Mata Jayanti Devi Temple

Not far from Chandigarh is this place where silence prevails. One can only hear the sound of the wind, rustle of the leaves, occasional clinking of temple bells interspersed with the song of the peacock — the temple of Jayanti Devi, around 10 kilometres from PGI, offers an astounding view of surrounding fields, villages and small rainwater dams.

                                                                                                                  Jayanti Devi is considered to be a very sensitive and benevolent goddess who listens to the prayers of her devotees. She is one of the seven sisters, the seven goddesses of the Kangra valley — Naina Devi, Jwalaji, Chintpurni, Mansa Devi, Brajeshwari, Chamunda Devi and Jayanti Devi.

The story of the temple of Mata Jayanti Devi is the story of such a precious gift. The story goes back about 550 years, when the Mughals were ruling the country. At that time, a small estate called Hathnaur was situated at the north of present day Chandigarh. The king of the estate had 22 brothers. One of the brother was married to the daughter of the king of Kangra in Himachal Pradesh. The girl was a great devotee of Mata Jayanti Devi — the mother goddess of the clan — since her childhood. Every morning she first used to worship the goddess and only after that she would perform other activities. When her marriage was fixed she was very anxious because it meant going far away from her deity and not being able to have darshan of the goddess. She prayed hard and conveyed her grief and remorse to the goddess. Mata Jayanti Devi was moved by the deep devotion of the girl. She appeared in her dreams and promised to accompany her wherever she went.When the marriage party started back from Hathnaur with the bride’s doli, a miracle happened. Suddenly the doli turned very heavy. Neither the traditional kahars nor the king’s men could move it. At this, the bride told her father about her dream. The king, then, bowing to the desire of the divine arranged for another doli, kept the idol in it and sent the goddess with his daughter. The pujari and his family followed the goddess. The king of Hathnaur, established a temple for the Devi on a hillock in his estate. First, the girl, and later succeeding generations of the family, worshipped the deity for 200 years.

 

View from top of Jayanti Devi temple

Sunset view from temple

Getting There

Presently, the temple is located 15 km from Chandigarh bus stand in Ropar district of Punjab, on a hillock in the Shivalik ranges. At the foothill lies the village Jayanti Majri that owes its existence and name to the temple, on the left bank of a seasonal stream Jayanti Rao. 

 

Jayanti Rao visible from temple top

Jayanti Majri is just a 20-minute drive from Chandigarh. The metalled road leading to the temple is lined with wheat fields, keekar, peepal and mango groves. As far as the vision goes, one can see numerous hues of green, the characteristic feature of the fertile lands of Punjab, small and large ponds and tiny hamlets with agriculture-based life style. The entrance to the temple is through a huge gate at the base of the hillock.

Temple entrance gate

 From here about 100 or so easy steps lead up to the temple premises. There are a few shops along the steps selling prashad — coconut, red net chunnies, fancy jewellery, cassettes of devotional songs, toys, photos of the idol etc. The temple is at the highest point of the hillock supported by massive pillars. This point gives a wide view of the lush green surroundings, the serpentine Jayanti Rao and the settlements beyond. Inside the sanctum sanctorum lies the stone idol of the goddess. In the niches outside there are idols of Shiva, Ganesha, Laxmi and local deities Lokda Dev and Balasundari in folk forms.

Peacocks near temple

The temple attracts visitors during a grand fair held here on full moon day in February and a small fair in August. At that time approximately 1.5 lakh people visit the temple from far and near places. Devotees also visit it during Navratras, other auspicious days and on Sundays.

Committees hold langar every Sunday and also during the fair. There is only a single bus service from Chandigarh to Jayanti Majri. Though the Chandigarh Administration arranges for buses during the February fair, for the convenience of the village residents and for visitors, a regular bus serviceis needed, especially on Sundays and holidays.When the new Chandigarh project was conceived, Jayanti Majri was among the villages to be included in it because it lies at the periphery of Chandigarh.

Jayanti Dam

The Punjab Soil and Water Conservation Department has constructed a small dam — Jayanti Dam — in this area, that supports a reservoir for rain water collection.

View of Jayanti dam from top of temple

 

Jayanti Dam view

 The water is then used for irrigation of fields. The bank of this dam has its own share of visitors--- mainly love birds. An excellent spot for a picnic indeed.

You will find this place like a mini lake but the advantage is without crowd. So one can enjoy the beauty of nature in peace.

Jayanti dam gate

 The place can be developed as a beautiful tourist-cum-religious spot and visitors to Chandigarh can be guided to visit the temple.



Jayanti devi is a beautiful religious-cum- tourist place, best for your weekend or any day when you have 2-3 hours in hand. If you are looking for some peaceful time to spend or for a picnic place near chandigarh than Jayanti devi is a good option.