The Miraculous Chamunda Mata Mandir of 11th Century in Hojai Assam
The Chamunda Mata Mandir of Hojai housing an 11th-century idol in Assam is famous for its miracles and divine importance. The devotees of this so-called 'Broken Eyes Idol' of Chamunda Mata believe that wealth, success and blessings follow in its wake. Villagers have seen many miracles that changed their destiny so they consider this temple as a big pilgrim centre in Assam and hence it's a must visit place.
- Are the myths real as thousands of pilgrims come to the shrine every year?
- Do visitors report experiencing healing and have any miracles occurred in this temple?
My Research on Chamunda Mata Mandir Hojai
The interesting stories my friend shared about Chamunda Mata Mandir in Nabhanga village of Assam made me anxious to know the real deal.
The Dimasa Kingdom and Chamunda Mata Mandir Connection
While conducting research at the Guwahati District Library I learned a piece of information about Chamunda Mata Temple that dates back to the 11th century AD. There exists a link with Dimasa kingdom validated by historical documents from ASI. And while reading through those reports I really got convinced about the importance of the Chamunda Mata Mandir Hojai. Another source revealed the remains of the Kachari Kingdom near Chamunda Mata Mandir adding to its mystique.
The Unsung Ruins of Kachari Rajbari
The Dimasa kingdom was among the earliest ruling dynasties of Assam closely connected to the Chamunda Mata Temple in the village of Nabhangha. The ruins of Kachari Rajbari close to Hojai and Dimapur can still be seen. This ruin even today narrates the old Dimapur and Assam civilizations that existed there earlier.
My Journey to Chamunda Mata Mandir
How I Traveled to the Spiritual Destination of Assam-Hojai
My excitement to see the temple had made each passing minute feel like a year. I thus hurriedly packed my laptop and two sets of clothes into a bag and set off to Hojai. My friend dropped me at Guwahati station and immediately I purchased a ticket for ₹60 and boarded the train.
The journey was memorable with halts at Jagiroad famous for its vibrant dry fish market. Then at Chaparmukh where I savored very delicious samosas which added much joy to the trip.
My Stay in Hojai-Hotel and Food Experience
After almost three hours I reached Hojai. Luckily the Hotel Swagat near the railway station was available and I took it. I asked the receptionist, "Do you have a single room with attached bathroom?" He said yes and I gave him ₹600 in cash. When I entered the room I found it big and cozy.
The next morning while I was having my tea on the balcony I met the hotel manager. From him I got to know that the Chamunda Mata temple was some 9 km away from Hojai town and he suggested me to take an auto rickshaw.
I dressed up and hurried to the temple. I carried my backpack along and hopped into a shared auto for a mere ₹50. It took merely 25 minutes for me to reach the sacred Nabhanga village.
My First Impression of Nabhanga Village
Upon arriving at Nabhanga village I was struck dumb. Children were playing, women were weaving Rijamphain and the surroundings were so clean that I had to stop for a while and really stand open-eyed to take it all in.
The Mysterious Chamunda Mata Idol & Its Stories
As I was strolling through Nabhanga village I greeted a man who was near middle age sitting in front of his house. He smiled and introduced himself as Monojit Kemprai. We chatted for a while and then I got to the point as to why I was there in the Nabhanga village. He was very impressed with my clear interest in this holy temple. I then asked him if he would tell me the real history of Chamunda Mata Temple and he agreed wholeheartedly.
The Origin of the Broken Eyes Idol
With his eyes closed he started recounting the tale of General Senapati Tularam Hasengsa of the North Cachar Hills. During his expedition along the Kopili River he and his companions established the Yaogorah village from the words "Yao" which means to cut or clear and "gorah" which means old.
During those times the idol of Chamunda Mata was found under a tree having golden eyeballs. Since then it turned into a powerful symbol of worship for the Dimasa community.
The Chilling Tale of Hatimora Village
Mr. Monojit recounted a chilling tale about a group of robbers tempted by the idol’s golden eyes crossed the river on an elephant to steal it. In their greed they ripped out the eyes and ran away. However as soon as they removed the golden eyes, misfortune struck.
When they reached the middle of the river the six robbers and the elephant drowned. This led to the naming of the village Hatimora-the village of the dead elephant.
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My Spiritual Journey to Chamunda Mata Mandir Hojai
I told him that after hearing all the stories I was really craving a visit to this sacred temple. Mr. Monojit understood very well what I meant. Offering me a ride on his bicycle with a broad smile he headed towards the temple.
Chamunda Mata Temple-Temple of Mircales in Assam
To begin with he took me to the ancient Chamunda Mata Mandir in Hojai which is one of Assam's most revered sites for pilgrimage. How wonderful it was to find the temple come alive from my imagination. The bells ringing gave it a holy and serene ambiance together with the chanting of prayers. Before entering the Chamunda Mata Temple I washed my hands and feet according to the traditional rituals. When I looked at the idol's broken eyes a horror rose at the back of my mind.
