Chamunda Devi Temple
Chamunda Devi is a Shakti shrine, 10 km west of Palampur, on the Baner River. This colourful shrine has a wrathful form of Durga or Chamunda. The idol in the temple is considered so sacred that it is completely hidden beneath a red cloth.
It is situated on the bank of Ban Ganga. With all the natural surroundings ideally suited for meditation prayers and spiritual attainments. This was the cremation ground for 22 villages and supposed to be a place which gives solace, spiritual attainments in the form of Mahakali Chamunda. Here Lord shiva is present in the form of death, destruction & dead bodies along with Devi Chamunda. Devotees offer prayers, worship and give offerings for their ancestors. It is thought to be sacred to take a dip in Ban Ganga and to read and recite the writings of Shat Chandi. In the old days, people used to offer sacrifices also to the deity. Kanyas (unmarried baby girls) are worshiped. Also Lord shiva is worshiped with Holy water from Ban Ganga.
The Legend:
The Goddess Chamunda was enshrined as chief Goddess with the title of Rudra in the battle between demon Jalandhra and Lord Shiva which made this place famous as “Rudra Chamunda”. Another legend has it that “Savarni Manamantra” battle between the gods and demons, Chamunda emerged as Chandika from an eyebrow of Goddess “Kaushiki” and was assigned the task of eliminating the demons “Chand” and “Mund”. Chandika fought a fierce battle with these two demons and at last killed them. Goddess Chandika took the slain heads of the two demons “Chand” and “Mund” to the Goddess “Kaushiki” who being immensely pleased, blessed Chandika and bestowed upon her the title of “Chamunda” ,the name which is famous all around the world.