Renowned as Kothi Mata, Chandrika Devi Temple is the most powerful and wealthy goddess of Kinnaur. It is believed that it is one of the eighteen sons and daughters of Goddess Banasura. Banasura married Hiram Rakshasi.
The architecture of this temple is unique with a shikhara or the superstructure made of slate stone in an inverted cone fashion. The temple has an unusual architectural style and fine sculpture. Seated in an ark, there is an image of gold. By four persons at the time of worship, it is danced up and down.
The main attraction of the temple is the huge chariot of the goddess. This chariot remains inside the temple. On this, the gold idols of the mother are furnished. Another name for Chandika Devi is also Shuvang Chandika.
At temple,the major fair held every year in the month of Sawan. Animal sacrifice is prohibited over here.
Devi Chandika is cast out as Rathang and the people of the village dance around her. Flowers are offered to the goddess from the kanda. Those who have died in the house within a year go to the tomb and give fruits and food to the shepherds in memory of the fathers. The dead soul bears a white flag for peace.
How to reach ?
By Road: Once you reach Shimla it will take 9 hours to reach Sangla which is approximately 267 km. Cab will pass through Fagu, Theog, Narkanda and Rampur.
By train: The nearest Railway station is in Shimla and it is 267 km from Kalpa.
By Air: The nearest airport is at Shimla,267 km. from Kalpa
