Chamunda Mata Temple in Jodhpur

The Mother Goddess in Hindu religion is worshiped in several ‘avatars’ or personality versions. Each is different from the other. Among the more violent and militant versions is Chamunda Mata. 

She is believed to be the Goddess of war and there is a strong underlying belief that she leads her devotees to victory every time. Her worshipers are supposed to be imbued with special powers that make them invincible to the attacks of their enemies.

Chamunda Mata Temple in Jodhpur

The founder of Jodhpur was Rao Jodha and his favourite Goddess was Chamunda Mata whom he worshiped devoutly. The Goddess had been earlier installed at Mandore. Rao Jodha brought the idol of Chamunda Mata to Mehrangarh Fort  located at a vantage point in the city of Jodhpur in 1460.

Ever since the consecrated idol was established in the Mehrangarh Fort at Jodhpur the goddess Chamunda Mata has been serving as the main deity or ‘Isht Dev’ of the royal house of Jodhpur till the present day. Taking a lead from the ruling family, the citizens of Jodhpur also diligently worship the mother Goddess in her Chamunda Mata form. 

She is the main deity worshipped by almost all the house holds. This is evident from the fact that the Mehrangarh Fort is packed with devotees and pilgrims during the Dussehra festival when good is proverbially dispicted as having gained a thumping victory over evil after vanquishing all the malevolent forces and demons. 

This is the festival that commemorates the victory of the Goddess over virulently violent evil monsters who had plagued the people with their nefarious designs and evil deeds.

Thus, with Chamunda Mata being the patron goddess of the city, her temple is the site of worship and devotion for pilgrims from all over the region. The devotees fondly refer to her as Chamunda Matawas or more simply Matawas or the Mother.

Elaborate preparations are made at the Fort well in advance to celebrate the Dussehra festival with great pomp and show. Members of the royalty begin the festivities by participating in some elaborate rituals and from then on the general public takes up the ritual celebration of the victory of the Mother Goddess with fervor and devotion.

How to get there

By Air: The Jodhpur airport is placed just six kilometers from the city. The Chamunda Mata Temple is located within Mehrangarh Fort on the lofty outskirts of the city and can be easily accessed by road.  

By Rail: The railway station at Jodhpur is well connected with various important stations like Delhi, Agra, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Ahmedabad etc.

By Road: There is an efficient private and government runs bus service as well as taxis ply regularly, taking passengers to and from the temple. It enjoys connectivity with different parts of Rajasthan.
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