In the middle of the town of Kangra is the temple dedicated to Bajreshwari Devi (also known by name Vajreshwari Devi, Kangra Devi, Nagarkot Dham) . It is one of the 51 Shaktipeeths. Known once for its legendary wealth, this temple was subject to successive depredation by invaders from the North. Mahmud of Ghazni is known to have departed with a king's ransom in gold, silver and jewels in 1009. Destroyed completely in 1905 by an earthquake, it was rebuilt in 1920 and continues to be a busy place of pilgrimage. The temple has three domes built in Hindu, Sikh & Islam architecture which is of rare occurrence.
To reach temple, one has to walk through an atmospheric bazaar winding uphill, 10 minutes from the main road, lined with rain protected walk way through a row of shops selling prasad and religious trinkets. The entry in the temple is free. Removal of shoes / chapals is mandatory. A Satisfactory facilities exist for leaving ones foot-wear. |
Bajreshwari Devi Temple is a busy pilgrimage site for traveling Hindus and of course, tourists. The temple is splendid construction in white marble with a remarkable bronze statue of a lion with lionesses. It is clearly a place much loved by the faithful. It is full of people performing rituals, holy men and drummers. |
How to travel to kangra
Access by Air : Nearest airport is Gaggal airport located just 10 km. from Kangra Town (Direct flights from Delhi Available). Other nearest airports are at Chandigarh, Shimla.
Access by Rail : Nearest broad gauge railhead is Pathankot 90 km.
A narrow gauge railway line between Pathankot and Jogindernagar passes through Kangra.
Access by Road : Kangra is Accessible by road from almost all major stations. There are direct buses from Delhi, Chandigarh, Pathankot, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Amritsar, Shimla, Manali, Dhalhousie, etc.
Distances : Chandigarh 235 km., Delhi 500 km., Nangal 130 km., Jalandhar 150 km., Hoshiarpur 110 km., Mandi 135 km., Jwalamukhi 35 km., Kullu 205 km., Manali 245 km., Chamba 140 km. and Shimla 219 km.
Access by Rail : Nearest broad gauge railhead is Pathankot 90 km.
A narrow gauge railway line between Pathankot and Jogindernagar passes through Kangra.
Access by Road : Kangra is Accessible by road from almost all major stations. There are direct buses from Delhi, Chandigarh, Pathankot, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Amritsar, Shimla, Manali, Dhalhousie, etc.
Distances : Chandigarh 235 km., Delhi 500 km., Nangal 130 km., Jalandhar 150 km., Hoshiarpur 110 km., Mandi 135 km., Jwalamukhi 35 km., Kullu 205 km., Manali 245 km., Chamba 140 km. and Shimla 219 km.