Where the goddess listens in silence, and the Dhauladhars cradle every prayer
Tucked in the tranquil village of Ashapuri, in Kangra district, the Ashapuri Mata Temple is a revered shrine dedicated to Maa Ashapuri, a powerful form of Durga worshipped as the fulfiller of wishes. Surrounded by pine forests and terraced fields, this temple is a spiritual haven for those seeking hope, protection, and divine grace.
🌄 Location & Accessibility
- Location: Ashapuri Village, Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh – 176059
- Altitude: ~1,200 meters
- By Road: ~40 km from Kangra town, ~50 km from Dharamshala; accessible via Gaggal–Nagrota Surian road
- By Rail: Kangra Mandir Station (~35 km), Pathankot Junction (~90 km)
- By Air: Gaggal Airport (~45 km)
- On Foot: A short walk from the village center through cedar-lined paths
🕉️ Deity & Worship
The temple is dedicated to Maa Ashapuri, a wish-fulfilling form of Kali or Durga, revered for her compassion and power. According to local legend:
- The goddess appeared in the dream of a local king, instructing him to build a temple in her honor
- She is worshipped with flowers, incense, red cloth, and sweets, and devotees often tie threads or chunris on sacred trees as symbols of their prayers
- The temple is especially visited during Navratri, when the goddess is believed to be most active in granting wishes
🏛️ Architecture & Setting
The temple features:
- A simple stone sanctum with a colorful idol of the goddess, adorned with red and yellow fabrics
- A peaceful courtyard shaded by deodars and rhododendrons
- A sacred pond nearby, used for ritual purification
- A serene hilltop setting, offering views of the Beas Valley and Dhauladhar foothills
The temple’s rustic charm and spiritual energy make it a favorite for pilgrims, trekkers, and seekers of solitude.
📜 Mythological & Cultural Significance
- The name “Ashapuri” derives from “Asha” (hope) and “Puri” (abode)—the abode of hope
- The goddess is considered a local kuldevi (family deity) by many families in Kangra and surrounding regions
- The temple is believed to be centuries old, with oral traditions linking it to early Rajput rulers and Tantric sages
🎉 Festivals & Celebrations
- Navratri (Spring & Autumn): Celebrated with bhajans, aartis, and community feasts
- Ashtami & Ram Navami: Marked by special pujas and offerings
- Daily Worship: Morning and evening aartis, lighting of ghee lamps, and chanting of Durga Saptashati
🏞️ Nearby Attractions
- Brajeshwari Devi Temple: A Shaktipeeth in Kangra town
- Chamunda Devi Temple: A riverside shrine of fierce grace
- Masroor Rock Cut Temples: The Himalayan Ellora carved in stone
- Kangra Fort: One of India’s oldest and most storied forts
🙏 Spiritual Experience
The Ashapuri Mata Temple is not just a shrine—it is a hilltop whisper of hope, a place where the goddess listens in silence, and the soul finds its voice in the rustle of pine leaves. As you stand before her sanctum, with the wind carrying your prayers and the hills holding your gaze, you feel the presence of a mother who grants, guards, and guides. It is a temple where hope becomes offering, and the **spirit finds its anchor in the goddess’s gaze.