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| Chamunda Kali Mata Idol at Nabhanga Hojai |
I felt as though there were secrets the idol couldn't tell me yet; my desire grew when I asked a priest who explained things I never knew. He told me that only the priests of the Dimasa tribe are allowed to perform worship here. I felt a deep sense of divinity in myself sitting on temple premises. The head of the temple touched my head and then handed me a prayer book for Chamunda Mata ki Aarti and Bhajan.
Architectural Beauty of Chamunda Mata Temple Hojai
Chamunda Mata Temple's sacred architecture tells us about the lifestyle of the Dimasa people from their distinct forms of dome designs and prayer houses. Despite the simple structure of the temple it is said to have some elegance in its spiritual aura. The temple has some lotus-shaped domes at the top that express purity and devotion. Within its precincts there is also a separate spot reserved for sacrificing goats during Kali Puja. Rituals under various names have always been conducted as offerings to the goddess through the ages.
Miracles at Chamunda Mata Temple Hojai
Speaking with the locals of Nabhanga village really revealed to me how much Chamunda Mata Idol influences them. Under this temple numerous people got spiritual miracles, from getting healed from illness to attaining new success in their careers. Devotees believe that praying at the Chamunda Mata Idol can fulfill wishes whether for marriage, wealth or spiritual blessing. One of the ladies who was present among them told me these few miracles:
- A childless woman after many years got a child after praying here.
- A young man out of work from Lanka Town who worshipped at the Chamunda Mata Temple secured a government job.
- Finally, the most concrete miracle was a paralyzed man being able to walk again which occurred after performing pujas at Chamunda Mata's temple.
Places I visited near Chamunda Mata Mandir Hojai
Uncle Monojit cycled from the temple to the breathtaking Nabhanga village in Hojai. This village will leave one stunned thanks to its continuous beautiful views. What caught my eye was the painted mud house and the lovely pond beside the temple because it was just very very beautiful here!
Visiting Dimasa Rajbari and Na-Nath Temple
He took me to the ruins of Kachari Rajbari which is beyond my imagination leaving me feeling like I had arrived from another world of the 11th century. Then we visited the eight brick-constructed Shiva temples of Na-Nath another historical site. The entire area is so peaceful I find it hard to believe.
Tumpreng Park in Karbi Anglong
A visit to Tumpreng Park can be the best snack to unwind and click some good pictures of the Kopili River. The available boating experience there became an element of adventure for me. The site features flower gardens as well as children's park alongside tourism accommodations to enable guests to explore Karbi Anglong.
It was getting dark and I bid adieu to Uncle Monojit and booked myself an auto. In a few minutes the auto driver dropped me near the station. Just as the train began to pull out, I felt quite a touch of pride in myself being able to lay eyes on the miracles. Whatever I had heard of it was true to the core.
Best Restaurants in Hojai for Travelers
If you're traveling to Chamunda Mata Temple, it is imperative that you find time to stay in Hojai town. And if you happen to be a true gang of food buffs looking for exotic Indian cuisine then here I am going to help you out a little. I discovered these restaurants as my own favorites.
- New Salt & Pepper Restaurant opposite Netaji Statue Hojai.
- Bellissimo Restaurant at Nutan Bazar Hojai.
- Down Town Cafe near Singari Basti Tumpreng Road.
- KB's Restaurant opposite Vishal Mega Mart Hojai.
- Eat & Bite near Flyover Hojai.
When and How to Visit Chamunda Mata Mandir
When to go to Chamunda Mata Mandir Hojai
If you wish to celebrate Navratri, Kali Puja or Diwali then it is better to plan it in between the two months of October and November.
How to Reach the Chamunda Mata Temple Hojai
If you wonder how to get to Chamunda Mata Temple Hojai the best means is by train. I prefer using a train as it is economical and comfortable. You can also use ASTC bus to Chamunda Mata Mandir Hojai.
Chamunda Mata Mandir is something more than only one of the oldest pilgrim routes; it is a link between the past and future, despair and expectation. Whether you are looking for a religious touch, a blessing from the goddess or just a little glimpse of the colorful life of the Dimasa community this temple has a lot to tell.
To feel the spiritual essence of Kali Puja and relish the scrumptious Dimasa Kachari cuisine make your trip to this festival.
Why is Chamunda Mata Mandir of Nabhanga famous?
It is a broken 11th Century Idol with splintered eyeballs famously known to fulfill the desire and wishes of the masses. This single stone Idol of Chamunda Mata is not only the Idol that fulfills wishes, but says to punish those people who give hardship to her devotees.
What is the story of Chamunda Mata Temple?
The temple is famous because of the legend associated with temple that goes that Chamunda Devi killed fabled demon Chanda and Munda in a fierce battle. These demons were so powerful that they always punished (harassed) Brahmin and people for which Chamunda Mata had to kill those demons.
Where is Chamunda Mata Mandir?
Chamunda Mata Mandir is a very popular destination for devotees when they are visiting Assam. It is about 9 km away from Hojai town, in Nabhanga Village of Assam in the Northeastern state of India.
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