Banni Mata Temple, Chamba, Himachal Pradesh

Banni Mata Temple, Chamba, Himachal Pradesh

Banni Mata Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, located in Banni Village near Bharmour Town in Chamba District of Himachal Pradesh, India. The Temple is also called as Mahakali Banni Mata Temple. This temple is situated at a height of 8,500 feet, right at the base of Pir Panjal Range in the Chamba Valley. It is located near to Tundah village and just opposite to Mani Mahesh Peak. As the place has lot of Ban trees (Oak trees), the place came to be called as Banni.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/05/banni-mata-temple-chamba-legends.html

The Temple

This temple is situated at a height of 8,500 feet, right at the base of Pir Panjal Range in the Chamba Valley. Shrines and idols of Digu Wazir, Kelang Wazir and Chamunda Devi can be seen in the temple premises. The temple and the goddess are significant in the Bharmour region. Shepherds crossing Kali Chho pass to Lahaul visit the temple to seek blessings for a safe crossing.

Festivals

A fair is organized in August (Bhadrapad month of the Hindu calendar) at this temple. Goat sacrifice is practiced during the festival. The temple Shaman, called Chela in local language drinks the blood of the severed goat. It is said that he can drink blood from as many goats sacrificed on that day. Liquor is another common offering and the Chela takes a gulp from each bottle offered.

Prayers

It is believed Goddess Kali grants all wishes and bestows with child boon.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 12 Kms from Tundah, 39 Kms from Bharmour, 68 Kms from Chamba, 107 Kms from Dalhousie, 185 Kms from Kangra Airport and 397 Kms from Shimla. The temple can be reached from a road approaching from Tundah and a trek for 4 Kms.

Location