Perched atop the verdant Shah Madar Hill, overlooking the historic town of Chamba, the Sui Mata Temple is a moving tribute to Queen Sui, who sacrificed her life to end a devastating drought. This temple is not only a place of worship but also a memorial of maternal courage and royal devotion, deeply woven into the cultural fabric of Chamba.
🌄 Location & Accessibility
- Location: Shah Madar Hill, Chauntra Mohalla, Chamba, Himachal Pradesh – 176310
- Altitude: ~1,000 meters above sea level
- Nearest Town: Chamba (central location)
- How to Reach:
- By Road: Accessible via a short drive or a scenic stairway from Chowgan
- By Rail: Nearest station – Pathankot (120 km)
- By Air: Gaggal Airport, Kangra (~180 km)
🛕 The Legend of Queen Sui
During the reign of Raja Sahil Varman, Chamba faced a prolonged drought. Desperate for relief, the king consulted sages, who declared that only a royal sacrifice could appease the gods. Though the king chose to sacrifice his son, Queen Sui intervened and offered her own life instead.
Soon after her sacrifice, rain returned, and the land flourished. In her honor, the king built this temple, and her story became a symbol of selfless love and divine grace.
🕉️ Deity & Worship
The Sui Mata Temple is dedicated to Goddess Sui Mata, believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati and venerated as the patron deity of Chamba. According to legend, she was the daughter of Raja Sahil Varman, who sacrificed herself to end a devastating drought and save the people of Chamba. Her act of selflessness transformed her into a divine figure, and she is worshipped as a symbol of sacrifice, fertility, and protection.
The sanctum houses a stone idol of Sui Mata, adorned with red cloth, bangles, and floral garlands. Devotees offer incense, sweets, and sacred threads, praying for rain, family well-being, and the fulfillment of vows. The temple observes daily pujas and seasonal havans, with special reverence during Navratri and the annual Sui Mela (March 15–April 1), when women and girls from across the region gather in traditional attire to sing folk songs (Rai) and honor the goddess’s legacy through rituals, processions, and community feasts.
🏛️ Temple Highlights
- The complex is divided into three parts:
- Main Temple – with murals depicting Queen Sui’s life
- Processional Pathway – leading to the Sarota stream
- Memorial Shrine – marking the queen’s resting place
- The temple is adorned with folk-style paintings, floral motifs, and wooden carvings
- Offers panoramic views of Chamba town and the Ravi valley
🎉 Sui Mata Fair (April–May)
- Held annually to commemorate the queen’s sacrifice
- Women and young girls dress in traditional attire and carry offerings
- The fair includes folk songs, dances, and storytelling
- A vibrant celebration of Chamba’s feminine spirit and ancestral memory
🏞️ Nearby Attractions
- Chamunda Devi Temple: A wooden marvel on the same hill
- Laxmi Narayan Temple: Chamba’s oldest and grandest temple complex
- Bhuri Singh Museum: Home to rare manuscripts and Pahari miniatures
- Champavati Temple & Hari Rai Temple: Other ancient shrines nearby
🙏 Spiritual Experience
The Sui Mata Temple is not just a monument—it’s a living legend, where the echoes of sacrifice still resonate through the hills. As you climb the steps or gaze upon the murals, you’re reminded that true devotion often comes in the quiet courage of a queen who chose her people over herself.
