The chotila Chamunda Mandir is at the top of Chotila hill. The top of the hill is 1,173 feet above sea level. About 700 steps lead up to the top. Chamunda Mataji is the kuldevi of many communities in Gujarat (family Goddess). Most Mataji temples in India are built on top of hills. Chotila is a small town in Gujarat with about 22,000 people. It is the taluka headquarters for the Rajkot district and the taluka headquarters of Chotila taluka.

The Chotila Chamunda Mandir is at the top of Chotila Mountain, on the peak and it’s about 50 miles from Rajkot and 40 miles from Ahmedabad. In Gujarat, a well-known temple is on a mountain peak called Chotila. Chamunda Mata, also known as Rann-chandi, is a form of Durga and the goddess of force. Since Mata is also called Chandi-Chamunda Mata, her illusion looks like a twin’s

Chotila Chamunda Temple

The idol of Chotila Temple is self-manifested. Mata once came in a dream of his bhakt. He ordered him to dig a certain place and unveil her idol. He did so and found the idol of Chamunda Maa. At the same place, the temple was built.

Today, the temple is also in the same place, yet there are many changes, including an extended hall and steps with carpet for the convenience of the pilgrims.

The story behind the temple is that the demons Chand and Munda came to fight with Goddess Mahakali. The goddess cut their heads and gave them to Mother Ambika, who then asked Mahakali to give permission for them to worship Chamunda Devi, a goddess of the Chotila temple who presents herself.

No one is allowed to stay near the temple after the evening Aarti, not even the pujaris. This can be stated in the story of a man who slept outside the temple during the night. When he woke up in the morning, he found himself at the bottom of the hill. It’s believed there’s a lion who protects the Maa. So, there’s an idol of a lion near the Chamunda Maa Temple.

Chotila Chamunda Devi Mandir Architecture

A set of steps reaches a Chamunda temple at the top of the mountain. The temple’s steep, cone-shaped roof, or shikara, is white and red, and a red flag flies from the top of its dome. The Chamunda Mata idol, which has flowers and jewellery, is kept in the sanctum.

Chotila Temple History

Chotila used to be called Chotgadh in ancient times. The Sodha Parmars once owned it, but the Khachar Kathis took it from Jagsio Parmar and made it one of their main seats. Most Khachar Kathis can say that they came from the Chotila house. In 1566 AD, the Kathis took over Chotgadh. It was the headquarters of an agency thana during the British period.

The story is about when the demons Chand and Mund tried to take over Devi Mahakali. In the fight that followed, Devi Mahakali cut off their heads and gave them to Maa Ambika. Maa Ambika then told Mahakali that they would be worshipped as Chamunda Devi.

Chotila Temple

The idol in the Temple comes from itself. Mata once came to his bhakt in a dream. He told him to dig in a certain spot and find her idol. He did this, and that’s how he found the Chamunda Maa idol. The temple was built in the same spot. Today, the temple is still in the same place, but there have been many changes, such as making the hall bigger and putting carpet on the steps for the comfort of the pilgrims.

The Maa’s twin statues come to an end in the following way. Chamunda Maa’s bhakt was Kario Bhil. He has promised Chamunda Maa that he will build another statue of her at Temple if he has a child. After he had a child, he forgot about his wish and went about his daily life.

Maa also gave him the shawl to let him fly when he sat on it. This man was told to save the jewels and money the British took and give them to the poor. But once, he was caught doing this and sent to jail. He dreamt of Maa while sleeping, and Maa reminded him of his promise. Kario Bhil saw what he had done wrong and promised to make another statue of Maa. But Maa was dayalu, and she made herself into another idol. This is why Chamunda Maa has two statues.

Mandir Total Steps

The Chamund or Chotgadh hill, on top of which is the Chotila Chamunda Mandir, is 1173 feet high. To get to the temple, you have to climb 620 steps.

Anil Ambani and Mukesh Ambani made it easier for you to climb by putting carpets on the steps and putting shades over the steps. You’ll have a beautiful view of the area when you get to the top of the Chamunda Shakti Peeth.

Temple Timings

The Chamunda Mata Temple is open from 5 AM to 7:30 PM for people who want to worship there.

Aside from Navratri, many devotees come here every Sunday and on holidays. During the month of Kartik, too, many people came to see Ma Devi Chamunda and were blessed by her.

Best Time to Visit Chotila Mandir

January to March and November and December are the best times to visit the temple of Chamunda in Gujarat. During this time, it’s hot, and it doesn’t rain or snow very often. In Chotgadh, the average high temperature in May is 42°C, and the average low temperature in January is 21°C.

How to Reach Chotila Chamunda Mandir?

By Rail

Rajkot is just 47.5 km from the Chotila temple. So, to reach Chotila by rail route, you need to get down at Rajkot Railway Station. Then, travel to Chotila by cab or any public transport.

By Road

Travelling to Chotila by bus is the most convenient way to reach the temple. GSRTC buses are easily available from major cities in Gujarat. The Chotila bus stand is just 650 meters from the temple.

By Air

Rajkot Airport is the nearest airport to Chotila Temple. Chotila is located 50 km from the temple. Get down to the airport and hire a cab to reach the temple.

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