Where the goddess watches from the ridge, and the valley bows in devotion
Perched atop Chandpur village, just 5 km from Palampur, the Jakhani Mata Temple—also known as Jakhni Mata Temple—is a sacred hilltop shrine dedicated to Devi Latti Jakhni, a revered form of Durga. With its panoramic views of the Dhauladhar range, tea gardens, and the Kangra Valley, this temple is both a spiritual retreat and a scenic marvel.
🌄 Location & Accessibility
- Location: Chandpur Village, near Palampur, Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh – 176061
- Altitude: ~1,300 meters
- By Road: 5 km from Palampur; accessible via a steep but motorable road or a scenic hike through pine forests
- By Rail: Palampur Railway Station (~12 km), Pathankot Junction (~90 km)
- By Air: Gaggal Airport (~45 km)
- On Foot: A rewarding uphill walk for trekkers and pilgrims alike
🕉️ Deity & Worship
The temple is dedicated to Devi Latti Jakhni, a local manifestation of Goddess Durga, worshipped as the protector of the hills and granter of wishes. According to local lore:
- The goddess appeared in a dream to a sage, who discovered her idol in the forest and built the temple at her chosen spot
- She is revered for her benevolence and strength, and is often invoked for health, fertility, and protection from misfortune
- Devotees offer red cloth, coconuts, sweets, and tie threads on sacred trees as symbols of their prayers
The temple is especially vibrant during Navratri, when the goddess is honored with bhajans, aartis, and community feasts.
🏛️ Architecture & Setting
The Jakhani Mata Temple is a traditional Himachali shrine, featuring:
- A stone sanctum with a colorful idol of the goddess, adorned in red and gold
- Sloping slate roofs, wooden beams, and painted mythological murals
- A courtyard with panoramic views of the Dhauladhars, tea gardens, and Palampur town
- A peaceful forested trail, ideal for meditation and nature walks
The temple’s serene ambiance and scenic setting make it a favorite for pilgrims, photographers, and spiritual seekers.
📜 Cultural & Spiritual Significance
- The temple is considered a kuldevi shrine by many local families
- It is believed that no wish goes unanswered if made with a pure heart
- The site is also associated with seasonal miracles, including unexpected cloud clearings during aarti
🎉 Festivals & Celebrations
- Navratri (Spring & Autumn): Celebrated with devta processions, folk dances, and night-long bhajans
- 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
- Palampur Tea Gardens: Rolling green estates with Himalayan views
- Neugal Khad & Bundla Stream: Scenic picnic spots and walking trails
- Chamunda Devi Temple: A riverside Shaktipeeth nearby
- Andretta Artist Village: A cultural hub of pottery and art
🙏 Spiritual Experience
The Jakhani Mata Temple of Chandpur is not just a shrine—it is a ridge-top refuge, a place where the goddess listens in silence, and the valley breathes her name. As you stand before her sanctum, with the Dhauladhars rising behind and the wind carrying your prayers, you feel the presence of a mother who watches, blesses, and waits. It is a temple where faith climbs with every step, and the **soul finds its view in the gaze of the goddess.
