Located in Nagarkot town near Kangra Fort, the Brajeshwari Devi Temple—also known as Bajreshwari or Vajreshwari Devi—is a revered Shakti Peetha where devotees believe Sati’s left breast fell after Lord Vishnu’s Sudarshan Chakra dismembered her body. The temple stands at an elevation of approximately 738 m in Kangra District.

Myth & Origins
Legend states the temple predates history, with origins in the Mahabharata era, when the Pandavas built it following a divine dream from Goddess Durga to shelter them in Nagarkot. Devotees believe the fierce Goddess Vajreshwari vanquished the demon Kalikala using a thunderbolt—‘vajra’ in Sanskrit—hence her name.

Historical Journey
Situated in ancient Kangra (formerly Kiraj or Bhimagar), the temple became immensely wealthy over centuries. It faced lootings by Mahmud Ghazni—reportedly five times—and was destroyed in the devastating 1905 earthquake that also laid waste to the historic Kangra Fort. It was restored around 1920 by the government.

Temple Architecture & Layout
The temple complex is fortified by a stone wall and features a nagarkhana (drum house) at the entrance, echoing fortress-style design. A stone staircase of 52 steps leads into the sanctum. Inside, Goddess Vajreshwari is worshipped as a pindi (stone form). Accompanying shrines include those of Bhairav, Ganesha, Hanuman, and a memorial for Dhayanu Bhagat, a devotee who sacrificed himself for the Goddess during Akbar’s reign—his memorial stands inside the temple.

Festivals & Rituals

Navratri: The temple comes alive with vibrant celebrations during the two Navratri festivals, attracting thousands of devotees.
Makar Sankranti Butter Ritual: A week-long ritual called Ghrit Mandal Parv involves covering the idol with butter—believed to symbolize healing after Goddess’s battle with Mahishasura—followed by distribution of the butter to devotees.

Pilgrim Insights & Tips

Best time to visit: October–March for pleasant weather and festival cheer; summer also enjoyable.
How to reach:
- By road: Kangra is well connected via buses and taxis.
- By rail: Kangra Mandir station (12 km away) or Pathankot Junction (~85 km) .
- By air: The nearest airport is Gaggal (Kangra Airport), around 13 km from the temple.
Nearby attractions: Kangra Fort (3 km), Masroor Rock‑Cut Temples (~40 km), and Dharamshala/McLeod Ganj (~20 km)

Why visit Brajeshwari Devi Temple?
This sacred site is much more than a place of worship. It is a living symbol of divine power, resilience, and architectural grandeur. With its mythic legacy, annual rituals, and striking surroundings, the Brajeshwari Devi Temple remains a spiritual draw and cultural landmark in Himachal Pradesh.