Chanchalo Mata Temple

Getting there

• By air

  Jammu Airport is the nearest airport to Kathua town.

• By train

  Kathua Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Kathua town.

• By road

  Kathua town lies on NH 44 and NH 44A and is 80 km from Jammu city. The fort is linked with Basohli town by road.

Why devotees come here

Chanchalo Mata Temple is a Hindu shrine in Kathua district, Jammu and Kashmir. The district administration lists it among its historic and religious places. Devotees worship Mata Chanchlo Devi as the kuldevi of Basohli town and nearby areas.

Devotees believe Mata Chanchlo Devi, an embodiment of Mata Sharda, blesses those who visit with the blessing they ask for. The shrine is in an old fort built by the Pal Dynasty kings of the Duggar state of Basohli. The Pahda family of Basohli has served as its pujaris, and their tenth generation still does so.

The fort stands on the peak of the highest hill among the hillocks within 5 km. Inside it, a 30 by 30 by 20 ft deep water tank once stored water for the soldiers stationed there. It was later filled with soil to make room for devotees. From the fort's viewpoint, the 88 sq km Ranjeet Sagar lake is in view.

Families bring newly married brides to the shrine for the blessings of Mata Chanchlo Devi before they enter their homes. During Navratra festivals, thousands of devotees throng the shrine every year, and volunteer groups run langars that serve meals through the day.

Festivals

• During Navratra festivalsNavratra

  Thousands of devotees come every year, and volunteer langars serve meals through the day.

Tips for your visit

• The fort's viewpoint gives a bird's-eye view of the area below in all directions.
• Visitors can feel a cool mountain breeze even in the summer heat.
• Some sources spell the name Chanchlo Mata Mandir, so search with both spellings.

Questions people ask