Mata Ashapuri Temple, Ashapuri, Himachal Pradesh

Mata Ashapuri Temple, Ashapuri, Himachal Pradesh

Mata Ashapuri Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to goddess Sakthi located in Ashapuri near Palampur Town in Palampur Tehsil in Kangra District in Himachal Pradesh, India. The Temple situated on the top of the hill in Dhauladhar mountain range.

Legends

Mata Ashapuri:

As per legend, Pandavas spent few days in the caves named Malli during their incognito exile. Malli Caves is located at about 4 Kms from Mata Ashapuri Temple. Duryodhana dispatched Karna to expose the Pandavas in their exile. When Karna reached the caves, he could not find Pandavas. Karna found Pindi of Mata Ashapuri and built a temple for Mata Ashapuri. 

Mata Vaishno Devi:

As per legend, Mata Vaishno Devi had appeared in the form of Pindi in the Malli Caves in the dream of a milk seller. He went to the cave seen in his dream in the morning and found three pindis of Mata Vaishno Devi and few idols of goddesses.

History

This temple was built in 16^th century CE by King Man Singh of Katoch descent.

The Temple

The temple is situated on top of the hill in Dhauladhar range. This temple is facing towards east. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala and maha mandapa. The mandapa is crowned with a pyramidal superstructure. The sanctum is square on plan. The sanctum enshrines three pindis. The unique thing about most of the idol of Ashapura Mata is that it has 7 pairs of eyes. Maa Ashapuri temple is considered as the form of Mata Vaishno Devi. The shikara over the sanctum follows nagara style architecture. There are niches around the sanctum and mandapa. Idols of lion and tiger can be seen outside the temple facing towards the sanctum.

Festivals

Navratri is celebrated here with much fanfare. An annual fair in honour of the presiding deity is celebrated during Navaratri.

Prayers

Devotees worship the goddess Ashapura Mata to realize their wishes and desires.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 20 Kms from Panchrukhi, 20 Kms from Panchrukhi Railway Station, 27 Kms from Baijnath, 30 Kms from Kasoti, 30 Kms from Jaisinghpur, 30 Kms from Palampur Bus Stand, 31 Kms from Palampur, 48 Kms from Joginder Nagar, 61 Kms from Kangra, 64 Kms from Kangra Airport and 220 Kms from Shimla. The temple is situated at about 10 Kms from Bhuana on Palampur to Jaisinghpur route.

Location