This Navratri, pay your respects at the shrine of Kangra's 'Nagarkot Wali Mata'—the very spot where Mother Sati's right breast fell..

We are referring to the historic Shri Bajreshwari Devi Temple, situated in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. On the auspicious occasion of Chaitra Navratri, let us explore some fascinating and unique facts about this miraculous *Shakti Peeth*—famously known as the 'Goddess of Nagarkot Kangra' (Bajreshwari Devi Temple Kangra)—reading which will surely fill your heart with an ardent desire to visit and seek her blessings.

**Mother Sati's Right Breast Fell Here**
According to mythological beliefs, this historic temple in Kangra is a prominent *Shakti Peeth* (a sacred shrine dedicated to the Goddess). It is believed that Mother Sati's right breast fell at this very spot. Within this temple, Mother Bajreshwari is enshrined in the form of a *Pindi* (a sacred stone manifestation). Devotees hold an unwavering faith that any worshipper who visits this shrine with a pure heart to seek the Mother's *darshan* (divine sight) finds all the sorrows and tribulations of their life vanish in an instant.

**The Temple's Three Domes Symbolize Three Religions**

This temple is regarded as the most magnificent shrine in Himachal Pradesh. Notably, the temple was completely razed to the ground during a devastating earthquake that struck on April 4, 1905. Subsequently, it was reconstructed in a new 'Southern architectural style.'

The most distinctive feature of this temple's architecture is its three domes, which convey a beautiful message of *Sarva Dharma Sambhav* (equal respect for all religions):

**The First Dome:** This dome is shaped like a Sikh Gurdwara.

**The Second Dome:** This dome is shaped like an Islamic Mosque.
**The Third Dome:** This dome is shaped like a traditional Hindu temple.

**The Miraculous 'Ghrit Mandal' Adorned with Pure Ghee**
During Chaitra Navratri, hundreds of thousands of devotees from Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana flock here to seek blessings; however, the atmosphere here on Makar Sankranti is truly unique. This is the only *Shakti Peeth* in Himachal Pradesh where, on the special occasion of Makar Sankranti, butter is prepared from pure *Desi Ghee* (clarified butter) and used to create a magnificent 'Ghrit Mandal' (a decorative motif) upon the Mother's *Pindi*. The Extraordinary Devotion of Bhakt Dhianu

Within the temple precincts stands a statue of 'Bhakt Dhianu,' a native of Agra, Uttar Pradesh. Legend has it that it was in this very courtyard that he severed his own head and offered it as a sacrifice at the shrine of the Mother Goddess. To this day, hundreds of thousands of people from Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan flock here to pay their respects to him.

There is another fascinating belief associated with him:

During the monsoon season, if the rains fail and a drought ensues, the statue of Bhakt Dhianu is coated with a layer of cow dung.

It is believed that performing this ritual invokes rainfall, thereby bringing relief to farmers and the general public from the scorching heat.

Once the rains arrive, the cow dung is washed off the statue through a ritualistic 'Panch Snan' (five-fold ceremonial bath).

Yellow Garments, Brass Bracelets, and the Mark of Vermilion on the Back
For devotees—and particularly for the descendants of Bhakt Dhianu—there are specific customs and intriguing traditions that mark the completion of their pilgrimage here:

Yellow Garments and Brass Bracelets: Devotees arrive at the temple clad in yellow attire. Upon their return journey, they purchase a 'brass bracelet' (known as *kada*)—crafted in the local hill-style—as a sacred souvenir (*prasad*) and wear it on their wrists. Returning home while wearing this bracelet is considered highly auspicious.

The Mark of Vermilion:

Before embarking on their pilgrimage, devotees apply a handprint of red vermilion (*sindoor*)—using their right hand—at their home village. Once they have completed their *darshan* (viewing) of the Goddess at the temple, the local priests apply a handprint of their own onto the devotees' backs. Their pilgrimage is considered truly complete only after receiving this sacred mark.

Genealogical Records:

A unique feature of this temple is that the priests maintain comprehensive genealogical records of the families of most devotees hailing from Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana, keeping these records readily accessible at all times. Registering one's pilgrimage upon arrival is also considered an auspicious practice here.

How to Reach the Temple?
Reaching the Bajreshwari Devi Temple is quite simple. You can travel here via any of the three major modes of transport: air, rail, or road.

By Road:

The temple is easily accessible by road from all major cities and towns across Himachal Pradesh. Furthermore, this temple is situated at a distance of 80 kilometers from Pathankot and 220 kilometers from Chandigarh.
By Rail: You can take the narrow-gauge railway line running from Pathankot to Joginder Nagar. The temple is located just 3 kilometers from Kangra Railway Station.
By Air: