Cradled at the base of the majestic Pir Panjal range, Banni Mata Temple—also known as Mahakali Banni Mata Temple—is one of the most spiritually potent and visually stunning temples in Himachal Pradesh. Revered as a Shakti Peetha, this ancient shrine is dedicated to Goddess Kali, and is steeped in legends that trace back to the Mahabharata.
🌄 Location & Accessibility
- Location: Banni village, near Tundah, Bharmour, Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh
- Altitude: ~8,500 feet above sea level
- Nearest Town: Bharmour (~25 km)
- How to Reach:
- By Road: Accessible via Chamba–Bharmour road; last 4 km is a trek from Tundah
- Nearest Airport: Gaggal Airport, Kangra (~230 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Pathankot (~180 km)
The final stretch to the temple is a scenic walk through oak forests and alpine meadows, offering breathtaking views of the Manimahesh Peak, which stands directly opposite the temple.
🛕 Mythological Significance
According to legend, after the Pandavas renounced their kingdom and journeyed toward the Himalayas in search of heaven, Draupadi’s mortal remains were believed to be inhabited by Goddess Kali. As the story goes, a massive rock at Charola split open to reveal three Trishuls, still visible today. The goddess then descended to Lyundi, and finally made Banni village her eternal abode.
The temple is named after the Ban (oak) trees that flourish in the region, symbolizing strength and endurance—qualities embodied by the goddess herself.
🕉️ Deity & Worship
Banni Mata, a fierce form of Mahakali, is worshipped as the protector of shepherds, travelers, and pilgrims crossing the treacherous Kali Chho Pass. Locals believe she grants wishes, blesses childless couples, and protects devotees from misfortune.
Other deities worshipped in the temple include:
- Digu Wazir
- Kelang Wazir
- Chamunda Devi
🏛️ Architectural Highlights
- Traditional Himachali wooden architecture with a copper-plated roof
- Golden finials and a sanctum adorned with sacred symbols
- Surrounded by dense deodar and oak forests, enhancing its mystical aura
- A sacred rock believed to be the original manifestation site of the goddess
🎉 Festivals & Rituals
- Bhadrapad Mela (August–September):
- A grand fair held during the Hindu month of Bhadrapad
- Includes Kali Puja, goat sacrifices, and ritual blood-drinking by the temple’s Chela (shaman), believed to be in direct communion with the goddess
- Liquor and coconuts are common offerings
- Navratri & Deepavali: Celebrated with devotion and traditional rituals
🏞️ Nearby Attractions
- Manimahesh Lake: A sacred glacial lake and major pilgrimage site
- Chaurasi Temples, Bharmour: A complex of 84 ancient shrines
- Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary: Rich in Himalayan flora and fauna
- Kalicho Pass: A high-altitude trail used by shepherds and pilgrims
🙏 Spiritual Experience
Visiting Banni Mata Temple is not just a pilgrimage—it’s a journey into the heart of Himachal’s divine feminine energy. The silence of the forest, the snow-draped peaks, and the raw power of the goddess create an atmosphere that is both humbling and transformative.
