Chamunda Mataji temple is Located near Rajkot in Gujarat, India, Chotila is a Hindu temple town and the Taluka headquarters of Chotila Taluka, Surendranagar district.
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About Chamunda Mataji Temple Chotila
Chotila, the taluka headquarters of the Surendranagar district in Gujarat, is a tiny town with 20,000 residents. The summit of Chotila Mountain is home to the Mataji temple. Chotila Hill rises to a height of around 1250 feet.
The Chamunda Ma Temple in Chotila is visited year-round by thousands of devotees from all across India. Many Gujarati communities consider Chamunda Mata to be their Kuldevi; as such, devotees come here to get Ma Chamunda’s darshan. Since every Ma Devi Shakti temple in India celebrates these nine days with tremendous devotion, Navarati is a particular time to visit this location.
Apart from Navratri, a large number of devotees come here on Sundays and throughout vacations. Thousands of devotees came here during the Kartik month as well, and they were fortunate to have Ma Devi Chamunda’s darshan.
The Chamunda Mata Temple trust oversees a variety of operations, including festivals, guest rooms, and bhojanalaya. Additionally, a devotee can carry out several rites as per their desire, such as Navchandi Yagya, Chaul Kriya, and other Yagya. There are numerous private hotels, guest houses, Dharm Shalas, restaurants, and bhojanalayas in Chotila to aid devotees.
Located on National Highway No 8, Taleti Chotila, Chamunda Mataji Temple is easily accessible for first-time visitors.
Saurashtra’s most celebrated writer, author, poet, journalist, and freedom fighter Zaverchand Meghani was also born here in Chotila. The house in which Zaverchand Meghani was born was in neglected condition till recent times, 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 temple of Chamunda is situated atop the 1173-foot-tall Chamund or Chotila hill. There are 620 steps to climb to get to the temple.
Anil and Mukesh Ambani, the brothers Ambani, made your climb a little easier by introducing carpets to the steps and covering them with shades. Once you reach the top of Chamunda Shakti Peeth, you will be able to take in a captivating view of the surrounding area.
Chamunda Mataji Temple Chotila 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 about when Demons Chand and Mund came to conquer Devi Mahakali and in the fight that ensued, the Devi cut their heads and presented these to Maa Ambika, who in turn told Mahakali that would 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 in the same place yet there are many changes with an extended hall and steps with carpet for the convenience of the pilgrims.
The twin idols of the Chamunda conclude 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 gets 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 was given the task of saving the jewels and money that the British took away and then distributing 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
Darshan Timings of Chotila Chamunda Temple
The temple is open for devotees from 05:00 am to 07:30 pm.
Aarti Timings of Chamunda Mata Temple Chotila
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.
Accommodation at The Chotila Chamunda Mataji Temple
Here is the list of Hotels in Chotila
How to Reach at Chotila Chamunda Mataji 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 is located 50 Km from the temple. Get down to the airport and hire a cab to reach the temple.