Chamunda mata mandir – Chotila | चामुंडा माता मंदिर – चोटील

The Chamunda Mata Temple located in Chotila is situated in Gujarat, India. Here, Chamunda Devi is worshipped and devotees are respected. The temple is located in a hilly area.

This temple of Chamunda Mata is situated on a hill with approximately 700 steps leading devotees to the Mother's abode. Along the climbing path, steel pipes are installed on the sides of the stairs for the convenience of travelers, with the help of which elderly people can easily reach the Mother's court. Shade is arranged throughout the entire path.

Yes, there is also a small market where devotees can buy coconuts, prasad, etc., for worshipping the Mother. In the market, you can also find sugarcane juice and toys for children.

To have a darshan of Chamunda Maa, you have to cover a journey of 30 minutes. After crossing this climb, you reach the top of the mountain. Here you will find stands for keeping shoes and slippers, where you can safely keep your shoes and slippers, wash your hands and feet, and enter the temple (Chamunda Mataji Temple) for darshan of the Mother.

There are many Havan altars built in the temple, where the flame of Mataji keeps burning. Although photography or videography is strictly prohibited in the temple, many devotees still take photos and videos.

To reach Chotila, you have to reach Surendra Nagar district, which is near Rajkot city. This temple is located at a distance of 170 kilometers from Ahmedabad and 60 kilometers from Rajkot. Yes, you can travel by Gujarat रोडवेज bus. The nearest railway station and airport are in Rajkot and Ahmedabad.

Thousands of devotees from all over India visit the Chotila Chamunda Maa temple throughout the year. Chamunda Mata is the Kuldevi (family deity) of many communities in Gujarat, hence devotees come here for darshan of Maa Chamunda. Navratri is a special time to visit here as every temple of Maa Devi Shakti across India celebrates these nine days with great devotion.

Apart from Navratri, a large number of devotees visit here every Sunday and on holidays. Also, thousands of devotees come here during the month of Kartik and take blessings of Maa Devi Chamunda.

The Chamunda Mata Temple Trust is involved in many activities such as managing the dining hall, guest rooms, and festivals. A devotee can also perform various rituals like Navachandi Yagna, Chaul Karma, and other Yagnas as per their wish. Many private hotels, guest houses, dharamshalas, restaurants, and dining halls are available in Chotila for the convenience of devotees.

History of Chotila Temple

Chotila was known as Chotgadh in ancient times. It was originally held by the Sodha Parmars, but was seized from Jagsiya Parmar by the Khachar Kathis, who made it one of their principal seats. Most of the Khachar Kathis originated from 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 goes that the demons Chand and Mund came to conquer Devi Mahakali, and in the ensuing battle, the Goddess beheaded them and offered them to Mother Ambika, who in turn told Mahakali that she would be worshipped as Chamunda Devi.

The idol of Chotila Temple is Swayambhu. The Mother once appeared in the dream of her devotee. She ordered him to dig at a certain spot and unveil her idol. He did so and found the idol of Chamunda Maa. The temple was built at the same spot. Even today, the temple is at the same location, yet many changes have been made with expanded halls and carpeted stairs for the convenience of pilgrims.

The twin idols of Chamunda conclude as follows. Kariyo Bhil was a devotee of Chamunda Maa. He promised Chamunda Maa that if he had a child, he would build another idol of Chamunda Maa at the Chotila temple. After getting a child, he forgets his wish and gets busy with his daily routine. The Mother has also given him a shawl on which, when he sits, he will fly in the air.

This man was tasked with saving the jewelry and money looted by the British and then distributing it among the poor. But, one time while doing so, he was caught and sentenced to jail. While he was sleeping, he had a dream of the Mother, and the Mother reminded him of his promise. Kariyo Bhil realized his mistake and promised to make another idol of the Mother. But, Chamunda Maa was merciful and manifested another idol of herself. Hence, there are two idols of Chamunda Maa.

Chamunda Mata Temple – Chotila on Google Maps