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About Chamunda Mataji Temple – Chotila
Chamunda Mataji Temple Chotila is a Hindu temple town and Taluka headquarters of Chotila Taluka, Surendranagar district, located near Rajkot, Gujarat, India.
Chotila is a small town with having a population of around 20,000 people and is a taluka headquarter of Surendranagar district, Gujarat. The Mataji temple is situated at the top of Chotila Mountain. Chotila Mountain is around 1250 feet high.
Thousands of devotees across India visit Chamunda Ma Temple at Chotila throughout the year. Chamunda Mata is Kuldevi of many communities in Gujarat thus devotee visits here for darshan of Ma Chamunda. Navarati is a special time to visit here as every temple of Ma Devi Shakti across India celebrates these nine days with great devotion.
Apart from Navratri every Sunday and during holidays lots of devotee visit here. Also during the Kartik month, thousand of devotees came here and blessed with the darshan of Ma Devi Chamunda.
Chamunda Mata Temple trust is involved in many activities like managing Bhojanalaya, Guest Room, and Festivals. A devotee can also perform various rituals like Navchandi Yagya, Chaul Kriya, and other Yagya as per their wish. To facilitate devotee in Chotila, there are lots of private Hotels, Guest Houses, Dharm Shala, Restaurants, Bhojanalaya available.
Chamunda Mataji Temple is at National Highway No 8, Taleti Chotila, which makes it easy for first-time visitors in locating this establishment.
Saurashtra’s most celebrated writer, author, poet, journalist, freedom fighter late Zaverchand Meghani was also born here in Chotila. House in which Zaverchand Meghani born was in neglected condition till the recent time, but some people have started to preserve it now.
No one is allowed to stay near the temple after the evening Aarti, not even the pujaris. This can be started by the story of a man who slept outside the temple during the night. When he woke up in the morning he found himself at the bottom of the hill. It’s believed there’s a lion who protects the Maa. So, there’s an idol of a lion near the Chamunda Maa Temple.
The town is administered by the Nagarpalika.
Chotila Chamunda Mataji Temple Total Steps
The Chamund or Chotila hill which is surmounted by the temple of Chamunda is 1173 feet in height. The temple is reached by climbing 620 steps.
The Ambani brothers Anil Ambani and Mukesh Ambani had made your climb a bit easier by introducing carpets on steps and shades over the steps. You will be enjoying the mesmerizing view of the surrounding after reaching high at the Chamunda Shakti Peeth.
Chotila Chamunda Mataji Temple History
Chotila was known as Chotgadh in ancient times. It was originally a holding of the Sodha Parmars but was seized from Jagsio Parmar by the Khachar Kathis who made it one of their principal seats. Most of the Khachar Kathis trace their origin to the Chotila house. Chotila was acquired by the Kathis in 1566 AD. It is the headquarters of an Agency thana during the British period.
The story is when Demons Chand and Mund came to conquer Devi Mahakali and in the fight that ensues, the Devi cut their heads and presented these to Maa Ambika, who in turn told Mahakali that will be worshipped as Chamunda Devi.
The idol of Chotila Temple is self-manifested. Mata once came in the dream of his bhakt. He ordered him to dig a certain place and unveil her idol. He did so and found the idol of Chamunda Maa. At the same place, the temple was built. Today, also the temple is at the same place yet there are many changes with extended hall and steps with carpet for the convenience of the pilgrims.
The twin idols of the Chamunda concludes in the following way. Kario Bhil was the bhakt of Chamunda Maa. He has promised Chamunda Maa that if he begets with a child he would build another idol of Chamunda Maa at Chotila Temple. After, getting a child he forgets his wish and got busy with his routines. Maa has also given him the shawl that would let him into the air when he sat on it. This man had given the task to save the jewels and money that the British took away and then to distribute them among the poor. But, once while doing this he was caught and was sentenced to jail. While he was sleeping he got the dream of Maa and Maa reminded him of his promise. Kario Bhil realized his mistake and promised to build another idol of Maa. But, Chamunda Maa was dayalu and self-manifested another idol of herself. This is why there are two idols of Chamunda Maa.
Chotila Chamunda Mataji Temple Timings:
Chotila Temple Open After Lockdown
Darshan Timings of Chotila Chamunda Temple:
The temple is open for devotees from 5 am to 7:30 pm.
Aarti Timings of Chotila Chamunda Temple:
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
Prasad Details at Chotila Chamunda Temple
Free Prasad is offered by the temple.
The Prasad is available from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
How to Reach at Chotila Chamunda Temple:
By Rail
Rajkot is just 47 Km from the Chotila temple. So, to reach Chotila by rail route you need to get down at Rajkot Railway Station. Then, travel to Chotila by cab or any public transport.
By Road
Traveling to Chotila by bus is the most convenient way to reach the temple. GSRTC Buses are easily available from major cities of Gujarat. The Chotila bus stand is just 700 meters from the temple.
By Air
Rajkot Airport is the nearest airport to Chotila temple. Chotila has located 50 Km from the temple. Get down to the airport and hire a cab to reach the temple.