Chamunda Mata Temple Chotila is an Ancient Hindu temple town with Chotila taluka headquarters in Surendranagar district near Rajkot in Gujarat, India. The Chamunda Mataji Temple timings are from 5 AM to 7:30 PM.
Chotila is a small town with a population of about 20,000 and is the headquarters of Surendranagar District Taluka in Gujarat.
Chamunda Mataji Temple
The Mataji temple is located at the top of the hill. Elsewhere, the mountain is about 1250 feet high. Thousands of believers from India visit our Temple in Chotila annually.
Chamunda Mata is the Goddess of many communities in Gujarat, so devotees come here for maata Chamunda Darshan.
Navratri is a special time to visit as every temple of our Devi Shakti across India celebrates these nine days with utmost devotion.
Overview of the Temple
Apart from Navratri, many devotees come here every Sunday and on holidays. Also, during the month of Karthika, thousands of devotees come here and bless the darshan of our Goddess Chamunda.
The Chamunda Mataji Temple Trust is involved in several activities such as dining, guest room and festival management.
A devotee can also perform many rituals like Chaul Kriya, Navchandi Yagya, and other Yagya, as they wish.
For the convenience of the devotees, many private hotels, guest houses, hospices, restaurants and bojanalaya are available at the place.
The late Javarchand Meghani, one of Saurashtra’s most famous writers, poets, journalists, and freedom fighters, was also born here.
The house where Jawarchand Meghani was born was in a state of disrepair till recently, but some have now started preserving it.
Priests are also prohibited from staying near the temple after the evening horticulture. It starts with the story of a man who slept outside the temple at night.
When he awoke at sunrise, he saw the bottom of the hill. We believe that there is a lion to protect us. So, there is a lion idol near our temple in Chamunda.
History
Chotila was known as Chhotigarh in ancient times. It was initially under the charge of the Sodha Parmars but captured by the Khachar Kathis Jagsio Parmar, who made it one of their main positions.
Many Khachar Katis trace their origins to their home. Chotila was captured by the Katis in 1566 AD. It was the headquarters of Thana, an agency during British rule.
The story goes back to when the demons Chand and Mund came to conquer Devi Mahakali. In the ensuing fight, when Devi cut off their heads and presented them to our Ambika, she worshipped as Chamunda Devi to Mahakali.
The Chotila temple idol is a self-replica. Mata once had a dream of his devotee. He ordered them to dig a certain place and unveil her statue.
In doing so, he found the idol of Chamunda Mata and built the temple on the same site. Today, the temple is on the same site, with a spacious hall and carpeted stairs for travellers’ convenience.
The twin statues of Chamunda end as follows:
Kario Bhil Chamunda is a devotee of maata. He promised the temple that he would build another idol of the Maata in the temple wherever he had a child.
After having children, he forgot his desires and was busy with his daily routine. He even gave Maata a shawl to let into the air while we sat on him.
This man saved the jewels and money the British had taken and handed them over to distribute to people experiencing poverty. But, he had once been caught doing this and sentenced to prison.
As he slept, he had a maata dream, and maata reminded him of his promise. Kario Bhil realizes his mistake and promises to build another statue of us. But, Chamunda exhibited another idol of maata kindness and himself. That is why our idols of two Chamunda are here.
Chamunda Mataji Temple Timings
The Chamunda Mataji temple timings are that the temple opens from 5 AM to 7:30 PM for devotees.
How is Aarti performed?
Aarti performed in different ways at the Chotila temple. Do not chant words of praise or anything.
Aarti begins with incense and Dias or lamps. Aarti stretches to the extent of the dupattas and enlightens those around god.
Morning Aarti Timing
6:00 AM: Monday to Saturday
5:30 AM: Sunday
4:00 AM: During Purnima
Evening Aarti Timing
6:00 PM: During Purnima
Prasadam
The Prasad is open from 11:00 AM to 02:00 PM.
Total Steps
Chotila Hill Chamunda Mataji Temple is located at 1173 feet. Climb 620 steps to reach the temple.
Ambani brothers Anil Ambani and Mukesh Ambani have made climbing easier by introducing carpets and shades on the steps.
After reaching Chamunda Shakti Peetha, you will enjoy the view of the enchanting surroundings.
Temple Myths
The idol of Chamundamata in the temple is a self-replica. According to folklore, there is a story behind the existence of this temple.
The Goddess came to a devotee in a dream and told him she was hiding somewhere on a hill.
While digging in the designated place, they found a statue of the Goddess there. The Chamunda Mata Temple was later built on the site.
Thousands of believers from India visit our Temple in Chotila annually.
Chamunda Mata is the Goddess of many communities in Gujarat, so devotees come here for our Chamunda Darshan.
Every temple of Maa Devi Shakti in India celebrates these nine days with utmost devotion. Navratri is a special time to visit here.
Apart from Navratri, many devotees come here every Sunday and on holidays. Also, during the month of Karthika, thousands of devotees come here to bless the darshan of maata Goddess Chamunda.
How to reach the Temple?
Train:
Rajkot is just 47 km from Chhotila Temple. So, it would help if you got off at Rajkot Railway Station to reach anywhere by rail. Next, take a cab or public transport to reach the destination.
Road:
The busiest way to reach the temple is by bus. GSRTC buses are easily obtainable from major cities in Gujarat. Chotila Bus Stand is just 700 meters away from the temple.
Air:
Rajkot Airport is the nearest airport to the Chotila Temple. Chotila is about 50 km from the temple. Get off at the airport and rent a cab to reach the temple.
Address and Contact
Address: Chamunda Mataji Temple, Dungar Taleti, Chotila
Click here for the temple’s official Website.
Email Id: chamundamatajidungar@gmail.com
Chamundamataji Temple – Chotila Contact Number: 085300 07000, 02751290354