Panchkula is the satellite town and one of the Tricities comprising of Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali. While Chandigarh is the capital of Punjab as well as Haryana, it is also the Union Territory. Panchkula belongs to Haryana and Mohali belongs to Punjab. Chandigarh means “the house of Maa Chandi Devi”. The place is abounded with lots of Devi Mandirs.
In Panchkula, there are many temples. A few of them are covered in this article.
Sakethri Shiv Mandir
This temple is at a distance of about 20 kilometers from Panchkula. The origin of the temple could not be ascertained. It is believed that this temple has been existence since the time of Maha Bharatha.
The temple is huge and has plenty of positive vibrations. From the entrance, we worship Sri Nandi Bhagwan and get to the main sanctum of the temple.
In the main sanctum we are blessed with the darshan of Bhagwan Shiv in the form of Lingam with the water dripping in from above.
The devotees are allowed to directly do the abhishekam to Shiv Ling Murthy. Abhishekam vessels and copious water are provided. There are two adjacent Shiv Lingams placed for worship. The devotees can make sandal paste on the stone placed at the outside of the sanctum.
A separate shrine is dedicated for Sri Ganapathi. We can also see a place dedicated for the worship of Bhagwan Sri Surya. On taking parikrama, we get to see a mandap which is the place dedicated for meditation.
There is a huge tree with steps going down the shrine of Sri Naga Devatha. We can get down the stairs and come up on the other side.
Some staying places are available at the back of the temple. On perambulation, we can see the gigantic gopuram of the main sanctum. At the end of parikrama path, we are blessed with the darshan of Sri Nava Durga, the nine forms of Maa Sri Durga Devi.
Masik Shivrathri and Maha Shivrathri are observed and celebrated in this temple in a grand manner.
Sri Goshala Krishna Mandir
This small temple dedicated to Bhagwan Sri Krishna is on the main road which leads to Mansa Devi Temple. The temple has the vigrahas of Sri Radha and Sri Krishna. The interior is full of mirror work. The sanctum looks mesmerizing.
Sri Mansa Devi Mandir
This Mandir is in Bilaspur Village which is about nearly 3 kilometers distant from Mani Majra junction. The temple is said to be built in 1815 A.D by Maharaja Gopal Das Singh, the King of Mani Majra.
The temple is dedicated to Sri Parvathi Devi. “Mansa Devi” means “the Goddess in the mind”. She is worshipped alongwith Sri Saraswathi Devi and Sri Mahalakshmi.
The temple is considered as one of the Shakthi temples in North India. As per the legend, Goddess Sati married Bhagwan Shiva against the will of Her father, King Daksha. One day Daksha performed a Yagna where he invited all the deities, but not his own daughter and son-in-law.
Sri Sati visited the ceremony unexpectedly, but with the permission of Bhagwan Shiva. Being already infuriated by Her, Daksha insulted Her and Her husband. She couldn’t tolerate the insult. She threw herself into the sacred yagna fire.
Grief stricken, Bhagwan Shiva started pacing the universe with the dead body of Sri Sati in His hands. This act of Bhagwan Shiva made the other Deities extremely worried.
Hence, Bhagwan Vishnu released the Sudarshan Chakra that cut Sri Sati’s body into 52 parts. Those parts fell on earth at different locations. It is believed that Her head fell at this place in Panchkula.
The main sanctum has the vigraha of Sri Parvathi Devi in the form of Her head.
There are lots of paintings in the wall surrounding the sanctum.
All the four Shakthi Navarathri festivals are celebrated in a grand manner at this Mandir.
Sri Patiala Devi Mandir
Sri Patiala Devi Mandir is within the same compound of Sri Mansa Devi Mandir. There is a dedicated pathway to reach this temple.
The temple is dedicated to Sri Kali Devi. The origin and legend of this temple could not be ascertained.
The temple lies in a huge premises and it is white in structure.
The main sanctum has a huge gopuram. The courtyards are broad and huge.
The entire area is serene and quiet. The darshan of Sri Kali Mata is the most spiritual experience.
There is a huge tree and the devotees tie color clothes in the tree either for seeking the fulfillment of their wishes or as thanks giving.
In the main sanctum, we can sit before Sri Kali Matha for meditation. The place must be visited to feel the spiritual aura and calmness.
In the walkway, we can see dedicated mandapams for conducting homam, Devi Puja etc.,
All Skakthi Devi festivals are celebrated at this temple.
Sri Chandi Devi Mandir
Sri Chandi Devi Mandir is at about 10 kilometers from Mansa Devi Mandir at cantonment area. The name of the city Chandi-garh is derived to mean the abode of Chandi Devi.
At this temple, Sri Durga Devi is worshipped as Sri Chandi Devi.
The temple houses the vigrahas of Sri Chandi Devi, Sri Radha Krishna, Sri Hanuman, Sri Shiv and Sri Ram.
The entire complex is serene, quiet, and suitable for meditation and heartful prayer.
All Navarathra and Shakthi Devi festivals are celebrated grandly at this temple.
Sri Karthikeya Mandir
Sri Karthikeya Mandir dedicated to Bhagwan Sri Muruga is situated at the Tribune Chowk area of Chandigarh. The temple was built in 1992. The temple is built as per Dravidian Architecture.
Here Bhagwan Sri Muruga is flanked by Sri Valli and Sri Devasena. A Dwajasthambam is in front of Sri Muruga Shrine. During perambulation, we can see dedicated small shrines for Sri Narthana Ganapathi, Sri Dakshina Murthy, Sri Vishnu, Sri Brahma, Sri Durga and Sri Chandikeshwar.
Vaikasi Visakam, Skanda Sashti, Thai Poosam and other Sri Muruga oriented festivals are celebrated grandly at this temple.
Sri Kalka Devi Mandir
The place is situated at a distance of nearly 14 kilometers from Chandigarh. There is a dedicated temple for Sri Kali Mata at this place. All Shakthi Devi festivals are celebrated at this temple.
In front of the sanctum, there is a stage with Shiv Ling in various forms. We can do abhishekam to Sri Shiv with water.
Sri Kali’s huge idol is kept in a glass enclosure. Devotees can do perambulation round the enclosure.
It also has a Gurudwara in the same premises.
In the side street next to Kalka Mandir, there is a small Sri Ram Temple.
Kalka is the starting point to proceed to Shimla.
Panchkula is the central point for reaching various temples in Chandigarh. Local buses are available at various bus stands. Hourly taxis can also be engaged.
