walk around to see the different workshops like metallurgy and woodwork, and definitely spend some time in the Doll museum, which gives a lot of information about Tibetan history. Later drive for minutes to reach Dharamshala Cricket Stadium, War Memorial, Tea Gardens and Kunal Pathri Temple.
Afterwards we will drive for 30 minutes to reach St. John’s Church in the Wilderness, which was built in 1852. Set amidst deodar forest, and built in neo-Gothic architecture, the church is known for its Belgian stained-glass windows donated by Lady Elgin (Mary Louisa Lambton), wife of Lord Elgin. Simple yet lovely, the church also has a beautifully peaceful cemetery.
You can have your lunch at one of the numerous restaurants at The Mall Road of McLeod Ganj and wander around the quaint Walking Street leading up to the Dalai Lama Monastery and visit the main monastery. Next explore the nearby Mcloed Ganj Market that is famous for Tibetan handicrafts. You can also walk out to the Waterfall from the temple of Bhagsunag. In the evening check in to your hotel for night stay at McLeod Ganj.
Day 4 : Departure : Journey to Amb Andaura Railway Station
Your descent begins. A comfortable 3-hour drive takes you to Amb Andaura Railway Station. At Amb Andaura Station, you’ll board your return train Vande Bharat—carrying with you not just souvenirs, but the blessings of Maa Durga and the memory of a journey that touched the soul.
Later Options:
Option 1 – Towards New Delhi:
Catch the Vande Bharat Express or Himachal Express from Amb Andaura Station for your return journey to New Delhi.
Option 2 – Towards Pathankot / Chandigarh :
Start your return drive towards Pathankot (approx. 3-hour drive) or Chandigarh ( 4 Hours).
Upon arrival, you will be dropped at the Pathankot / Chandigarh Railway Station. From here, you can return to your final destination.
Note: We would like to thank you for choosing Devi Darshan Tours to visit Himachal Devi Temples. If you wish us to drop you at Ambala Cantt Railway Station, New Delhi Railway Station or any other place, simply tell us.
